Received via Email: 6-27-11 TO: 6/26/2011 #2
The point I was making is only underscored in your response to my post. The members of the Fire Department who worked under the "prior" pension and contributed to it are still taking the blame for the unfunded liability that was totally caused by the damn city not putting their contribution into the plan as was required. The members paid 4% of their salary every pay day. The city paid nothing. The city was finally exposed and was supposed to be paying into the pension fund in what was called the "stairstep" method which called for determined amounts to be applied to the pension on a yearly basis until their contribution was equitable. That never happened. And the city never got called on it as far as I know. That was apparently when they tried to force the Supplemental pension on the members and got their ass handed to them. Brown and Curry were the two hires who were first on that pension and once they agreed to accept it, it became official and every member since ha
s been on that pension in one form or another. I believe that was in 1971. Every person hired since then has howled about the fact that their pension wasn't as good as the one prior. They even want to blame the union for not negotiating for it when the prior pension is non-negotiable and the union wasn't even involved or active at that time. It's when I hear people blaming the so called "old timers" for their imagined pension problems that I have to say something. WE, are not the problem We worked for what they told us we would have upon retirement. We couldn't change it, alter it, abort it, or cry about it. It was what it was. And as the years went by and the pension became a bargainable item then things changed. Now, as it sits, the members who retire are far in advance of what we couldn't even imagine. And with the problems at the state level and the city combined they're not missing a chance to stifle the escalator clause without ever raising a finger. And si
nce the prior pension is tied to the top paid fire fighter, who no longer gets any raises, we are now looking at a fixed income rather than what the original pension intended. Now that may make you feel good that the old guys got it in the ass but you're not getting out clean either.
That being said I will take this opportunity to thank the writer for the most concise and accurate description of what the pension has evolved into over the years I have ever read. I intend to copy it and keep it on file for future reference. It's despicable what the politicians and haters are doing to the public employee unions. There's no telling how long it will be until the members can actually feel secure in their job as fire fighters. None of us could have foreseen the situation that has taken place. This is not the time to fight or argue among ourselves and I will not add to the problem. I appreciate the time you spent pointing out the facts.
VCF
Received via Email: 6-27-11 I have never blamed the pension differences on the "old timers" but I have despised many of them. During my early years it was not uncommon for a retired old timer to stop by a station to brag about his recent pension increase and come look at the new Caddy i just bought. This was back when we were still subject to the 50% max, no 20 and out, weekly payments into S/S and no escalator. So I am saying in my opinion most of the anamostiy towards the old timers and their pensions was brought upon them and not so much for blaming them for what I had. Afterall, I applied and accepted the job to work here.
Received via Email: 6-28-11 http://www.firehouse.com/news/lodd/officials-texas-command-erred-blaze-killed-ff Risk a little to save a little. Risk a lot to save a lot.
Received via Email: 6-28-11 Who is this VCF ole coot.
Received via Email: 6-30-11 Isnt Karma geat for some people. You know buying a house for 140,000 and hardly being able to sell it for 80,000. oh yea and foreclosure.
Received via Email: 7-01-11 6/30 what is better than that is an asshole who treats people like crap and then after they retire no one wants anything to do with them. Or someone (of rank) now on the job who's ego is bigger than their brain and they think they are respected but everyone knows what a putz they really are.
Received via Email: 7-01-11 Oh come you have to be talkng about all the newly promoted officers. I men come on whats wrong with getting drunk at hooters then driving home then have to stop off at a massage parlor because your wife wont put out. Oh wait she did put out twice for the 2 kids.
Received via Email: 7-02-11 OUCH !!! That's a little over the top. I see why you didn't sign your name to that one.
It's ok though. Most who post on here don't have the balls to either.
VCF
Received via Email: 7-03-11 VCF, thats not a name either. Just some initials. So grow some balls and spell out you name or shut the hell up.
Received via Email: 7-03-11 this is jdlpaghtheyn siging off
Received via Email: 7-04-11 Ya just have to put it out there and let if flop and you will almost always catch something.
Received via Email: 7-04-11 Yeah, VCF, you are really a tough guy putting some bogus initials down. We are sick of you flapping your gums. No shut up, grow up, and either sign your name or quit putting down those stupid initials. FCV.
Received via Email: 7-04-11 To all members of SPFR. Since we do not have a waiting list anymore for the time off we deserve, I have created a Yahoo web group, private, only verified SPFR members will be admitted. A place to ask for time off, arrange swaps, for cash or time. Let others know if your going to cancel a slot. Lets protect our hours. This group is run by a senior firefighter. Thanks go to the link below.
Received via Email: 7-05-11 ALWAYS...leave the wifey and kids out of 'Our' bidness,right? And those that are truly proud and passonate about their viewpoint should....sign their name or risk losing credibility. Bruce Smith
Received via Email: 7-07-11 Hey, are we getting a raise this year or what. If they don't want to give us a raise or any benefits then lets do the same for them at work. No extra stuff, just do the bare minimum. Seems only fair.
Received via Email: 7-08-11 RIP Dorothy Burns. She always made me laugh and proved herself daily as a straight forward shooter. She respected everyone. I wonder how much dirt she covered up for those HQ folks
Received via Email: 7-08-11 Its tough to due minimum, when your capt is suckass. Rhymes with livingston
From The Secret List.
PA SUCCEEDS IN PASSING FIREFIGHTER CANCER PRESUMPTION IN SPITE OF POLITICS
Well, as you know. the PA cancer bill was initially vetoed by PA's former governor, Ed Rendell who was pressured by municipal leaders. Many local city hall dwellers told elected officials and the public that
this was a "bad" law. They claimed there is NO research that proves firefighters are at greater risk for
cancers and many are of the opinion that it was partially because of the Tri-Data report published by the National League of Cities.
As you'll recall a few years ago the report: "Assessing State Firefighter Cancer Presumption Laws and Current Firefighter Cancer Research," was study commissioned by the National League of Cities and compiled by Tri-Data Division. The "study" found no correlation between firefighters and cancer, said the report. NLC's press release on the report read, "There is no substantial scientific evidence that firefighters suffer higher cancer rates than the general population," and calls into question the "presumption laws" passed in 24 states that allow firefighters with cancer to collect workers' compensation without proving that they contracted the disease as a result of their job."
HERE ARE THE FACTS FROM THE IAFF & IAFC: http://www.iaff.org/Comm/PDFs/IAFF_IAFC_Cancer_Statement.pdf
Received via Email: 7-10-11 If it's got anything at all to do with self promotion, Todd will tell you that you're all doing it because it's good for YOU!
Received via Email: 7-10-11 Livingston, what a joke !!
Received via Email: 7-15-11 Todd is great just ask him.
Received via Email: 7-15-11 For all the Mark Sweets of the world, Andy Pepe gave another 100 hours of vacation time to your pool time account to defend your dumb ass.
TEAM: Andy is a TITAN!
Received via Email: 7-17-11 Ya see, while Mark Sweet likes to profess that he USED to be this n that Andy Pepe CONTINUES to be DA MAN. Thank you Andy, I know you dont give for the recognition, but you are worth it.
Received via Email: 7-17-11 When puppeteer's Large and Knight get elected to the President of the Local how far out on the string will they let their marionette Mike Blank go? While MTB was at my station telling everyone about the faults of the current Locals president, he never came up with a way in which he would be able to do anything different. He doesnt have any ideas because his string masters aren't going to take him into their confidence to let him know. Its a real shame when one cant figure out that he is being used. I guess as long as they keep throwing him over time as inspector MTB will continue to show that he can be bought and that the success of the Local is not where the devotion is. I am already tired of hearing from our members that profess to be buying in to what they are hearing, but we all know that they will not change their own ways by coming out to be active in the things that are necessary to keep the Union going. Then again once the Puppeteers are in charge I dont see much of a life for the local anyway. These are just my thoughts and I have a good idea that I am not the only one that thinks this way.
Received via Email: 7-18-11 I was having a problem getting my union emails and conducting that business over the phone wasn't getting it done. I visited someone in the union hall to help me get it all squared away. While we were at it I asked how it was possible to know who visits and who doesn't visit the union website when we're told that new information is available by email ( that I wasn't getting) and we plugged in some RANDOM names. Ooops! Someone who wants to be important hasn't logged in to the union website to read important information in a couple of years. Ooops!
Received via Email: 7-20-11 come on lets not talk bad about "im scared and want the police to investigate" Sweet.
Florida State Board of Administration Posts Performance for 2010-2011
July, 20th, 2011
~ FRS Pension Plan Preliminary Return Exceeds 20% ~
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida State Board of Administration released preliminary figures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 showing the FRS Pension Plan posting a return of 22.0 percent, beating its benchmark by 30 basis points and ending the fiscal year with a market value of $128.42 billion. This is an increase of $19.07 billion above 2010 figures after net distributions of $4.6 billion to retirees and is reported on the heels of the 14.0% gain last year.
The fiscal year-end returns confirm that the FRS Pension Plan has implemented a solid investment strategy for the nearly 1,000,000 beneficiaries of the plan and kept costs low for the nearly 1,000 participating employers. The preliminary return represents the best performance of the past 25 years in absolute terms, on top of the all-time best above-benchmark return the SBA earned last year. According to the most recent analysis completed by CEM Benchmarking, a globally recognized company providing pension comparison services, the all-in cost for managing the FRS Pension Plan was 32 basis points (0.32%), the third lowest within FRS Pension Plan’s peer group, and nearly 40% lower than that of the median pension plan.
“This year’s performance is a reflection of how the SBA conducts its business; we’re prudent, we’re disciplined, and we’re patient,” Ash Williams, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer for the SBA said. “By staying the course and being able to use strong partnerships to take advantage of market opportunities, the fiscal year-end figure represents a rebound of more than $54 billion from the recent low of $83.3 billion just 27 months earlier.”
The FRS Investment Plan, the optional retirement plan for public employees, also posted year-end gains. With over 136,500 participants, the plan grew to a year-end record $6.738 billion, representing an increase of $1.688 billion more than this time last year. Returns for the FRS Investment Plan were 18.10%, beating its benchmark by 87 basis points. During the fiscal year 9,960, or 24.9% of new hires elected the Investment Plan, and 8,312 Pension Plan members switched to the Investment Plan.
Florida PRIME ended the fiscal year with $6,822,641,152 in deposits. The figure represents an increase of $1.34 billion above the pool’s value at the same time last year, and a 24.5% growth rate in assets under management. Florida PRIME is an exclusive service for Florida governmental organizations, providing a cost-effective investment vehicle for their surplus funds. Florida PRIME’s investment objective consists of three parts which, in priority order, are safety, liquidity, and competitive returns with minimization of risks.
# # #
The State Board of Administration is a body of Florida state government that provides a variety of investment services to various governmental entities. These include managing the assets of the Florida Retirement System, the Local Government Surplus Funds Trust Fund (Florida PRIME), the Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and over 30 other mandates.
John Kuczwanski, Communications Manager
Florida State Board of Administration
1801 Hermitage Boulevard, Suite 100
Tallahassee, Florida 32317-3300
(850) 413-1254 - Phone
(850) 363-0200 - Mobile
(850) 413-1255 - Fax
www.sbafla.com
Received via Email: 7-20-11 Come on you all. How much mud can one sling to try and unseat a President that has done as much as possible and still works for more for you, and I? These nay sayers that cry "well he hasn't worked in the stations at all." I recently, while visiting another station, heard a few Blankette's say they went through telestaffing, and he only worked 23 shifts last year!! While I cannot confirm that, I have this to say to these crybabies, take that negative energy; channel it into your union. Go to the meeting Thursday! Show some courage. If you want to be a do-boy, just paste your name out there for all to see. Stop your powerless threats of dropping out of the Union until MB gets elected! EVEN IF YOU HATE Will Newton, be a god damn adult! Your actions reflect on all the Members in Good Standing of Local 747. You are not part of the solution if all you do is try to tea party our current, successful leader. SHAME on you, you’re not a teenager anymore. Get your head out the BS presented, go and find facts out for yourself. I am so over the unprofessional behavior of a growing number of malcontents out there. Do a checkup of yourself. Maybe you need to see a professional? A little therapy to understand why you hate things different from you. I hold high hopes that the brother/sisterhood of our local will one day return. Good luck to all that take the time to do something other than sit and cry. Oh yeah, FTM!
Received via Email: 7-21-11 I wish I'd said that. And Yes, I agree with it 100% VCF
Received via Email: 7-21-11 So lets try to straighten this thing out. Are you telling me that folks would perfer to have the Union President at a fire station test hydrants and such instead of representing the profession in front of officals throughout the city county and state? When will the greivences and bargaining issues be handled? While they were at it I wonder if they also took the time to check into the station attendance records of Capt LeCroy and Lt. Livingston.
Received via Email: 7-21-11 I wonder how many of the shifts that he was not in the fire station were unapproved leaves? How many days was he in Hawaii while on sick leave? How many days was he off because of freak fire works accident? Was he ever off because he was injured while trying to apprehend a suspect? I can assure you the answers will all be the same. Also how many of the days he was off were with the use of his own vacation, rday, or use of his own swap time? These are all his time to use as he wants just as we all have the same options. BTW, how many days have any of the past candidates that have thrown their names into the ring in the past 8 years spent doing anything in the office or working on a union project to benefit any one of us?
Received via Email: 7-21-11 Too good. http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110721/ARCHIVES/107211053/-1/todayspaper?Title=State-pension-fund-has-banner-year
Received via Email: 7-21-11 Here's a simple formula to remember. When the fire chief is urging you to run for president or to the bathroom you better run in the other direction.
Received via Email: 7-21-11 As long as the minority like the shit birds at 11B are making noise about how much time the president spends on a fire engine, guys like Andy Pepe will quietly donate 40X what each of them didn't. When Andy retires I'm buying him a round. The guys making the noise can suck something round.
Received via Email: 7-21-11 Since when does someone running for office in our union think that all I want to hear is how BAD the current one is? That other person has no plan. Has no realistic goals. He may be able to BS the young guys, and the haters from a certain B Shift station. Note to _lank, If you have real ideas, why don't you present them in a mature, informed way? How tuff could that be? Will you be at the Union meeting? Would you honestly listen to the adgenda items? Or harump under your breath? Here is a great idea! Why don't we set up a real, Debate? See how much he knows,and if he can be honest to us, and most important himself..
