The city’s firefighter union, Local 145, just announced its first endorsement of this year’s election season. The firefighters are backing Democrat Todd Gloria, an appointed member of the San Diego Housing Commission and a member of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, in the race to be city councilman in District Three.
Gloria is running for the seat currently occupied by Councilwoman Toni Atkins against a strong field of Democrats including former City Councilman John Hartley and a former chairman of the San Diego Democratic Club, Stephen Whitburn. Christian activist James Hartline is also running.
The early endorsement is likely to be a significant boon for Gloria. According to a press release just issued by Gloria’s campaign, his endorsement came after the candidate met with a panel from the firefighters’ union and a union vote.
Here’s a blurb from the press release:
Gloria’s understanding of the issues facing firefighters and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department was crucial to earning the support of the important employee organization. From ensuring San Diego has fully staffed fire apparatus to prioritizing better compensation to improving the conditions of aging fire stations, Gloria looks forward to using his knowledge, drive and relationships to fortify the City’s fire protection.
“San Diego has the hardest working firefighters and rescue workers, and I am tremendously proud to have the endorsement of these heroes,” said Gloria. “Firefighters take care of all of us everyday, and we need to take better care of them now so they are here for us tomorrow. The people of District 3 deserve to have the best trained firefighters, fully staffed fire companies and appropriately maintained and upgraded fire stations.”