Tulsa Fire Fighters Save Jobs With Political Action

September 11, 2009 – With the support of Tulsa, OK Local 176 fire fighters, two city council members – one incumbent and one newcomer – won their seats in the recent primary election. Neither the incumbent Bill Christianson nor newcomer Chris Trail will be opposed in November’s general election.

Local 176 revved up its political machine after learning some city council members were supporting a budget plan that included a $7.5 million cut to the fire department budget, which could have meant more than 100 fire fighter layoffs.

“The bottom line is that you need fire fighters to keep the public safe,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “When our brothers and sisters in Tulsa learned severe cuts to their resources could be on the horizon, they took action. I am very proud of what they have been able to accomplish.”

IAFF 11th District Vice President Sandy McGhee adds, “More than 200 Tulsa fire fighters signed up to actively participate during this campaign cycle because Local 176’s membership understands what is at stake and that elections do matter. And their teamwork is paying off in a big way.”

Leading up to the primary, Tulsa fire fighters were in full force campaigning for Chris Trial, who was opposing incumbent city council member Bill Martinson, the author of the proposed budget initiative. In addition, Local 176 also supported incumbent Christianson and newcomer Bart Rhoades.

Council member Martinson and other city council members were on the defensive, accusing Local 176 members of breaking the law and the city’s charter to engage in political activities.

“Our members were threatened with loss of their employment, accused of intimidating the public and violating the law, but continued to show up for assignments every morning and afternoon,” says Local 176 President Stan May. “All of us knew we were within our rights to support fire fighter-friendly candidates.”

On election night, Christianson won his re-election and Trial defeated Martinson by 18 votes. The race between Local 176-endorsed candidate Rhoades and Councilman Rick Westcott was close, but Rhoades lost by 60 votes.

Pleased with the results, Local 176 is gearing up for the general election in November. It will support mayoral nominee Tom Adelson and council candidates David Patrick, Maria Barnes and Dennis Troyer.