Received via Email: 7-21-11 HEY MTB, if you get elected, will you stop working OT as an inspector??
Received via Email: 7-22-11 News flash, MTB and Mark Sweet can read. They both showed up at last nights monthly union meeting.
Received via Email: 7-22-11 7/22, were they holding hands?
Received via Email: 7-22-11 holy cow! they did!? Did MTB take time off, or swap with a non union/scab pal to be there?
Received via Email: 7-22-11 Let me guess? Sweat was there looking for Andy Pepe to ask him why he's given 200 hours of pool time?
Received via Email: 7-22-11 MTB is your typical, I want to be your buddy while he is with you, and as soon as you leave the room, he degrades you and talks crap. Well, most are onto his game. A true Benedict Arnold in every since of the word. No wonder the HQ good ole boy club loves him. They are all of like kind. All about THEIRSELF. And some of you new guys want that as your union pres? You had better really think that one out. Or we could have a Union pres like the Fire Chief. OUCH.
TEAM: Well, not exactly like the fire chief. In deference to Mike, he's has regularly attended Union meetings in the past. No one that we know of can ever recall Large ever having attended a Union meeting.
Received via Email: 7-23-11 its because there was always free Beer, MK's second best friend!
Received via Email: 7-23-11 Funny you should mention Andy. SWEAT didn't.
Received via Email: 7-24-11 Don't SWEAT IT. Do it right. Don't just talk about your union. Work for it.
Received via Email: 7-24-11 If Sweat is around you and being nice to you be careful. I would run. He has a tracking and listening device implanted up his ass during one of his officer indoc sessions. I mean I dont know anyone that would be his friend unless they are a backstabbing lier also. I mean you know. SZ DK and on.
Received via Email: 7-24-11 I saw Kimler the other day. Booy what a mistake that was. I wanted to kill myself after that little meeting. All he wanted to know about was who I was voting for for president and tell me about the lost 157. Kimler is all about money 24/7. He never once mentioned Mike Blank, He's just doesn't want Winnie in office (sound familiar?). He kept trying to tell me that when the cola account is fully funded it would pay for itself and everyone could benefit. I think he was trying to run this up the mast at the last union member he attended as a GUEST and got thrown out on his ass before the cops were called. He was a guest because he's not a member of the local but wants to bend everyone's ear about how Winnie's screwing him (sound familar?) but his solution was ANYBODY BUT WINNIE. I look at Kimler the same way now that I look at the rest of these scabs who have turned their back on us. You're either with us or you're against us. Maybe I'll listen to you and maybe I won't. The one thing I won't do is be fooled by your words when you say anything about US. You're all about YOU. Everyone joked about Kimler and money. Kimler is a money predator. He's all about your wallet and what's in it for him.
Received via Email: 7-24-11 I'm not sure how Kimler's desire to get he and the other 156 retirees a COLA makes him a bad guy. It's not like those guys didn't do their time. Brotherhood doesn't stop when people go home for the last time. I guess when I retire I should watch my back on the way out.
Received via Email: 7-24-11 Does Kimler pay retired firefighter dues? IF he does why was he bounced from the last U ion meeting? Just curious.. I know he's a Winnie Hater..sad.
TEAM: Seems that Tom was paying retiree dues for a short time.
Received via Email: 7-25-11 Sweat is like some OTHER members that we've got who don't do anything without first talking to the mothership. He didn't just happen to show up at the meeting and neither did Blank. Hey Sweat, isn't it about time you start you impression of a member not in good standing for two years in a row? Shouldn't you be sending out a memo telling members that they have a great opportunity to look just like you? A douche bag. I don't know how you face yourself in the mirror f**king firefighters the way you do.
Received via Email: 7-25-11 It's fine for the mayor to tell Kimler that it's a simple matter of getting the union president to make the decision to share but it's really not that simple. The way it's been explained to me, the 2% number was arrived at by OUR actuary as being sustainable for the number of members who were initially placed in the plan at a given age and at a given amount of time till they retire. In fact when a member turns age 60, the entire amount that they are owed to them is removed from the plan, right up front. A great question to ask is why the city won't allow the lost 157 admittance to the COLA if it cost's nothing to join? What is most troubling is that the Governor and his cabinet tried to remove the 175 and 185 funding mechanisms from law last year. The cops have theirs guaranteed by the city should the flow of money stop. We've asked for the same provision but the city has and will stall this for years just like every other matter we've ever brought before them. Nothing that's good for us comes in a single meeting. I would hate to see our chances of the COLA being guaranteed be sabotaged by our own hands.
Received via Email: 7-26-11 Kimler knows fully why the plan cant handle what he wants, if he doesnt I hope that everyone that he has ever set up a fund for reviews it carefully. Tom knows that it takes x amount of dollars so many years to mature so you can get a set amount out in the end. This is exactly how the COLA was set up. In order to allow 157 new people into the plan that would ALL of them to move to the top of the line and more than just a few would immediatly begin receiving the 2%, the plan would be overdrawn toot sweet. At no time can you go to Tom and tell him you want to change the parameters and expect to get the same amount for the same amount of time. He knows that, I know that, and I hope we all know that. Now move forward, Tom and a few of his lost followers sold their soul to get Foster elected on the promise of getting the pension fund to give up a COLA. When the new Mayor stiffed him and his followers, he deceided to make up a new story about how its Winnie's fault for not allowing them into the plan. Nice try Tommy boy but it aint happenin. Yes, Tom did pay dues as a retiree for less than 1 year. Currently he does not pay. Also while he was in the office for the meeting at the ok of Winnie he had no problem taking what he wanted from the refreshment cabinets and also proceded to take additional items with him on the way out the door and he gloated about how he was getting something over on the rest of the DUES paying members. I am not against anyone that chooses not to pay dues as a retiree, just dont come steal from me and think you have some sort of leftover credits from your past years of membership.
Received via Email: 7-27-11 Anyone know where Sweat and Mr. Pumpkinhead have been holding their strategy meetings?
Received via Email: 7-28-11 They have been holdng their meetings at the public bathrooms by the pier and north shore. Secretly living out their fantasies. By the way Why does Tampa always get in the news. Oh yea. I forgot. They are a REAL dept with REAL leadership.
Received via Email: 7-28-11 Don't you love it, how we hire back a medic for overtime and use county EMS funds to pay for it, and to boot the medic rides backwards on a BLS truck for the whole 24 hour shift. Wow, that is costing a pretty penny. Only in ST Pete.
Everyhone should view what happened in Asheville. It could happen here http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/
Received via Email: 7-31-11 Should any of you know brother Lt. Dean Shepherd from Pinellas Park Fire Department, it was with great regret to learn Dean lost his son Saturday morning. I don't know what I would have done without Dean and his wife Andy when I was new on the job. They watched my children the shifts I was on duty though they had one of their own. Through these many years when our paths would cross, I always thanked Dean for being there back when and asked about his son Wesley. I will always remember Wesley's gorgeous blond hair; what a beautiful boy. Losing a child in a family puts everything in perspective. Remember that when you read and write on this site. Funeral arrangements have not been made. I will keep you posted. Stay safe, Diane Berkheimer
TEAM: We are all saddened to hear this news, Diane and we would be honored if you'd keep us all informed.
Received via Email: 7-31-11 Usually, reading some of the posts here make me angry, frustrated, etc. The most recent submissions about MTB, well are right on the head. I believe we should all be able to voice our ideas. This will come to a grinding stop if MTB gets elected. Another post mentioned all of the stations MTB has been at. I have had more than one assignment with him. Time, and time again, he would do his best to keep what's best for HIM first and foremost. More than once, many have witnessed his A-H side. His mouth outruns his ass. MTB has a huge spoon in his pocket. His covert attacks on other members are ruthless. He has expressed how unfair it is for him to have to do such things as ride a rescue truck. There are many members 20+ years that ride without tears. Then look out if one of the senior guys asks off for a little while. FTM. I am sure that MTB will have his little group of supporters. He reminds me of how tight RF was to admin during his time as 747 Pres. Honestly, he lacks skills, and temperament to be the leader of a strong union. Unless you desire the local to fall back to the days of whip my back sir, yes it felt good, may I have another? Keep the path we are currently on intact.
It’s up to people to reasonably look at the two candidates. Can you see MTB at the union office everyday he isn't at a fire station? Making multiple trips to Tallahassee? Being named Firefighter of the year? NOT. I feel like we are getting farther apart as a local with the spew coming out of MTB's mouth. I don't hate ya Mike; I just do not trust you. And therein lays the reason you have no place at a union office other than a meeting. FTM!
Oh yeah, just try and shut this site down ya silly man!
Received via Email: 7-31-11 What path is that? Is the current president riding rescue trucks? He barely rides fire trucks! Give us a break. How are we gaining? Lacks temperament? Seriously? Compared to the nitwit who says 'I am the alpha and the omega?' What a friggin blasphemer. Puhleeze!
Get with the program broom!
Received via Email: 8-01-11 Broom? Sounds like you pal.. Like I said in multiple other posts, I'd rather WN not work a day in the station, and keep us protected, as a full time President. I see mopping floors, and testing plugs is more down your line of thinking than providing the Brother's and Sister's of 747 with a safe and fair atmosphere. How are we gaining? Are you frickin blind? How have we lost, what contracted benefits are gone since WN came in to office? I, and many documented publications, see us as a standard amongst other locals nationwide. Read the FPF, and IAFF newsletters ya dumba--. We are holding firm, and NOT giving in to the suits downtown. You didn't even have to say it, broom/fino, you’re a Blankette.. FTM
Received via Email: 8-01-11 Whatever
Received via Email: 8-01-11 It all comes down to trust. REALLY NOW. Who do you trust with taking care of the firefighters ? Someone working night and day for our union or someone who is very close friends with the JL. Better think hard about this one. Unless you want another puppet like many downtown.
Received via Email: 8-01-11 Alpha and Omega? Is that what this is about? Tell the whole story now and let's see if your version flies. Are you saying that your union president is a bit arrogant? Well so is the mayor, Jim Large, the deuche bag they're about to run off, the dueche bag running off the other deuche bag.... need I say more? Want to know what the difference is? There's only 1 arrogant one working for you. You figger out who the others are working for and you get back to me. And like someone else said, bring more of your friends. It isn't right that you sit here and fight all of MB's battles all by yourself. Just like the last 2 elections where everyone told the underdogs that they were voting or them, we'll see how the novices wash on election day. Don't mess with success boy.
Received via Email: 8-01-11 Just some food for thought after reading over the contract page. Regardless of who we have as president, perhaps we should run our union a little more like the PBA. I realize that firefighters are the smartest people that God ever put on the earth but we can't be the best at everything. The PBA president makes about $4,000. per year and the vice/sec makes even less. They spend their money on having a labor attorney do the negotiating and contract issues with the city. The stewards run the basic greviances until they need to go to the union admin. Then the pres and atty address the issues as needed. "Dont mess with success"? (8/01)I think you might want to compare the cops contracts to our latest one. (oops,maybe the one we had a few years ago, or did I mean the one before that?) Can you say real COLA, extra benefits, Pension improvements, etc.......... Regardless of who we have as a leader, I think that our system of a wannabe politician facing off against actual attorneys and labor professionals, needs to be reviewed. We are all fraternal shareholders and as such should be getting the best bang for our buck. Its our future. I ,for one, personally don't care about getting free beer or an axe from my union, I want real benefits and a safe working enviornment. Priorities?
Received via Email: 8-01-11 Can someone tell me exactly what Winnie has "gained" us since he has been president? The Social Security offset shouldn't be on the list since that can arguably be attributed to Feinberg's efforts.
Received via Email: 8-01-11 "Just some food for thought after reading over the contract page. Regardless of who we have as president, perhaps we should run our union a little more like the PBA." And why would we do that? We'd be the only fire fighters local in the state letting an attorney negotiate for us. Ever wonder why?
Received via Email: 8-01-11 Wow, so many answers to the newest criers, we'll only lay one on u tonight. (more to come pal) What have we gained? Well to start, almost a 100% sucess in fighting disipline so often wrongly laid on us by admin types. (like you?) A union that actually welcomes you to be there, be a part. Past Pres could have given a damn to see faces. Of course if they are part of the drinking brigade that is. and 8/11 #6, which Bitc- of MTB's are you? FTM..
And to the answer 8/1/#2 gave,"whatever" how well thought out that was. Did you have to drop your beer? U all are funny..Funny haha..FTM
Received via Email: 8-01-11 Speaking of cops, here's what one cop thinks:
"If it is any consolation the PBA is no better [than the FOP]. They have not seemed to wake up to the fact that police unions here are powerless because the City does not negotiate. They know the unions are powerless and they exploit that. The city could care less about the unions. That being said the unions should spend every waking moment being a thorn in the side of the city. Don't play nice with them, cause they will just FU in the long run. Now before you union reps start crying about how the rest of us need to step up, may I point out the fire union. You don't get more participation and cohesiveness than the local fire union, but even with that they get F-ed by the city every time they bend over. What they do a good job at is mobilizing votes. Just ask Ed Montanari.
-From a recent discussion at LEOAffairs.com "
Does anyone on here know where I got this from?
Received via Email: 8-01-11 I wish I had more time to research this challenge but I will go from memory for now. Boy, this challenge was way to easy. First off the total removal of the Social security offset definitely belongs in the Winnie Newton column for the following reasons.
First of all it was under the Leadership of Winnie Newton that an actuarial firm was hired to represent the members of this local instead of relying on what the city leaders wanted us to believe. What this firm discovered lead to the total removal of the social security offset that required reaching 53 years of age of or 30 years of service.
This also lead to the change to the ability to be fully vested at 10 years instead of 17, and also the opportunity to recover all member contributions if they leave before the 10 years. Before that you totally lost everything you paid out of your pocket.
Winnie has been the leader of this local for 5 terms beginning in 2002 running against challenges from Rick Feinberg, Ray Landes, and Mike Wimmers, and others.
