All Four Lewiston, Idaho Local 1773 Candidates Elected

November 23, 2009 – After three Lewiston, Idaho, City Council members expressed their support to privatize the ambulance service and other anti-fire service measures, Lewiston Local 1773 revved up its political machine and endorsed four fire fighter-friendly candidates – one incumbent and three newcomers. All of them won seats on the Council.

The endorsed candidates were incumbent Dennis Ohrtman and newcomers Brad Cannon, Thyra Stevenson and Kevin Poole.

“Simply put, we chose our candidates based on whether or not they value public safety,” says Local 1773 President Randall Arnold. “I am very proud of our members’ campaign efforts this election cycle.” The grassroots campaign activities included television and print advertising, yard signs, a candidate forum and literature drops.

As a result of Local 1773 campaign efforts, two of the three incumbents in favor of privatizing the ambulance service and other anti-labor actions were defeated. The third was not up for re-election.

Local 1773’s PAC was supported by the Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho and several area IAFF affiliates.