Jim Peplau asked me to post some sample text to encourage friends and relatives to vote for Local 1339 endorsed politicians Bill Curry for Governor and Jim Maloney for 5th District U.S. Representative. Simply copy and paste the text below into an email and print it or send the email.

Dear

     As you know the elections are almost upon us. I have not sought your support in political matters previously, so I hope you will appreciate the gravity of my situation that I do so now. During the Spring of 2001, Governor Rowland appointed an oversight board to manage the finances of the City of Waterbury. In the Fall of 2001, fire fighters were forced to accept city demands severely cutting manpower, pensions, and benefits, in order to avoid still harsher cuts by the oversight board. In 2004, the oversight board will again have the opportunity to cut the staffing, pensions, and benefits of fire fighters. It is imperative that this board act objectively, and not simply continue an agenda against organized workers. Governor Rowland’s policies have hurt my family. We pay more for medical care, and I lost sick and vacation time. I will have to work five years longer, yet I may collect a smaller pension. Most importantly, when the alarm sounds, fewer fire fighters are responding, jeopardizing the safety of residents and rescuers. Like other workers, I want political leaders who are attentive to my needs for living wages, affordable medical care, and stable retirement benefits. I have found two, and hope you will support them on Election Day. Please vote for Bill Curry for Governor, and Jim Maloney for 5th District U.S. Representative.

Respectfully,