Winnie took the City to the mat and successfully fought the claim of Financial Urgency as claimed by the mayor in his attempt to strip the bargained for general wage increase and step plans for the last year of the 2008-10 contract.
Can you say COLA? Bob Ballou and Jack Fletcher can and Joe Grasso Sr is warming up in the bullpen for his shot in 2012. This is yet another plus made possible by Winnies decision for the union to hire its own actuary.
Winnie brought the Supervisory Unit into the Local.
Lets hear it for the 2 year extension to the drop plan, now allowing for a total of 7 years. This will help recoup many times over to make up for the freezing of pay increases by the Mayor.
Remember when Mike Wimmers, Alan Jones, and Chuck Moore returned to SPFR? It was because of MOU's signed by Winnie Newton that allowed them to come back and return to their respective pay steps and seniority levels.
Ask the Paramedics that were in the step plans if they remember the tremendous pay increases they received when the Union was able to compress the pay plan to make SPFR a more desirable place for new employees to come to work.
Winnie Newton put into place the first Local website (no not this one Mike Blank) and telephone information line to keep the membership current on meeting dates, events, and happenings.
Brought a credit card machine into the union office to give members greater opportunity to buy merchandise.
Local 747 has opened the doors to the membership by providing a 2 day event each December to provide our active and retired members a chance to meet and fellowship with each other.
Raised the bar 7 fold by bringing the union into the ring to cook and serve vs just supplying the food for the departments annual block party.
Local 747 has become a regular contributor to the SPPD's Police Athletic League.
Having fulfilled the long sought designation of a 501c3 charity, President Newton has now provided for many opportunities to help needy families and organizations.
Under President Newton, the local successfully fought back the illegal attempt by Fire Administration to change the work schedule. The illegal disciplenary actions against Bobby Martin and Richard Lynch.
Yes it was Winnie Newton that reached an agreement with Fire Administration that allowed for on duty crews to participate in the annual MDA fill the boot campaign.
And it was during this President's reign that Fire Administration allowed the wearing of special edition T shirts honoring the 3 SPPD Fallen Officers and to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Newton has never turned down a request by Fire Administration to help with events such as T shirts for Take Your Kids to Work Day.
And we just recently saw an increase to the EMS cert. pay from $26 to $32 dollars a pay day.
Yup all of this and much more has been accomplished while Winnie Newton has been the President of Local 747. And better yet this has all been accomplished under the guise of "we will never get anything because they just don't like Winnie so we should get rid of him." If there is any one of you that believes that things will get better with a new President then the real question you need to be asking your so called friends is why did you punish me all these years when you could have just accepted the fact that Winnie Newton has provided many things to so many people on this job.
I think I will continue to ride along with this loser for as long as he wishes to represent me and all those that take, take, take, and have no proper upbringing to allow themselves to show some gratitude to someone that deserves it. Yee Haw Newton for President again in October 2011.
Received via Email: 8-02-11 8.01.10. Well said fellow 747 member. I think it is now a no-brainer that we all just agree that Winnie Newton is by far, the most successful leader we have ever had! Blank, clean your slate, and stop the maddness. Why be the fool? You want to join the rank of losers that have attempted to replace WInnie Newton? Its all in your ballpark now. You can play fair, or just drop out.. Why wait? Its all for the good of the local.. FTM!!
Received via Email: 8-02-11 Memorial service details for Wes Shepherd, son of Lt. Dean Shepherd, are as follows:
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 at 5:30 P.M.
Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center
4851 78th Avenue North
A short service followed by a reception to celebrate Wes' life. For more information please call Nick Reale 727-235-1442
For those wishing to send condolences, here is Dean's address:
1021 Parkview Ln, Largo FL 33770
TEAM: Thank you, Sister.
Received via Email: 8-02-11 As a past president of Local 747, I fall under the "Don't believe anything he says." "He's obligated to support whoever is president." There are those who will believe that. In defense of my opinion nothing could be farther from the truth. And I was known for throwing the bullshit flag when I thought whoever the current president was, was out of line or blowing smoke. Every president has his own way of accomplishing the goals of the members. Some were more flambouyant than others but even the one's who sipped pink flamingos and hobnobbed with the goober smoochers made gains at the bargaining table.
No previous president has been in office as long as Winnie Newton. No previous president has done the vast majority of the things that president Newton has done. Why? Because this Local and the city, for that matter, have gone through stages. When we first went with the IAFF we disbanded the Guild which at that time was the only organized group allowed. We were in the infant stage of learning the ropes when it came to negotiating and proving our worth. There were tantrums and yelling and all sorts of demonstrations on both sides. It's was a testing of the water for everyone.
Then came stage two. This one I call the schmoozy phase. The presidents were involved in making sure they weren't seen as an adversary to the city and schmoozed with the other side on a regular basis. This required that the appearance of schmoozing was negated by the fact that the president was usually a well known guy and respected by the members and the schmoozing was overlooked. However the gains continued to be won at the table and the union members were, for the most part, satisfied. Not ecstatic but satisfied.
Then came stage three. The cruise period. Things were running in a normal fashion and there wasn't much to get excited about. The unfair labor practice suits stopped. The Special Master hearings stopped. And the changing of the guard happened when the current president just didn't want to do it any more. It was a time of few challenges to the city and as long as grievences got settled and multi-year contracts were won with appropriate improvements no one made waves of any consequence. Political action activities were beginning to be of major importance. They had always been acknowleged but never caught on with the membership overall.
Then came stage four. And this stage could be called the lack of interest stage even though all the stages so far have been poorly represented by member attendance at meetings and necessary political support of candidates. This is the stage when political activities actually began to mean something and a time when the membership should have stepped up. Some did. But not nearly enough. And the candidates we supposedly supported lost over and over. This was also a time of giving the president free reign on matters concerning the Local and the day to day operations. Complaining was rampant. Solutions were stagnant.
Then stage five. This stage started in 2002 and continues to this day. It's the stage of multi adversaries. It's the stage where nothing is like it was. None of the other stages will work in an atmosphere of current situations. This isn't for the faint of heart nor is it for the uneducated. By that I mean the opposition has been amassing support for many years now and fortunately, and with a little good luck thrown in, the leadership of this Local has been equal to the task on all the newly required levels. There has never been a president of this Local who has had to address this many and varied factions at the same time. The slam the table days are gone. The hobnobber stage is gone. The cruise stage is gone. And the lack of interest stage is almost gone. None of these stages would hold up under today's pressure. It should be obvious to anyone who's been around long enough that this ain't your daddy's Local any more.
The way we used to do it doesn't cut it. And I can't stress enough how lucky we are to have a president and a secretary/treasurer who are battle tested and can stand the pressure. This is a time when all the vacant offices of the Local should be filled and meeting attendance should be at it's highest. There's a whole new operation coming. And we need to be ready for it. It's mean. It's well funded. It is pompous and that makes it all the more dangerous. It should be a no-brainer to anyone who has spent time at this profession in this city that the pendulum has swung far in the opposite direction and we, as a body, are at risk. Can you imagine the laughter at city hall should we oust the warrior and send in the squire? They'd chew him up and all of us with him. With no skill, no knowlege, and no background he'd be nothing but cannon fodder. And the members would have no one to blame but themselves. Don't be stupid. I, as the oldest fart who posts here, would encourage all members to think about what Winnie has done for this Local. No president has done more. If Al were here I know he'd join me and endorse Winnie for President.
Dick Tully
Past President, Local 747, IAFF
TEAM: Thanks for making the salient (objective) points, Dick. The rhetoric in some of the stations revolves around personality and really should be about the present day reality that we face. You managed to walk the walk without stepping on any toes. Admirable.
Received via Email: 8-03-11 I just dont see Mike Blank pulling off even a quarter of the things that Newton has accomplished other than giving total control of the Local to the City. It was bad enough that we have been fighting with all of the weepers that dont have anymore what we still enjoy. I hope MTB has alot of no doze because I expect him to be hard at work protecting us from ourselves. My pension is right now the most important thing worth fighting for and I hope that the sleepers out there wake up real soon and realize that between Mikeys vacations with his scab buddies, working overtime as inspector, and having fun with everybody he just might let a few important things slip by without notice.
Received via Email: 8-03-11 As a 27 year member of SPFR and Member in good standing of Local 747, I wanted to thank Mr. Tully for his retrospect on the evolution of the Local. It is an honor to gain from his past experience and knowledge. With this said, I, John Barfield proudly support Winnie Newton as our continued President. Best of Luck to anyone that has the desire to insert their name in the election process. It’s more important than ever to return that ballot. In closing, I am proud to be a part of this profession and the IAFF - Local 747.
Received via Email: 8-03-11 To 8-01-11 #5
I got to looking at what you had to say and it got to gnawing at me. Some of what you say is the truth and has merit. I believe your heart is in the right place but I think where you and I differ is in the implementation dept.
For simplicity's sake, I copied and pasted some of your text with my response' below each.
Regardless of who we have as president, perhaps we should run our union a little more like the PBA.
Response: Ask a cop on the street. Besides Stop-Sticks and a modified chase policy, many are wondering if they’re really any further ahead. Remember, these are the guys that got the 7 year DROP (cost's nothing) many years ago because they were literally bleeding officers to other agencies. If they were really as well taken care of by this last contract, it’s doubtful we’d be hearing the number of dissenting votes that we’re currently hearing.
The PBA president makes about $4,000. per year and the vice/sec makes even less. They spend their money on having a labor attorney do the negotiating and contract issues with the city.
Response: Something that you might not be aware of but as part of my union job I’ve attended every one of the PBA’s negotiating sessions and the few that the FOP has held. It is my opinion as a union officer that their system of not utilizing a home grown union president to negotiate their CBA’s is flawed. So that you don’t think I’m giving any inside strategy away to the city side, they’ve witness what I’m about to tell you, first-hand. The PBA’s system of utilizing an attorney at the bargaining table leads to some fragmented incidents of ill preparedness and confusion over just who’s contract language is before the attorney representing SPPD officers. He has a big job negotiating CBA’s for many police agencies – often concurrently. With that said, like some musicians that forget what city they’re in when they’re on stage, he has a lot to keep track of and at times needs clarification on certain SPPD contract language nuances that trip him up. Because he doesn’t live under those rules, they often escape him. Many officers belong to both unions, not because they get double representation at the bargaining table by an 'attorney' but because if they have a bad shoot they automatically have two attorneys representing them when their liberty may be in peril. One last comment on other bargaining unit’s negotiations… the city’s HR attorneys all know Local 747’s players because we have a tendency to show up in the oddest places and at the oddest times. We show up at budget meetings, infrastructure meetings, several of the Mayor’s Night Out meetings, County EMS meetings - not to mention IBF&O, PBA and FOP negotiations. They know us and they know why we’re in the room. On the off occasion that they miss seeing one of us, they comment on it later when they do see us.
The stewards run the basic greviances until they need to go to the union admin. Then the pres and atty address the issues as needed.
Response: Similarly, our Executive Vice President performs this function.
"Dont mess with success"? (8/01)I think you might want to compare the cops contracts to our latest one. (oops,maybe the one we had a few years ago, or did I mean the one before that?) Can you say real COLA, extra benefits, Pension improvements, etc..........
Response: The offer that the PBA ultimately took was in no way a gift from the Mayor. The PBA had to fight for everything they got, just like us. The antics we’ve all witnessed during our own CBA negotiations with the HR attorneys were ever present. The shell games and statements like “…not sure, we’ll get back to you.” were always present. Here’s just one example of a really juicy city offer. Tell me if this sounds familiar? The city offered a pay raise to the senior officers but to get it the city would freeze the pay steps for those still in the step plan. Their step plan is still intact.
Regardless of who we have as a leader, I think that our system of a wannabe politician facing off against actual attorneys and labor professionals, needs to be reviewed. We are all fraternal shareholders and as such should be getting the best bang for our buck. Its our future. I ,for one, personally don't care about getting free beer or an axe from my union, I want real benefits and a safe working enviornment. Priorities?
Response: You mention politics. Well, you’ve stuck on the very essence of why we’re in the position we’re in. We had an opportunity to push a gal named Alex Sink over the top but our (yours and mine) rally for her success was not enough, albeit we came very close. We had another gal in our corner – Kathleen Ford. We waited eight years to hear her say that she’d run for Mayor and she did! We erected large and small signs for Kathleen as well as having members like Glenn Hadley positioned in her political office. Several of us walked neighborhoods for her. Andy Pepe and I were out hanging literature on door knobs on several occasions in the heat. It’s hot. It sucks. But it’s the work that’s got to be done. Each day when we got done we always had a great meal and enjoyed each other’s company. For those of you who avoid political activity in our union, you’re missing out on some of the best times of your life. Politics is everything in our profession. If you don’t play politics it will surely play you. Politics never sleeps and must be tended to on a daily basis. One of the reasons we all got away with our shirts during this last session was because of one Pinellas County legislator – Jack Latvala. Behind the scenes for many months leading up to Jack’s re-entry into political life, our FPF 2nd district VP was meeting with Jack to lay out a strategy to face the coming onslaught. As a result of this association, Winnie Newton was voted Fire Fighter of the Year by the FPF and Similarly, Jack Latvala, Legislator of the Year. None of this happens on its own or by mistake.
Local 747’s financials are open to all members in good standing. We spend money on some of the state’s best labor attorneys to advise us on many matters. Like you, I don’t care about presentation axes and I’m not a beer drinker. Are you aware that our union president recently posed a question to the membership? He asked us how important we thought the building of a war chest would be to defend our contract from the wolves both locally and at the state level. Like me, you probably voted to defend our contract.
Fraternally,
Jon Pearl
Received via Email: 8-03-11 I've learned a lot in the past couple of days reading this stuff. Admittedly, I don't always participate like I should but I don't throw rocks at my union either. I figure you're either working for us or the alternative. I can't imagine what anybody's campaign letter is going to look like who runs against Winnie. I PROMISE TO REPEAT ALL THAT WINNIE DID (IF POSSIBLE).
Received via Email: 8-03-11 Do you think the in-fighting is necessary? We are all priveleged to be here. Think of that.
