President of Houston FireFighters Association Responds December 9, 2009

I received an email from Jeff Caynon, the President of  The Houston Professional Firefighters Association, regarding my earlier  post about Council Member Sue Lovell’s political mail piece targeting her council colleague Jolanda Jones.

 While Caynon says he didn’t have a problem with what I posted, he did what to reiterate that firefighters appreciate Lovell’s support.

He says she has fought for fairness and benefits for the men and women of the department.

Here is Caynon’s response: 

The nearly 4,000 men and women of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association regard Council Member Sue Lovell as a trusted friend. She is endorsed by our organization because she regularly fights for firefighters’ issues. Her recent mail piece was, in our opinion, an effort to do just that. Like nearly all of her City Council colleagues, she has been reasonable, respectful and responsive to the city’s needs. We appreciate her efforts and continue to support her.

Jeff Caynon  – President- Local 341

Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association

1907 Freeman

Houston, Texas 77009

Firefighters Union Endorses Council Member’s Opponent September 9, 2009

I spoke with  Jeff Caynon, the President of  The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA), IAFF . 

He confirmed that the group endorsed Dr. Davetta Daniels and made a $5,000 contribution to her campaign.

 (The  following is a news release)

Local 341 announced support for Dr. Davetta Daniels in the Houston City Council, At Large Position 5 race.

 “This is a great day for the advancement of my campaign. To gain support of men and women of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, will serve as a catalyst to advance to the next level of victory. Like firefighters, I too, will be first to respond to the needs of ALL Houston citizens.  I will use the strength, voice and power of the position to enhance a more effective and effiecient governance. I will not forget the firefighters, when elected to the Houston City Council, At-Large Position 5 seat. It is with great humility and honor to add them to our team of supporters”, said Daniels, a successful entrepreneur and retired educator and administrator.

 Jeff Caynon, president of the HPFFA, said the organization’s executive board recently met with

Daniels and recommended unanimous endorsement.  Caynon said, “The nearly 4,000 men and women of our organization recognize that Daniels is committed to public safety issues and are supportive of our city’s

first responders.  Davetta Daniels’ widespread community support reflects the confidence many people have in her judgment.”

 The HPFFA recently rescinded support for Jolanda Jones, the incumbent in the City Council At

Large Position 5 race, noting “the people of Houston deserve better, less divisive representation.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Houston FireFighters Endorse Gene Locke For Mayor August 13, 2009

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Houston Firefighters. 

Allegations of racism and sexism in the department have overshadowed the good work that the men and women are doing on a daily basis to fight fires and save lives.

Houston’s next mayor will have to address issues like policies, procedures and funding for the department.

On Thursday, The Houston Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 341, endorsed Gene Locke for Mayor of the City of  Houston.

During a brief news conference, Association President Jeff Caynon  said the group screened all four major candidates – Locke, Annise Parker, Peter Brown and Roy Morales.

“We ultimately endorsed Gene Locke because of his perspective on issues important to firefighters and Houston citizens and his professional experience with labor issues.”

In addition to presenting Locke with a $10, 000 campaign contribution,  Caynon also noted that this is a challenging time for Houston firefighters, and the 4-thousand member group believes that Locke is “the best candidate to maintain and build upon our recent efforts to improve workplace and labor conditions within the Houston Fire Department.”

Locke  called it an “honor to get the endorsement of  the brave men and women who protect the city.”

The endorsement is considered one of the major union endorsements during a city election, though usually not as big a deal as the Houston Police Officers Union.

2 on the Beat is anxiously waiting to see who will pick up that support.