Chris Tidwell
Received via Email: 8-03-11 I was in the Union Office this past week attending 1 of the informational meetings about where we are in the impasse process, why we are where we are, how we got there, and what we hope to accomplish. All that I have heard lately from the Winnie haters, is that "we don't know what's going on and he never tells us anything" well guess what? While you idiots were busy sticking pins and chanting hate phrases at your we hate Winnie voodoo dolls, I was there to learn something and I did. I also found out today that I was 1 of 14 members that decided that truth was more important than falsies. Now don't get me wrong I like women with big store bought bolt on's like anyone, but this is not what we are fighting about. I found out that it was the City that declared the impasse not Winnie. Its the city that has chosen to go to the mat over items that can be taken care of with MOU's but instead are willing to make life miserable for the entire membership and obviously for all city employees because they hate Winnie. I also read that Union Brothers all over Florida and the United States are being shafted daily, all because our city leaders hate Winnie. Damn, I am in awe that 1 man could wield such power. Anyway if you are 1 of the other 275 St. Pete members that did not find a few minutes to find out the truth, then don't even let me hear you asking someone that was there what went on.Unless your were out of town or maybe in the hospital I cant see you having much of an excuse. Even Winnie was there with his arm in a sling fresh off shoulder surgery. So now that I know that the entire United States hates Winnie as President of the fire Fighters Union I decided to try to find out how we got to this hatred. As I was looking around the office I noticed that there were a few new items in the office that proclaimed Winnie Newton as the State of Florida Firefighter of the year. Let me tell you, here is what was said about the MAN in the 3 awards and resolutions. Here is what is written, and yes this might answer that question of what has Winnie done. Anyway's here goes.
WHEREAS, Winthrop Newton began his career in the fire service on January 16, 1990, with the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue in St. Petersburg, Florida; and
WHEREAS, during his 21 years of service, Winnie obtained and maintained the certifications of Engine Driver Operator, Ladder Truck Operator, State and County Certified Emergency Medical Technician and Hazardous Materials Technician; and
WHEREAS, Winnie Newton was chosen to serve the Members of his Fire Department as well as those of the South Pasadena Fire Department and the Lealman Special Fire Control District, holding his fourth two-year term in the position of President and Certified Bargaining Agent, protecting the hours, wages, terms and conditions of employment for over 350 fire service employees; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, Winnie formed a labor-management coalition with the Pinellas County Fire Chiefs Association, the St. Petersburg College, and the Pinellas County Union Leaders from each of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) assisting in the launch of the IAFF's Fire Ops 101 program; and
WHEREAS, designated as an instructor in the IAFF's Partnership Education Program, Winnie provided leaders with the continuous training needed to develop and share leadership skills, staying abreast of the latest advancements in labor relations; and
WHEREAS, throughout his remarkable career, Winnie Newton has demonstrated integrity, loyalty and dedication to the fire service and the citizens of Florida.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and the Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby commend the outstanding accomplishments of
WINTROP (WINNIE) M. NEWTON
2010 FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
And congratulate him for being selected by the Florida Professional Firefighters Association.
IN TESTIMONEY WHEREOF the Governor and the Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the city of Tallahassee on this 3rd day of may, 2011.
And it is signed by Rick Scott; Governor, Pam Bondi; Attorney General, Jeff Atwater; Chief Financial Officer, and Adam Putnam; Commissioner of Agriculture.
Another says, In recognition of your never ending Focus, Integrity, and Commitment to the Profession and Union.
And the third recaps what I have already written and ends by saying, As Determined by the Governor, State Fire Marshal, and the Florida Cabinet.
Wow, we all know how much everyone hates Winnie, and now we know why. It is obvious that he doesn't sit back and watch, but instead he is always in the fight to protect what is ours and what is right.
When even the Governor of this State who hates Organized Labor and what it stands for, takes a moment to recognize someone for their continued tenacity to fight for what they believe in, then I know full well that this is who I want to continue to represent me and fight for my rights and to protect my livelihood. Even if were to say that I hate him too, I would be a foolish idiot to think he was not the right one to do what he obviously does very well. It surprised me even more when I was told that Chief Large was in attendance in Tallahassee on the nigh
that this award was presented to Winnie. I thought he hated him too..
Ok, now you Winnie haters, its your turn to refute.
Received via Email: 8-03-11 Yeah, butt.....
Received via Email: 8-03-11 The true measure of how inbred the members of St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue are, when you have to go looking to defend a record like this. Honestly, now.
Received via Email: 8-03-11 MTB once threw 10 bulls-eyes in a row without putting down his beer.
Received via Email: 8-04-11
These came thru city email.
It's hard to know the exact date you're leaving, especially when you plan every minute of every day. UNLESS YOU'RE BEING SHOVED OUT THE DOOR AND NOT JUST RETIRING!
Rumor has it that I will be retiring within the next few months. I want to confirm this rumor and let everyone know that I do plan on retiring next month. In fact, my last full day at work will be August 31, 2011. Thereafter, I will likely remain on payroll working a few days and utilizing personal and annual leave into the month of September. My final day on payroll remains a bit uncertain at this time. However, I will be sure to let everyone know as soon as I firm up a few loose ends.
Thank you for all your comments of support and well wishes. You will all be missed.
More information to come.
Sincerely,
Chief Wimberly
Received via Email: 8-04-11 In the end, snakes in the snake pit always bit snakes!
Received via Email: 8-05-11 I was curious how long...
TEAM: Ooooh. Reshape that a little.
Received via Email: 8-05-11 I'm here to speak up for Sweat and DK. Neither one of them has ever worn kneepads. They both got promoted purely on performance in the line of duty and the abiltiy to take care of their crews. Backstabbing isn't in their blood. I simply won't hear of it.
Received via Email: 8-05-11 What? Huh? Ehhhhm, oh yeah. Why yes. Of course. We ALL concur.
Received via Email: 8-06-11 well at least they dont sleep with their crews wives, so far
TEAM: Touchy subject. Ask around.
Received via Email: 8-06-11 How come our city admin and fire admin seem not to care about 9-11. We do not have any memorial and it seems when you talk to the chiefs they dont care about it. Tampa and Hillsborough County have memorials. If JL and our great mayor says we have such and awesome dept then how come we dont do anything like that?
Received via Email: 8-06-11 08/06, a past rumor about the,"art work" at a new southside firestation included a representation of the 3 firefighters lifting the flag on 911. Not sure what happened, but me thinks when the city saw how much that art would have cost, desided to do away with the manditory art work on city buildings.. Gosh maybe theres some old neon tubes we could make an arrow for it...
Received via Email: 8-09-11 how about for artwork is a pic of the mayor and the chief with a ff bent over in front of them
Received via Email: 8-09-11 Have any of you wannabe ass suckers figured it out yet? Theres no hoopty do prize for being one of the fire chiefs dooboy spies or piss bucket fetchers. Look at Wimberly. He's so screwed that he doensn't know what hit him and he was one of the chiefs best piss bucket fetchers. He did anything and everything he could to make life miserable for you and me and to deflect shit away from Jimmy Large. So some of you ass munchers might want to slow down cuz there's only room enough for 1 person to smooch Jimmys ass and the jobs about to be filled. 99% of you know what I'm talking about. It's the 1% that can't look in the mirror and see the problem.
TEAM: Somebody's paying attention. Hooah!
Received via Email: 8-09-11 oh ok. so besides lying, drinking heavily, sleeping with another ffs wife. what do I need to get promoted. oh I forgot. do i rent the knee pads or buy them. just wanting to know.
Received via Email: 8-13-11
It looks like St. Petersburg IS Just Another Clearwater.
Re: City's car perk tops $91K, story | Aug. 7
Car perk another point of inequity
All this article does is bring to the public some of the inequities that the employees of the city of Clearwater have complained about for years. While the city has constantly asked the lower-paid employees to give back, the senior high-paid management employees continue to receive lucrative perks like car allowances.
The firefighters recently accepted a contract with several concessions, such as the way overtime is paid, freezing of their step raises, and others. The city was asking for more than $800,000 in concessions from the firefighters alone, while the city manager receives $600 a month for a car allowance. Ten positions have been eliminated in the Fire Department over the last two years.
When the firefighters used the "recruiting and retaining high-quality people" argument like Human Resources director Joe Roseto, we were told that was not an issue. However, it appears to be an issue with the highest paid 21 employees in the city.
For City Manager Bill Horne to say "We have reached a point where we're all comfortable with the reduction in revenue" begs the question: Why did the firefighters have to give so much back to the city?
To answer Mr. Roseto's question, "How would you feel if somebody cut your pay?" come talk to the firefighters who risk their lives, personal injury and illness every day for residents and visitors in Clearwater and were forced to have their pay cut.
Are the residents all right with the highest paid employees receiving an average of $350 per month in car allowances, while services such as the Fire Department and Police Department are being cut?
John Klinefelter, Clearwater
Received via Email: 8-14-11 I would like to take a moment to wish all my 30 year Brothers well. We all came on back in Aug of 1981. Some of us are still hanging on others have moved on due to injuries, some to normal reasons and some because they couldn't put up with the bull shit anymore. Whatever the reason, wherever you are to Quinette, Dula, Ward, Westphal, Cooklock, McKinney, Nolsheim, Munsell, Nelson, Pownall, Hayes, Mott, and Ballou, I say hey and hope you all the best.
Received via Email: 8-15-11 http://www.iaff.org/Comm/RedmondGeneralSession.htm
Received via Email: 8-17-11 THIRTY YEARS!!!!! My god, dont you guys ever leave? You must come on at a very young age.
Received via Email: 8-17-11 http://www.local10.com/politics/28885175/detail.html
Received via Email: 8-18-11 I'd personally like to thank Mike Blank for attending the Redmond Health and Safety Symposium with Winnie. Don't let em get you down, Mike.
Received via Email: 8-18-11 8/9 Piss Bucket Fetchers. I love it!
Received via Email: 8-18-11 Someone's full of shit because I just saw MB. Nice try by one of his two fans.
Received via Email: 8-18-11 Mikes 2 fans showed up at tonights Union meeting and gave him a big Rah-rah endorsement by nominating him for the Presidnets position. Steve Hay what a disappointment. Art Meyer even bigger disappointment. At last the true colors are showing. You folks want changes and our city and county are just waiting in line to start handing them out. Ward now Wimberly, they were shown what chage means and so will a lot more of us in the very near future. Mikes gonna have is hands full and they just aint that big. I pity the fools that think our city and fire administration are going to forget about everything they have done to fuck us over during the past 5 years and all of a sudden remember to play nice with Mikey. The only way they play is to make you look like a fool. The only good thing I can say about tonights endorsements is that it is apparent that none of the junior folks were sucked into the spell. So whats that got to say about the senior members?
Received via Email: 8-18-11 S. Hay, what the heck. Kinda new he was always a little bit of a suck ass. What a real disappointment. Art also a real disappointment.
Received via Email: 8-19-11 Art is completely burnt out. All those years, and calls at #11, and #2. Give the old salt a break...
Received via Email: 8-19-11 S-Hay is the same guy that let carrot top come into his station and push him out of his place on E5, then do whatever C.T. wanted to do. His time is over too..
Received via Email: 8-19-11 Ask yourself this question! When knight becomes the Opps. Chief, who do you want sitting to the left of you in his office?
Received via Email: 8-19-11 747 just isnt strong enough to go against HQ......sad but true!!!!!
TEAM: Now Jim Wimbery....that's no way to be. Just because you peaked before age 50 and are being shoo' d out the door with years to go before you can collect a pension, there's no reason to be nasty.
9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Received via Email: 8-21-11 8/19, #4, Good try Mike.. 747, with Newton can kick any spineless admin... FTM
Received via Email: 8-23-11 http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/health/prostate-cancer-myths-082311
Received via Email: 8-23-11 Not all police happy over website founded by officers:
Received via Email: 8-24-11
$1000 REWARD for information leading to the apprehension of any members of a group known as THE CONSPIRACY THEORISTS
Received via Email: 8-24-11 Too good. What The Invisible Man hasn't figured out yet is that he and The Great Jack O Lantern are the only ones who aren't in that group.
Received via Email: 8-24-11 FYI, the latest wanna be leader of Local 747 was no where to be seen or even heard from during yesterdays 9 hour candidate screening marathon. Yup while the rest of those that care about you and your futures were looking for the next leaders of the city council. Micheal T. Blank was off somewheres else telling the world about how he will do it all different. On a different note, did I just read somewhere that St. Petersburg Fire Rescue has secured a SAFER Grant to help hire firefighters? How can this be? Simple, when the Union pushed the city last year to do the very same thing it was a different story. Oh yeah I forgot, the union doesn't work with the department to get things done. I have to admit one thing MTB and the Invisible man are certainly good at putting a whole lot of spin on a story.
Received via Email: 8-25-11 I am sick of hearing people saying, we dont like Pres. Newton because he hurts our feelings. Come on and grow up people. He is doing the best for you and the local. Would you rather have a medicine for a bad cold or sickness that taste good but doesn't work, or one that may not always taste good but it cures your sickness and fixes your problem. If you vote for MB, it is like saying, give me something yummy to eat but I really don't give a damn if I get any better. You better think real hard before you cast the vote the wrong way and damage your future. And the only reason Pres Newtons medicine sometimes taste bad to you is because you dont want to hear the truth of how un-involved and un- unified many of you are. If you take Pres Newton advice, I guarantee you will see massive results. Our union needs each of you.
Received via Email: 8-25-11 8/25. Couldn't have said it better. That is the TRUTH. something a few folks just don't want to hear.
Received via Email: 8-26-11 Ok what is this crap about a secret plan to keep the rays? Let me see. Maybe Jimmie and Billy met and they are going to lay off more ff and give bigger raises in hq. I mean you need all that money to convince people you are a leader? Does Eckerd offer a degree in a make me feel better even though people hate me and talk behind my back?
Received via Email: 8-26-11 Today's Wimberly's party. What do you want to bet Capt. Girk whispers to him "you shoulda never taken that job"? Apparently seeing the backstabbing going on in HQ Girk is smart enough to figure it out that working a 48 hour week with union protection beats the shit out of getting a pink slip impaled in his chest.
Received via Email: 8-27-11 Well, Wimberly is all but gone. Thanks Chief Large for finally forcing him out. Our department should be a lot better for it, depending on who you put in next. We know you feel like you have to put in Knight because of favors you owe to papa. Now is the time for you to get some balls and put the right person in. This move will either gain all and more respect back to you, or flush what little you have down the toilet. Better think hard on this one. Actually, any current District Chief would be better than the golden girl. OOps we meant the golden child. Someone should be running OPS who first off, can effectively manage the DCs and the troops. Not someone who has never even been a DC. That would be a huge mistake. Again, You better think real hard about this one. The current well versed experienced DCs do not want an inexperienced {Fireground} boss leading them. We believe in you Jimmy, you can do this one right, if you really try. Unless the ongoing rumor is true. That Knight is actually controlling YOU. We shall soon see !!!!!
Received via Email: 8-27-11 I love this site because it cuts right through the BS and gets to the TRUTH. To bad HQ isn't more like this web site. If it were, our department wouldn't be so screwed up. But heck, how can laying off 70 or 80 people be bad. Just another great day in St Pete.
Received via Email: 8-27-11 I'd personally like to thank Mike Blank for bringing the IAFF staff to town. We're in desperate need of help on this EMS issue. Jimmy Large is waffling and isn't sending a clear message to council and if they don't sue to allow us to keep what we get from the county we're likely to lose a lot of people because of his indecision. Thanks again mike for showing leadership by bringing the IAFF to town and not being an extension of HQ.
Received via Email: 8-27-11 A few of us were remembering the funny cartoons the other day over some cold ones. Remember when they came out about a year and half ago, specifically the one about the spy machine where Knight looks at Wimberly and says over time I will slowly take away your credibility and make your leaders think you are no good and then I will take over your position. O MY GOSH was that person a physic. Don't think so. Just pretty obvious to all how knight operates. The next takeover will be for Large's position. You heard it here first. Kudos to the producer of the cartoons last year for calling the latest HQ shuffle. Every year this place gets easier and easier to figure out. Everybody and I mean everybody can see this. Of course, except for Large. Mark this site big Jimmy and come back in a year or two and you can see how we were right on. Unless of course you heed the advice of the first 8/27 above. You promoting another person in the head OPS position rather than pumpkin head may save your career down the road. Just remember, you were warned.
Received via Email: 8-27-11 About the DCs. Zamp put on a good show trying to convince people he is a ffs chief. Well, we found that out to be a big lie. Does your wife even respect you? What do you say when you go home? Hi honey. I screwed over a bunch of people and got them in trouble and wrote people up who didnt deserve it all to make me look better.
Received via Email: 8-27-11 Maybe we should take off zamp off that list for ops chief. How bout Rosetti, he seems to be a pretty decent lad.
TEAM: Yes and that's the sure kiss of death.
Received via Email: 8-28-11 Why would any DC take the job? They work a 1/3 of the time if not less and make the same if not more in pay.
Received via Email: 8-28-11 We will not hire from outside from the fear of someone finding out how fu**ed up we really are. Can we submit our postings here in target safety as training say as public information?
Received via Email: 8-28-11 When Knight is crowned Queen it will serve as proof that Wimberly was pushed out. The other damning evidence was Large denying it in writing. It was only a couple of sentences, but filled with the hidden message that Queen Wimberly is out, Queen Knight is in and long live the Queen. If you need the king (small "k"), he will be over at the master station drinking coffee.
Received via Email: 8-28-11 zamp would be the kiss of death. he would be able to go on a back stabing and write up spree. who cares if he is innocent i am going to write him up anyway. Or I will just make up stuff to get him in trouble. You dont need another person like him in there. what about going outside the city. Maybe find a real fire chief. Not a knee pad no gag reflex chief.
Received via Email: 8-28-11 If wimberly wasn't pushed out nothing would have been said. But with all the writing in the current events, it pretty much proves he was pushed out. We have seen that writing on the wall for the past year or so. Come on Large, we aint that stupid. Can you guys in HQ ever be truly honest? Well, I guess it has to be no on that one. If you were really honest, you would be out of a job, because all would know the real truth. Long live Queen knight and his group of kiss asses at the round table.
Received via Email: 8-29-11 heard that girk might be ems chief...co<k sucker. but he dosent have a 4yr degree!!!!!!
Received via Email: 8-29-11 dont worry girk can buy his degree from eckerd college just like the rest of hq
Received via Email: 8-30-11 I just reread something that I hadn't read in a while and was amazed that it's all still true. Scott Harper's words on the Editorials page must cause Jimmy Large to keep on driving right past station 7 on C shift days. Well good.
Received via Email: 8-30-11 Quick, quick. Read this story and tell me why this is never going to happen in St. Petersville? http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/news/fullstory/newsid/144243
Received via Email: 9-01-11 Thanks Winnie and Bill for bringing out the Local 747 challenge coins yesterday.
Received via Email: 9-01-11 Well I guess the ballots will be coming out anyday now. Remember this. The vote you cast will be yours. Can you live with that? Do we stay with the proven or do we venture down into the dark tunnel that has absolutly no light showing at the other end? And I do mean none, not even that of a match, not even the glow of an incense stick. I mean a TIC cant even pick up anything. I think I will stay on the train ride I am enjoying now and take it to the next station. Can anyone tell me where this will be? I dont know, but I know that I will be there with many friends and no matter where it is I will still have someone that will be taking the fight to the enemy head on.
Received via Email: 9-01-11 8-30 #2 They're all safe here as long as they're riding a desk. It's me I worry about. FTM
Received via Email: 9-02-11 Does the mayor know that on a daily basis 4 or 5 city vehicles cross over the bridge. Some benefit.
Received via Email: 9-02-11 Remember this when you vote. If Newton loses, HQ regains the union as its puppet. Jimmy L. will become the puppet master. Better think hard before you cast that vote.
Received via Email: 9-03-11 Voting for proven leadership here-->. Will Newton.
Received via Email: 9-03-11 Whats the difference between a true Union President and a Yes Boy wanna be? The true union President is out and about during all hours of the day and night including weekends, working towards the betterment of the Unions membership.
Received via Email: 9-06-11 is it a requirement to have messed up teeth to be an ems chief
Received via Email: 9-06-11 Hey girk. do you realize gap tooth set you up for failure by being ems chief. When the chages coe you might not be needed anymore. But for now they have a new swallower
Received via Email: 9-07-11. It's time for change. I'm tired of seeing my cost of living rise while my income remains the same. The city hates Winnie and will never give him the contract we deserve. Everyone knows this.
Received via Email: 9-07-11 You go Mike Blank. Get us a great contract like the cops got. Better chase policy and stop sticks.
Received via Email: 9-07-11 We're in trouble the day anyone in the city likes our union president. Look around you piss boy. Look at Palm Beach County or Miami. Miami took a 20% hit in pay and now the city's after them for another 10%. Why don't you just tell the truth. Winnie's not holding your hand and telling you that everything is going to be wonderful. Is it that Mike Blanks so good or is it ANYBODY BUT WINNIE DAY? Boy we've got some pussies on this job that just don't get it cuz they've never pitched in and helped a single day in their career and they don't like being called out by the union president for being useless. Pussies.
Received via Email: 9-07-11 Received via Email: 9-07-11 #1 What bullshit, Stop and think about whether or not this is the climate to get ANYTHING except our asses handed to us. All you superheroes need to show up and see how much your city and your fire chief love YOU AND ME when this impasse thing comes off. Winnie is going to have his hands full trying to KEEP benefits and all some of you can do is keep dreaming to yourselves that the screwing we're taking isn't because of this fire chief. WHO IS A TOTAL SELLOUT. Read the newspaper some time and see how much the public like ANYBODY working for local government.
Received via Email: 9-07-11 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxRJIOJqP3I Wear your gear. Wear all of it!
Received via Email: 9-08-11 Bwahaaaaaaaaaaaaa! He said pussies. He's right. And I want a policy like the cops too where we get to eat with chop sticks and chase skirts at HQ all day long. Count me in.
Received via Email: 9-08-11
Whatever I did wrong, I'M SORRY. Can I please have my job back now?
James O. Wimberly
(Retired and soon to be forgotten)
Received via Email: 9-11-11 Question was asked, "A family member asked me why our website is so outdated. I told him it's because nobody's in charge at HQ just like when the inspectors cars were showing up missing and nobody noticed."
You missed the point entirely, according to the letter I got from MTB, its all the unions fault.They just dont communicate with HQ.Of course I dont know how the Union would know the Cities business unless we were to elect a puppet to steer the union down the drain.
Received via Email: 9-11-11 I drove by the union hall at 11pm and the lights were on and Billy Mott's truck was still out front. I hope he never catches on and makes us pay him a real salary.
Received via Email: 9-12-11 I just got done taking in a load from gap toothe. But I dont feel any different. I thought I would get promoted after the 10th time. Gosh feels like I am getting kool aide therapy. I do feel a little evil.
Received via Email: 9-12-11 http://oldnortheast.patch.com/articles/911-recalled-by-my-firefighter-dad
Received via Email: 9-12-11 The chief seems to have a problem with minorities. He has thrown out the few minorities that were in headquarters but even before the promotions he's already made it clear that the white boy club is here to stay. No women. No color. White boy club. Does anyone at city hall even check this stuff anymore?
Received via Email: 9-12-11 re 9-11-11 which website were you talking about-the Dept. or the union.?? both look pretty outdated. Thought the ems issue was a hot topic ...unions last entry was in 2009. Does the union know that this site has a link to it and to the International?? CM
Received via Email: 9-12-11 John Litz retired Pinellas Park Firefighter lost his life today in a boating accident. RIP John.
September 13, 2011
I have been selected to be on the FPF's 175 pension committee. We have the first of 3 sessions this Thursday and Friday in Tallahassee with 2 follow up sessions in October. It will be our goal to preserve as many benefits as possible during the 2012 Legislative session. If you have any thoughts on how this can be accomplished please send me your thoughts so I can bring them forth at these sessions. I will be 1 out of 11 firefighters from throughout the state that will be bringing things to the table. We have already heard some of the "ideas" that were offered during this past year and I'm sure many of us do not want to see our pension benefits sacrificed needlessly.
We need to have a list of things that we can live without as well as a list that should be considered absolutely sacred and untouchable.
Remember this, once its gone the chances of ever getting it back should be considered as impossible at best. Please include your email and a cell number so you can be reached for clarification if needed. I promise that your idea will be presented as yours and credit given to the author.
The FPF has an additional Committee to deal with those in the FRS plan as well. If you covered under this plan you can send them to Walt Dix as he is the chair on that committee.
I am looking forward to working on this committee to help maintain the benefits that have been earned and fought for by our past leaders.
Fraternally,
William Mott
Secretary Treasurer
Local 747
Eng6bill@aol.com
Ph# 727-698-4522
Received via Email: 9-13-11 WHAT LETTER ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT? I never got one from Blank, well a letter at least.. He has tried to poke me a time or two, but I'm not his flavor.. Sum it up? Go Newton!
Received via Email: 9-13-11 "Received via Email: 9-12-11 re 9-11-11 which website were you talking about-the Dept. or the union.?? both look pretty outdated. Thought the ems issue was a hot topic ...unions last entry was in 2009. Does the union know that this site has a link to it and to the International?? CM"
Hey CM, better check your facts one more time. The union website that you refer to was last updated on September 09, 2011. I guess for you 2 days is a long time. And does the union know about the like? I have no idea but then again anyone can pick a like to put on their site as they choose.
Received via Email: 9-13-11 http://pahomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=198577&shr=addthis
Received via Email: 9-14-11 Hollywood pensions gutted. Watch the video: http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/09/13/hollywood-voters-cast-ballots-on-pension-cuts/
Received via Email: 9-14-11 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/hollywood/fl-hollywood-vote-tuesday-20110913,0,1614341.story
Received via Email: 9-14-11 When will the next racist all white "we got no minorites at headquarters that aren't swinging a mop" promotions going to be made?
Received via Email: 9-14-11 Today I received Will Newton's letter. It has facts, success’s, and honest to goodness truths in it. Even when he pointed out his opponent’s shortcomings, he did it in a respectful, full of facts statement. Blank's letter? or is it a postcard. Didn't get it, and I hear I'm not the only one. Hands down, Newton is best for us, our families, and THE Union.
Received via Email: 9-14-11 Vote Newton for President.
Received via Email: 9-15-11 9/14 #2. Tell me one on list that was worth a s**t? We do not have minorities taking test.
Received via Email: 9-15-11 Everyone go to the Poll page and vote. And then make sure you vote and turn in your real ballot coming in the mail soon from our Union.
Received via Email: 9-15-11 Ballot in mail, incumbant voted back in!
Received via Email: 9-15-11 Hey Thornton, quit throwing out the racist allegations on this site. You're a douche bag! Nobody wants to work with you and you're never getting promoted.
Received via Email: 9-15-11 Vote Blank for President!!!
Received via Email: 9-15-11 Just ask the mayor. Have we promoted a gay white guy yet. The mayor has to budget director.
Received via Email: 9-15-11 As I travel around I can't find anyone who says they are voting for Newton. I just voted for Mike Blank!
Received via Email: 9-15-11 MTB chose to leave out his most obvious work related facts, yes man, ass sucking, yes man, beer drinkin, ass sucking yes man, dart throwing, and kool aide drinking ass suckin yes man. With all that I can understand how the Fire Administration has chosen him as the best bet to bet the bank on. On the other hand, all Winnie does is shove a very respectable resume in our face.
Received via Email: 9-15-11 If Blank wins then the department will be two for two. One incompetent Union Pres. and One incompetent Fire Chief. WOW we will really be something great then. WAKE UP 747
Received via Email: 9-17-11 After a week of hearing the uninformed, more times "young guys" on the job talk about the election, just hearing how little they actually know about Newton, and all he has done. The way they put it he is holding us back. Always confronting council. HELLO, what do you think he is supposed to do? Roll over and let the admin's give us what they think we need/deserve? To listen to them speak of Blank, there is no substance to the claims of what he might do.. A frequent rant (about WN) heard he is always yelling at me. The way he talks to HQ causes them to act out against me..Again, WTF? Thanks to all that yelling, he is protecting you from an uncertain future, and for some of you, perhaps your job.. There are some real haters out there too. In this day and age, it amazes me I still hear ethnic slurs. It sickens me. Between their hate for Pres. Obama, and Newton, I can only imagine they would desire a new station made to resemble a plantation..
Honestly men and women of 747. Are you that thin skinned that if a person doesn't give u warm fuzziness he is a bad man? The shit WN has been through, I honestly would not blame him if he got a little frustrated, and vented on some whiner. Once again, think carefully how you plan to vote. Take a minute, call Newton. Don't believe the BS you hear calling him a liar, and racist. Grow a spine, and find out for yourself for once. YOUR future is at stake here. Not Mike's 2 year, wild ride to hell. FTM!
Received via Email: 9-17-11 Most of the new guys are yes men for admin. They are spoon fed and brain washed by the new officers. I mean you might as well issue knee pads to all new guys.
Received via Email: 9-18-11 New guys. Yeah, right. The new guys will find out what they're missing the same day Winnie's no longer protecting them. Dumbasses.
Received via Email: 9-18-11 I hear that Wimberly is trying for a DC job at Pinellas Park any truth to that?
Received via Email: 9-18-11 9-17-#1 There are too many on this job who think they should be mothered. The chief does it to win their affection. Winnie doesn't because he treats you like the grown up you should be. Trouble is, too many aren't ready to be treated like adults in a world of adults trying to steal pay and benefits, daily.
Received via Email: 9-18-11 Is wimberly going to pinellas park as a DC to do some pay pack for the way they treated and ran his brother out of there. HHmmmmm. Interesting
Received via Email: 9-18-11 Ok, the ballots have been out for a couple of days now, and the Anybody but Winnie haters have been marking their ballots for the choice that they are willing to go broke on. Let me give a quick rundown on what is going on at the Union Office as we speak. During this past week your EVP Rick Pauley has been assembling teams and working with Councilman Dudley with his re-election campaign, Secretary Treasurer spent 3 days in Tallahassee as a part of a team working towards strategies to combat the new wave of assaults that have been promised during next years legislative session, and President Newton is busy working with South Pasadena to resolve staffing issues, Lealman's bargaining agreement, and of course the upcoming impasse hearing for St. Petersburg. These 3 individuals continue working towards the big picture of our future, even though the end could come for Newton on the very next day after the impasse decision has been passed by the City Council.
I mention this only because this is the way Winnie Newton has directed his officers to do it and that is why he is the longest consecutive serving President (9 years), also has the longest serving Secretary Treasurer (9 years), and the longest serving Executive Vice President (5 years). This team is dedicated to the membership of this Local and is driven by their desires to make sure that we are treated fairly and equally as in the manner that we deserve. In my 25+ years there has NEVER been a team with this devotion and vision in office working for us. I don't know how we will be able to look ourselves in our mirrors if Michael Blank is elected into the office of the President. Michael has served this union in 2 past positions as EVP and as the Secretary Treasurer, however he choose not to mention this in his letter. he also did not mention that he served only 1 term in each position after quickly learning that he was in over his head and really had no desire to follow the leadership of the team. At one time when Rick Fienberg chose to step down, Michael felt he was ready to step up and Rick would not endorse him because he knew he didn't have what was needed to effectively lead the Union in the proper direction.If nothing else please remember this. Mike was not ready then, and now after being away from the office for 6+ years he is definitely not ready now. Ask Michael what he did for you and your future this past weekend and compare that to what I have just posted here. Then ask yourself one more time, who is the best choice to represent me? Who is the best choice to protect me and my family? And who right now is working to protect my future?
Received via Email: 9-19-11 I hear that our wanna be next president couldnt even complete the entire union meeting Thursday night. Seems he got one of those mystery leg shakin phone calls and had to rush out of the meeting. I guess 3 meetings in a row was taking its toll on ole Mikeys play time. Dont expect anything different if he gets your vote.
Received via Email: 9-19-11 Some of these guys that are unsuccessfully running agains Winnie have obviously never watched politics on TV. Your entire life good and bad and ugly ends up on TV and magazines for everyone to see. Winnie's record is unquestionable but these ass munchers that the chief keeps propping up keep me in stitches watching them wiggle. Ray Landis who told his own crew he'd do anything to get promoted and then was, wasn't believable. Mike Wimmers said he hasn't been to a meeting in years and thought union president would make a good retirement job was Large's breakfast buddy and nobody believed in him either. And now Blank suddenly arrives on scene thinking he has a clue how to fix everything just by working with a fire chief who's biggest worry is not the people who work for him but in keeping up appearences. What's worse is Blank shows up with a note than essentially says THE DOG ATE MY CAMPAIGN LETTER.
Received via Email: 9-19-11 the leg shaking was probably DTs from no alcohol
Received via Email: 9-20-11 Maybe like Dino he did not want chickhen wings. Not a meal I think is what I heard.
Received via Email: 9-20-11 He left before the meeting was over. I guess he knew all he needed to know. He'lll never change. Union president wannabe with ADD. Ha!
Received via Email: 9-20-11 WOW-- SOUNDS LIKE THIS COULD BE A CLOSE RACE. HOW MANY GET TO VOTE?? HOPE EVERYBODY DOES. MAY THE BEST MAN WIN!!!!
TEAM: Hmmmm...
Received via Email: 9-20-11 Admin has done a good job of splitting our union members in two different groups. We all should be ashamed of ourselves. There is power in unity and they know it.
Public Hearing to Resolve Impasse
ST. PETERSBURG ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, LOCAL 747 IAFF
&
CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG FLORIDA
September 29, 2011
2:00 p.m.
St. Petersburg City Hall 175 Fifth Street North - St. Petersburg, FL
Brothers and Sisters there is much more involved than meets the eye.
Two entire shifts are NOT ON DUTY and available to attend. So much is at stake.
Council & the Mayor need to know that you are willing to stand up for your benefits!
If you don't have a RED union shirt, make that call now to ensure that your size is available.
Received via Email: 9-21-11 09/18 #4 wimberlys brother brought all the greif on himself, no one to blame but him
Received via Email: 9-21-11 Newton kicking Blanks butt on web poll. Is this a sign of things to come.
Received via Email: 9-21-11 Hey Winnie. When they say they dont have money. Ask that idiot mayor where the money came from to tear up a perfectly good park and re do it. This is across from bayfront towers. Also. I believe he just gave the grand prix a quarter of a million. And ask him how much tax dollars were given to that soccer team playing at al lang field.
Received via Email: 9-22-11 Looks like Mike is catching up in the polls: http://usvsthem.homestead.com/POLLS.html
Received via Email: 9-23-11 For those of you that are still working and paying into social security, you may want to read this.
Received via Email: 9-23-11 And they point the finger at us! http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-10-11/1A-state-lawmakers-pump-pensions/50522036/1
Received via Email: 9-23-11 Its just Blank and his assknockers voting over and over again, 9/22 #1
Received via Email: 9-25-11 Don't forget to leave a comment.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/pinellas-firefighters-say-ambulance-handoff-system-wastes-time/1193217 http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/pinellas-park-urges-county-to-discuss-medical-transport-with-cities-fire/1193236
Received via Email: 9-25-11 my vote is for winnie!!!
Received via Email: 9-27-11 NEWTON for Union, and council!
Received via Email: 9-27-11 Newton for Mayor
Received via Email: 9-27-11 Newton for Fire Chief
Received via Email: 9-28-11 Come on all you chiefs. It's time to vote for your favorite suck up. Because you don't pay dues this is the only place where you're going to get to vote so lets see what you've got. So far you haven't bought this website off so go to the public library and vote for MB a 2nd time and see if you can make him look any better.
Received via Email: 9-28-11 http://www.firehouse.com/stateprovince/florida/florida-citys-budgets-cuts-more-100-firefighter-jobs
Received via Email: 9-30-11 You folks have just pulled off the most assinine thing I have ever witnessed. I cant even bring myself to use the words Union Leader and him in the same weeks worth of breathing. Is it to late for a vote of No Confidence?
Received via Email: 9-30-11 For any of you who are out of state reading this web page, Winnie lost the election to the "anybody but Winnie" vote. Mike Blank isn't a fighter, he's a quitter and he isn't capable of walking and chewing gum. He will never be taken seriously by anyone. Every one of you who voted in private for Mike Blank can hide behind your secret ballot when you start losing benefits. You have voted for someone slightly more cluless than yourselves.
Received via Email: 9-30-11 Taking bets on how long Blank will go before he quits.
Received via Email: 9-30-11 OK HERE IT IS FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A UNION MEETING OR YOU HAVE MISSED A FEW LMAO BECAUSE YOU DID NOT LIKE WINNIE. IT IS TIME TO STEP UP. YOU VOTED FOR BLANK SO ITS TIME TO BACK HIM. SHOW UP FOR A MEETING GET INVOLVED BECAUSE THE REST OF US ARE TIRED OF CARRYING YOUR ASS!!! I FOR ONE THANK WINNIE FOR ALL HE HAS DONE! IF IT WALKS LIKE A DUCK THEN IT IS A DUCK OR BLANK
Received via Email: 9-30-11 Guess we all have to say good bye to this great web site. Blank in charge is sure to get rid of it. YEAH RIGHT. He may be the so called new leader of the union. But, he has no say about this site. We still get to have opinions here. If you dont like it, FTM
Received via Email: 10-01-11 Now that the election is over and, by the newspaper statement, 130 of you have determined that for whatever reason you feel that Winnie has not done the job he was elected to do. Now before you start please read the sentence again. It has to be a true statement or 130 of you would not have voted the way you did. Since my first introduction to Winnie I have had back and forth thoughts as to whether he was going in the right direction and whether he had the stones to back it up. Over the years my opinion has become one of total confidence and complete support of this man who proved his worth. One hundred and thirty members of this Local have determined that he isn't worthy of that support.
To make a laundry list of the improvements and successes accomplished by Winnie would take this whole page. But I think the thing that bothers me and believe me makes me sad is that this Local has seen fit to kick it's most dedicated and knowledgeable president to the curb to be replaced by an untested, to say the least, person who is probably the least qualified to run the Local. This says volumes about the caliber of the members and their ability to think like adults. Nearly ten years of documented leadership has just been discarded like dirty laundry. I sincerely hope that those of you who contributed to this belief in Blank will reap the benefits you so greatly deserve. I don't know this Blank fellow but from what I've heard it would behoove the whole department to get a grip on their ass.
Blank may be the godsend you've all been waiting for. And to those who would antagonize and berate the outgoing president . . . I would expect no less from you when dealing with the new president. Stick him when you think he's abusing pool time. Refuse to support him by
having other things to do that are claimed to be more important. Talk behind his back and begin rumors and innuendo while you pick out the next candidate to take his place. Stay on him 24/7 about what a rotten job he's doing and why he isn't listening to YOU. Give it to Blank the same way you gave it to Winnie. Oh, he's the queen of the hop right now but let's see where he is after the next bargaining period or when he doesn't get his way.
I know some will say I never gave Blank a chance. Well, I can only base my opinion on what I can absorb from those who know this man and have worked with him. And based on that I can only foresee a future for the members that will be less than exemplary. You have taken away the best and replaced it with the worst and now you'll crow about it. But over the long haul we will all pay one way or another.
This is Winnie's Harry Weihman. I warned him about guys like this long ago and it's come to pass. But if I know Winnie he'll take his skills and knowledge and put them to good use . . . . . . . . . . . somewhere else. I sincerely wish Winnie well and hope that his future is a bright one. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Winnie for being one of the best if not THE best president this Local has ever had. Godspeed Winnie and my best to you. AND I would also like to thank Billy Mott for his undying and perpetual dedication to this Local. Night or day you have been the beacon and you are to be congratulated and admired. Thanks Billy for everything.
Best regards and may you all reap what you sow,
Dick Tully
Past President Local 747, I.A.F.F.
Team: Thank you President Emeritus Tully
Received via Email: 10-01-11 Blank can't cancel a urine test. This site will out live his term, 8-12 months maybe? Do any of you think MB will spend every day off at the Union Office? Do u believe he will quit his part time job as an inspector? Will he stop hanging out at bars, and his scab friends? No, no, no , no , and NO. By some thin chance if you ever read anything here MTB, distance yourself from FHQ. Stop kissing up to fire administration. Be a TEAM PLAYER for once in your life... Nuff said
Received via Email: 10-01-11 Correction, MTB is the new President of the local, but he will NEVER be a Leader of the UNION.
Received via Email: 10-01-11 Winnie Newton. Thank you for securing my future pension. Thanks for keeping FHQ at bay. For Years we were thought of as pawns to the Mayor's desires. You changed that. Thank You. The way the young haters treated you, I apologize. You have symbolized honesty and fraternity. We are a strong force to be reckoned with, thanks to you. Best of luck, life, and your career.
Received via Email: 10-01-11 Here's something for all of you who are wondering how in the f**k this could happen. Dwell on this for a minute. Ray with his college education and his smooth Eddie Haskel talk couldn't defeat Winnie. Mike Wimmers who had many more years on and is a former president of Local 747 with some accomplishments to his credit couldn't beat Winnie. Along comes Mike Blank who has been on all 3 shifts and a couple trips on the 40 hour deal and run to or from every station in the book not to mention ran away from the union job he had and he turns out to be the winner. What this tells me is the majority of you who have sat on your ass your entire life and never lifted a finger to help YOUR UNION WHENEVER YOU WERE ASKED JUST GOT WHAT LAZY STUPID BASTARDS DESERVE. YOU GOT ONE OF YOUR OWN TO WATCH DO EVEN LESS THAN YOU! FTM. That would be YOU.
Received via Email: 10-02-11 WAKE UP!!!!
We have had presidents before Winnie and will have more after Blank. Even the great Mr. Tulley is not still in office.Why? Why would we ever change presidents??? There comes a time when every organization needs a change to stay current and viable. Winnie did a great job for us and will continue to do so in his other roll at the state level. Thank you Winnie for all that you have done and will continue to do.
Blank, Thank you for stepping up and offering your time and expertise to us. Now, we as members, need to support our new president just as we did with winnie.
Get your heads out of your a**es and grow up, whiners. Others have stepped up and have not been elected, does that make them the spawn of satan??
We have a new president and we are still a union, so lets act like it. Or, they win.
Received via Email: 10-02-11 Some of you have havn't taken the time might not know what Winnie's been doing all these years. Now that he's not doing it, you're about to find out.
Received via Email: 10-02-11 Blank, Thank you for stepping up and offering your time and expertise(<---??WTF?) He has no expertise, or creditable experience. Now, we as members, need to support our new president just as we did with winnie.<---? Did Blank do ONE thing to support Newton when he was down fighting city hall for our contract? NO he was out spreading propaganda to the simple minded new guys ( not all of you just, well u know who u are ) We are screwed..
BUT in the spirt of union, brother/sisterhood, I will give him a chance. But hear this, the moment you try to put us second to the suits downtown? I WILL FIND A WAY to impeach, or have you removed through international rules.. Good luck fella..
Received via Email: 10-02-11 I was recently asked, how long until we start seeing changes? Here are my predictions, Unfortunatly the only thing that will still be up and running at the end of MTB's circus act will be this website. Mike will become the negotiator at the table when the after the city briefs him on the way to make things right. Bye-bye step plan, protection of your constitutional rights for the mayors DNA testing, GONE. Random drug testing here, here, here. Shorter workweek? Fat chance, you cant work less hours with fewer people. Dont worry about Mike using too many pool hours, I see him giving that up to appease the B shift next. Oh and here is another thing, Mike believes that letting fire administration to participate in the many events the union has done in the past will be a great way to seal the kiss, yes he is right, the kiss of death. Once that starts then there will never be anything that this union will ever accomplish again. The charity fund, no reason, the new trailer, to be used by house movers, nothing else, I see nothing good happening and I am sorry that I feel this way. The teabaggers that have chosen to castrate this local will be the only ones that can prove me wrong and bring me to publish an apology. We will soon see. I see 3 months, the teabaggers will be in denial for at least that long, but even they wont put up with it much longer.
Received via Email: 10-02-11 Hey sore losers. Listen to "WAKE UP" above and support your new union president. If want to accomplish anything you will have to. And oh yeah, Winnie, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
Received via Email: 10-02-11 10/2/#5. What a moron you are. So what is it you believe? Do I as say, not as I do? door hit you in the ass? It appears you are one of the assknockers, lapping up MB's anal wash. Like 10/2/#3 said he will have his chance, don't f it up, because, we are watching....Always watching.. FTM,and his lil wanna b's.
Oh yeah I'll continue to be at Union meetings, how about you Benedict Arnold?
Received via Email: 10-02-11 5th 10/2. We have been supporting our Union Pres for years, while the rest of you lazy asses only cry and never come to meetings. Now you are the big man spouting off your mouth saying Support your new Union President Blank. Well guess what pal. Go and do just that. We have supported and heard nothing but bitching from your kind. YOUR TURN. ENJOY assholes.
Received via Email: 10-02-11 Received via Email: 10-02-11 "Hey sore losers. Listen to "WAKE UP" above and support your new union president. If want to accomplish anything you will have to." You really hit this one on the head, it will require a constant push on Mikes back if you want him to follow through with anything.
"And oh yeah, Winnie, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out." You may find your face in the way in about 2 months when you and the rest of the idiots are looking for a way to get Winnie to come back to save our ass's
Received via Email: 10-03-11 I understand a few members being unhappy with the decision of the majority of their brothers and sisters, but I'd like to think it's just immaturity and inexperience that causes them to say such derogatory things about our newly elected president. It's normal, I suppose, to sometimes overreact like this when you lose. But what truly disappoints me is a former local president leading the charge. That seems way out of line for a guy that retired decades ago and has not even met our new leader. Very unprofessional, even from a guy who's claim to fame was a feigned desire to come across the negotiating table while pretending that he couldn't control his emotions. Very progressive thinker, this one.
Received via Email: 10-03-11 Received via Email: 10-03-11 I understand a few members being unhappy with the decision of the majority of their brothers and sisters, but I'd like to think it's just immaturity and inexperience that causes them to say such derogatory things about our newly elected president.
Really? Immaturity and inexperience? How about the lack of experience that comes from members who have never manned up to going to something as simple as a monthly union meeting or the immaturity of electing ANYBODY BUT WINNIE? Mike Blank didn't win an election, he was the only other guy standing. I was standing in the room when MB found out that he was going to be elected and he looked as if he was about to lay an egg. Even he didn't believe that so many of YOU could be so stupid. I'll call it an OBAMA moment.
Received via Email: 10-03-11 The election is over. A majoriity of our membership has chosen our leaders. Sour grapes will help no one.To keep our union strong we all need to get behind our new leaders and keep our local strong,anything else is self-destructive.
Received via Email: 10-03-11 Hey 10/2 #6, if I want any of MB's anal wash, I will wipe it off your little willy. 10/2 #7 You don't even know what kind asshole I am. I'm the kind of asshole that has been to union meeting after union and caught Winnie's act. On second thought, I hope the door slams Winnie square in the ass. A little going away gift if you will. A gift I am sure he will like. Adios sore losers.
Received via Email: 10-03-11 Wow all these talkers about rah rah rah lets get behind our NEW leader but dont let the door hit our other former in president in the ass as he leaves. What a bunch of pukes. Hammer the union pres for years and do nothing but talk bad about everything about him. Now all of a sudden, you want all else to support your man but still slam the former as he was ousted. YOU ARE PATHETIC
Received via Email: 10-03-11 The election is over. A majoriity of our membership has chosen our leaders?? I'd say a majority didn't send in their ballots. It is a sad state of the union when these people don't raise a finger to cast a vote.. never mind who won.. Shame on those that just sat there. I am willing to bet they were the most vocal anti or pro folks..
Received via Email: 10-03-11 I've been a union member for 31 years and I have never seen the hatered for a union pres. that this guy has put up with. He has done so much for this union that it's too much to list. That being said, I hope that Mike will do just as good a job as Winnie. I pray that he can go after the lying ass lawyers like Winnie. I hope he can protect my rights as an employee of SPFR/City of St. Pete like Winnie did. I hope he protects the benefits that all our families need and enjoy. I'm going to give Mike the benefit of the doubt. But if he shows the that he can't handle the job, if he's working for the Chief/Admin, then I can not give my hard earn money to someone working against me and my family!
I'm hoping for the best but I'm prepared for very worst. Congrads Mike.
Bruce E. Smith
Received via Email: 10-03-11 To bad we couldn't vote for Fire Chief, he would have been long gone. No one gave our Union Pres a hard time like our Fire Chiefs have. Constant fighting and trying to strip us of our rights. Mike, you have a tough job ahead of you fella. Hope your up for the challenge. Winnie was.
Received via Email: 10-04-11 Hey, thats Mr. PATHETIC to you. Should I open the door?
Received via Email: 10-04-11
Some of you gorillas out there that voted for Blank need to see this. You've got to know that Foster leaked this to the press exactly as you see it. Ask any cop on the job about Wengay and they'll all tell you that he has supported them all and that they'll vote for him. The PBA has become the lapdog of Bill Foster. Wengay was a huge part of the reason why we didn't have any of our benefits stripped from us at the impasse hearing. He made the motion that got us out of there. Those of you who were watching and thinking that we were sunk because of Polson's attitude towards us need to know that he voted the way he did because he wanted something from us politically. Gorillas shouldn't vote.
Don’t call it a comeback, but it appears Gershom Faulkner’s underdog campaign against incumbent Wengay Newton is gaining just a wee bit of momentum. First, Faulkner received the endorsement of the local Realtors. On Friday, Newton’s brother lost his re-election to lead the St. Pete Firefighters union, perhaps signaling a crack in the wall of support Newton expected to receive from them. Now today, the word is that Faulkner has been endorsed by the Suncoast PBA, the union which represents most St. Pete police officers.
Like I said, don’t call it a comeback, but this race is starting to get interesting.
Received via Email: 10-04-11 I was wondering about Polson. All he did was harp on the fact that he was in the military and took a lot of piss tests so why don't we. I don't know what he got promised but it must have been good. After reading this little blurb and the other one the other day I think we've just lost some street cred.
Received via Email: 10-05-11 Herb Polson is not running for reelection so what does he want from us politically? Maybe gorillas should vote after all.
Received via Email: 10-05-11 10/5 #1 YOU are the reason that we're in the fix we're in. YOU have no clue as to what I could possibly be talking about but rather than make a phone call to find out, YOU make small thinker comments. YOU only know what YOU read in the newspaper. Politics is not a checkers game. It is a chess game. YOU were reading about politics while Winnie was helping to shape politics. For our sake I hope Winnie does more for Blank than Feinberg did for him when he hit the bricks. Gorillas shouldn't vote.
Received via Email: 10-05-11 You don't have any idea how small I can think. I can think so small, you won't even see it. And, how do you know if I have a clue or not? For all you know, I am Herb Polson. I hope Blank calls Winnie and asks for help in the transition, unlike Winnie who never called Feinberg, Moore or Wimmers. I guess Winnie knew it all and didn't need any insight or help.
Received via Email: 10-05-11 No Winnie didnt call any of them because they are good ole boys,sheet wearing, chief asskissin' rednecks.
Received via Email: 10-05-11 Not sure if Winnie called any of them but I know what Feinberg's exit was like. He threw Winnie the keys and said IT'S ALL YOURS NOW! I'm willing to bet the Mike gets something better out of Winnie.
Received via Email: 10-05-11 ok ok. who am I? "Just give me another swig of that whiskey and I will tell you another joke". You guessed it, our new leader Union President. glad we got a smart one in there. And boy is he a go getter or what? Yeah. Things are looking up now. That raise is just around the corner.
Received via Email: 10-05-11 "I hope Blank calls Winnie and asks for help in the transition, unlike Winnie who never called Feinberg, Moore or Wimmers. I guess Winnie knew it all and didn't need any insight or help." What would he ask Feinberg? "Hey, I noticed the bank account is empty. Am I missing something here?"
Received via Email: 10-06-11 Hey sheet wearing. I think you are full of bulll sheeet. I sure hope Mike gets more out of Winnie.
Finally, Winnie could have thanked Feinberg for paving the way to turning the union into his own little monarchy.
Received via Email: 10-06-11 1st 10/6. Your not only narrow minded but you really are STUPID!!
Received via Email: 10-07-11 Stupid is as stupid does. Don't let the door hit ya.
Received via Email: 10-07-11 Hey Large. Judging from the polls page one thing is clear. There aren't may Mike Blank or Jim Large supporters coming to this website. Now if we can only get the disenfranchised to vote we'd all be rich.
Received via Email: 10-08-11 1st 10/7. Just open your mouth and the brainlessness begins.
Received via Email: 10-08-11 I drove by the union hall today and guess what? There were 2 trucks in the front driveway so I hooked U turn and stopped in. Billy Mott and Winnie Newton were both putting political signs together so I asked if someone was missing. They both drew a Blank.
Received via Email: 10-08-11 Yeah, where is our new union president blank, when work is to be done. Oh yeah, most of you forget, he was lazy before he got elected. Great job voting the loser in. Thanks for all your hard work Winnie. Some day the nay sayers will live to regret the great harm they just did to themselves voting the lazy one in.
Received via Email: 10-09-11 I was on duty so don't bitch at me because I couldn't be there. I heard that on Friday nobody showed to hold signs on street corners. If this is what we've got to look forward to in the next 2 years, we're in serious trouble. I don't care who's in office, if we don't have council members support because we can't show for them they will surely turn their backs on us the next time se need them. I'm also hearing some rumblings that certain people in leadership positions in the union were called by Blank and asked if they were going to leave if he got elected. I'm betting that if Blank thought he was going to have to do this on his own or at least do it with HIS group of fanatical big time supporters he probably wouldn't have run. What's that tell you? Come on 10-2013
Received via Email: 10-09-11 HQ wanted someone lazy in the union president position. Now they have no threat. But O don't underestimate the power of Rick and Billy. Give em hell boys.
Received via Email: 10-09-11 WOW Billy, thats a firefighter to be proud of. The James Bracy of the sworn division.
We have to have a little personal liability and ability to still do the job. Its not the dept's fault that he cant climb into a truck and buckle the belt, is it? Stand proud behind that one. I'm sure that he was really something in his day (era) but there comes a time when, if you totally let yourself go, you need to retire. Before you get one of your brothers killed due to your inability to do the job.
Just a thought.
Received via Email: 10-09-11 I look at some of the superhero types like our boy at 11B He's all that and a bag of chips except he's always off on sick leave or light duty for injuries to that strong handsome body. I'll take Billy Mott over all of you superheros that have never done anything for anybody (except Blank) and will never do anything for anyone again (including Blank) except bitch and moan about how bad things are run at a union hall that you've never been to. Your so worried about what Billy's going to do to you you haven't noticed that every firemans friend Jimmy Large and his best friend in all the world Bill Froster are poking you in the ass on a daily basis. There's so little fire to fight that I"m not too worried about Billy. If you haven't noticed the real fight that's going on is with some of your HQ heroes and all of the rest of us. Up yours superhero.
Received via Email: 10-10-11 Hey third 10/08. I couldn't help but notice that the only reason you drew a "Blank" was because your lazy ass was driving by the union hall. Hello pot. I have no doubt that Rick and Billy will step up and continue to do their best for the union. They are not so petty as to resign just because their Grand Imperial Puba, Winnie (door in the ass) Newton got shown the door. Keep bitching sore losers.
Received via Email: 10-10-11 James Bracey and Billy Mott, so wise that you would put them in the same mold. Both of these MEN do more for the rest of us on this department then you would ever try. Whos the first person you call when something aint going right at the station? James Bracey. When you have or need something at the union office who do you call Billy Mott. James Bracey and Billy Mott understand the concept of UNION then you ever will. Instead of worrying about what one cant do, think of the positives that they can. BTW, I have never seen a truck that Billy couldnt climb into or on top of, and I surely know first hand that his seat belt is one of the first ones buckled. One more thing, they both have more knowledge, truthfulness, and respect for others than will ever be possible in your perfect world. The next time you find yourself deep into a situation and you are wondering if it was a good idea, just remember this it might be up to Billy Mott to come in and get your sorry ass. So if you dont think he is capable then dont get yourself into the situation. Lookie there your problem with Billy may have just saved your life.
Received via Email: 10-10-11 10-10 #1 for some reason you keep talking to us like we're the only losers here. Did you even bother to show up for the impasse hearing? There are members (probably your one of them) that are pissing and moaning that we didn't walk away with anything or that it was all a wasted effort. Winnie Newton did something that few could ever pull off. He worked together with his brother to show the mayor's ass to the rest of council and we did walk away with something. We walked away with our present contract and all of our rights intact. If your one of those members that's not paying any attention to what's going on around here and simply listening to what Jimmy Large filters down to you then you are to be blamed for whatever becomes of us because you're one of the guys who when asked can't put your finger on what Winnie's ever done to hurt you but you knew you needed a change. Change I got. I got plenty in my pocket and it don't do much for me. PS I'm not a sore loser. I'm a rich man. I voted for my good friend Winnie. You're a loser because you voted for anybody but Winnie and got Mike Blank. Good luck with the CLASS CLOWN.
Received via Email: 10-10-11 Hey first 10/10. You always were and still are very very LAZY. Some things will never change and your one of them. By the way, we know who you are. Do you need me to spell out your name right here.
Received via Email: 10-10-11 Well said second 10/10.
Received via Email: 10-10-11 God, help us all, if they cant elect you out of office they try to hate you out. Stick in there Billy we need you more than we are willing to admit. I can see the haters are pouring out of the wood work now that the new regime is getting ready to over run the masses. We have had so many past leaders that tried to make Local 747 a respected organization and now I see us within days of being a crumpled mess. Hey Billiy Mott and James Bracey, be thankful you are in the DROP plan. Actually, now that you now what people think about you I would use the old Larry Parker phrase, "they will soon realize what I did around here the first day I'm gone. FTM.
Received via Email: 10-11-11 there is always Fosters token gay guy wayne as the budget director. and ask herb poloson why he was asked to leave the navy intel and was forced to go into officer retention. could be nothing or something. All of this alleged
Received via Email: 10-11-11 As a union brother, I've decided to take it upon myself to point out what a bunch of horse's asses you people are for what you are writing.
So you believe in the sanctity of unionization if you happen to like the president, but when an election goes the wrong way for you, it's open season on your brothers. That's unbelievably sad. No, worse than sad, it's pathetic.
You people probably all hate scabs, but as far as I'm concerned if you're already badmouthing the new president elect even before he moves into the office, you are no different than the scabs you claim to be unable to relate to.
You would jump all over a scab that bad-mouthed Winnie, but now you are bad-mouthing Mike. What the fuck is the difference? If you want so bad to act like a scab, save your dues money and go cry about how the union's not doing enough for you like the others.
This union is about brotherhood and you whiny fucks don't even know what the word means.
Received via Email: 10-12-11 2nd 10/11. You don't and never did have a clue. What a MORON you are.
Received via Email: 10-12-11 Why would city want to give us anything? All they have to do is read the last month of post to see how screwed in the head we are! It aint about Winnie or Mike. Its about 747 and that is US. You wouldn't know it on this site though. Give'em hell fella's your really puttin to the Mutts on this site! You bash us for not going to meetings whether its Winnie or Mike leading us and how great you are cause your always there. Awesome, Thank you. But if you had more than 1 child under 12 and they all played sports were you there every meeting? An honest question. I honestly hope to contribute my time more as my kids grow but it's hard now but I wave signs when I can, show to meetings when I can. I dont back Whinnie and I dont back Mike as individuals but I back them because they represent 747. They represent US! We are the big picture, and maybe some of us need to realize that. As a Union, lets help Mike get settled. He has ears, he'll listen.
Winnie is still one of us too, and if he is the guy you say he is and that I have witnessed than he would help Mike to, because he is US. 747, stay STRONG, stay TRUE, and stay UNITED. Its US vs. Them!
Received via Email: 10-12-11 Brotherhood is a good concept. The prob most members have with the pres-elect is that his past actions while in an elected union position do not show any qualifications for him to be the Pres. Just ask him how many jobs he ran away from. Well I don't want to VP, or sec tres, or union stew...His attitude has been a clickish one for his entire time on the job. If he wasn't using you for info, he was working on ways to discredit you, make fun of you, (child like behavior). I hope the new guys that ran like limmings heading for the cliff for him show some stones and do something. Bottom line here is you had better watch the President.. If he f's up, you better be ready to make him accountable. In my thoughts he'll never own up to Pres. Newton. But he has one chance to try. FTM... (Late Entry)
Received via Email: 10-13-11 In talking to one of the younger guys that I trust I'm hearing that Mike Blank got into a lot of the youngers guys heads about Winne. If that's the case then I have a question for someone who voted for Mike. What are you going to do now? If you didin't like the way Winnie was getting the job done did you ever call and ask him why he was doing things the way he was? Or maybe you didn't really have a problem but one of your buddy's did and you voted because your buddy convinced you to. I think Winnie would be the first one to tell you that he didn't do any thing alone so I wonder what Mike's going to do for help and who's going to do it? I'm pretty concerned about people looking for favors downtown and the one thing I've noticed over time is it don't matter who you are if they use you they use you and then throw you away. Just ask Fienberg.
Received via Email: 10-13-11 4th 10/10. Who am I? Does anyone really know who they are. For that matter, does anyone really know what time it is.?
TEAM: Great Chicago song.
Received via Email: 10-13-11 Second 10/11. Very well said. Hopefully, one day, all the vitriol on this web site will stop.
Received via Email: 10-13-11 10-12 #2 I agree with much of what you're saying about what's showing up here but then again, it ain't like this website's a secret. And while sports and kids and wives all play a role, I'll bet that if you threw darts at all of your station buddies names on a dart board that 99.9% of the time you'd hit someone's name who's never been to a meeting or even gets union email. If you're using yourself as an example and what you're saying is the truth, it has never carried over to the majority our membership. Everyone wants to enjoy the sausage but nobody wants to make it or even see how it's made. Do you disagree?
Two examples of things that are really big sticking points with me (two of many) as they pertain to Mike Blank are his being a critic of politics and pool time collections. Politics is like eating and taxes. You can't escape from any of them but you can learn how to do them better. Everything that we do that has to do with protecting ourselves as firefighters involves getting the attention of people who make the money decisions for us. Council members and Mayor are two examples. State Representatives played a huge role in our lives this past cycle and will again in the near future. All of the folks in Tallahassee that tried to make your life miserable last session will be back at it again, come the first of the year. Only through being actively involved with (endorsing) members like Jack Latvala did we escape relatively unscathed. An area where we are weak is in County Commission politics. This County is going to try to hand us our hat and show us the door this next year. Because the IAFF Locals aren't more involved as a single unit across Pinellas we appear divided to the BOCC and that's because we are. We made a pitch a couple of years back to do like SW Florida did and combine all the Locals into one big Local 747 but we found that we're really no different than the fire chiefs in this county. Most want to run their own show and keep their title. As to the giving of pool time, it's the gasoline that makes the engine run. If you've not been written up lately that's a good thing. If you have been and you've been told to find a union representative on short notice because you're going to need one - then you need one that's available now. Pool time can be used by any member to help improve their lot in life if a slot's available. If it's not and you get someone to swap with you, the person who swaps with you can later use stored pool time later as vacation time. I like knowing that my union president is working for me and not being distracted chasing calls.
Received via Email: 10-13-11 http://www.firehouse.com/stateprovince/florida/hiring-florida-fire-chief-sparks-education-debate
Received via Email: 10-13-11 Just an observation but I think any political juice that we had is heading out the door with Winnie. We're going to get ass raped like we never did politics in the first place.
Received via Email: 10-13-11 Funny you should talk about being ass raped, I was recently thumbing through my ole Funk and Wagnel and came across the term "bunch of gaping assholes", it showed a group photo of many members of this organization. Someday extremely soon, we had better realize that no matter who has control of this organization, WE had better get off our asses and start showing support for the 4 candidates for our city council races. November is not that far out and we have a great opportunity to seat 4 folks that are friendly to city workers. We missed out with having the Mayor that we needed and with the lack of support we are showing for the council races I guess we are just so intent on letting it look like it was somebodys fault except our own. Wake up jack asses, you are awful close to nailing your feet to the floor and setting fire to your own organization, just because of your stupidity and hatred towards everything. Come on folks we can do this, but it is going to take a strong leader with a strong back and thick skin.
Received via Email: 10-14-11 Second 10/11. Very well said. Hopefully, one day, all the vitriol on this web site will stop.
?WTF the commenrts made here are in direct responce tot he real world BS'ing of our rank and file. Wake the fuck up, and act like a union.FTM
Received via Email: 10-14-11 Keeping a low profile to protect myself from being written up is a way of life at the good ole spf&r. The head hunters at FHQ will do anything they can to get us, you, or me. Should I ever get trapped you can bet, I will appeal to Winnie Newton to represent me. (Blank has said he wouldn't fight everything) Winnie is my choice for educated representation. I am hoping his free agency will work for those of us that were supportive of him.. Your still the man Newton!
Received via Email: 10-14-11 oh please you ccan keep a low profile nd srill get writen up. just ask a few of us. hell look at zamp. he will make shit up to write you up.
Received via Email: 10-14-11 All of you bright boys who passed the LT's exam with a super high score are going to be asked by the chief "what does loyalty mean to you"? Just remember, the balls are on the other end to keep you from slipping off just before gagging to death.
Received via Email: 10-15-11 Face it. This organization, specifically upper management could give a rats ass about you. If you are injured, hurt, or sick, do you think they will try and find out if you are OK. Is there anything they can do to help. HELL NO. It is all about, them being constant assholes to the blue collar workers. If you dont believe it, just get hurt and see for your self. This is the most uncaring pathetic organization I have ever worked for, and since I only have a few years on, you can bet your ass I am looking for a better organization to work for. Face it, many in the past have moved on and are very happy. Maybe someday, this place will turn around for the better, but until then, Keep your eyes open for a better place to work.
Received via Email: 10-15-11 Here's an idea. Let's vote down the impasse outcome and then we can get a real handle on what the new president can do to improve the status quo. Let's give him a shot at the bargaining table to convince the city we deserve better. After all, the council will owe us one for voting this one down. I mean it seems everyone, um, or at least the mojority of us thinks that he's the second coming and of course he thinks he is too. It's only fair that after all the lies and promises he told and made prior to the election that he shouldn't have any trouble at all bullshitting his way into the best contract we've every had. Just another thought. I'll bet he better never be seen drinking in a bar or club on his normal duty day when he's off on pool time. That's gonna put a bug in his ass. Meanwhile those who support him can begin with the lies and half truths to get him out of office. Because that's what they're good at. So come on mesiah and let's see if you have the spine and the stones to make happen all those fabrications you spewed before the election. Hey, here's another idea. Why not keep Winnie as the bargaining agent and let him take your place at the table? I think you should ask him to do that. Wait, let me get the camera. Oh, and you better hope you don't have any skeletons in that closet you live it Mr. B. The state is gonna look at you good before they give you the ok to be our bargaining agent. I guess you may not have thought about that Mr. B. Could be we won't even have a bargaining agent as president. The city will have a good laugh over that.
Received via Email: 10-15-11 "Maybe someday, this place will turn around for the better, but until then, Keep your eyes open for a better place to work."
Here's a hint. I called around and the only place that will hire you is Burger King. And that's to hold a sign in traffic. Are you so naive that you think you can just tell Jimbo to take this job and shove it and walk down the road a couple miles and start in as a fire fighter in another city with the same pay and benefits? Just where would you suggest we all start looking? Most fire departments are losing members. You're not working for one of them. You're still employed and making money. And yet you want to stir things up and tell people to "keep your eyes open for a better place to work." Do you even think before you talk? I think you should set the example and go to headquarters and throw your badge on the chief's desk and give him your best shot. Then come back in a year and tell us where you're working and how great it is not to have to work here.
Received via Email: 10-15-11 3rd 10/15. Get a clue man. Every day there are postings all over this county and the state looking for good medics. If you think we are the only game in town, you are a bigger idiot than you sound like when you ramble on with your shallow words. Yeah, maybe we cant make $250,000 a year plus like your Jimbo boy makes, but there is better places to work. St. Pete is not the only place in the world you moron.
Received via Email: 10-16-11 http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/legislators-proposal-would-give-pinellas-firefighters-more-control-of-ems/1196814 Don't forget to leave your comments.
Received via Email: 10-16-11 4th 10/15
Don't let the door hit you in the ass big fella. Put up or shut up. Your mouth is overloading your ass again. If you're so smart why don't you give us some examples of where these medics are making money hand over fist. Just a couple will do big mouth. And then be the first to get the hell over there and see if they want you. You are gutless and just like all the other whiners on here you have no substance. Just empty words. And post your employment application at the stations on the bulletin boards. We'd all just like to see just how smart you really are. I would suggest reluctantly that you stay where you are before you put yourself out there. We're stuck with you and they don't want you. So you're choices are limited at best. But if you have any balls at all you'll at least try to leave here and get hired somewhere else. Otherwise take your overinflated medic ego and sit down and shut up.
Received via Email: 10-16-11 Re: 10-16-11, #1
"Don't forget to leave your comments"
Don't bother. No matter how much proof or documentation you provide in a post it will be buried under three or four loudmouths who think they know everything about the subject and monopolize the comments with their bullshit. At last count there were 45 plus comments and 35 were made by the uninformed and those biased against fire fighters. It's the usual pissing contest among the haters and the jawjackers that post on many of the other subjects they know nothing about. The only person that even produced any support with facts is a lone firefighter who made great points but was buried by the anti-tax, anti-FD crowd. And of course the fire union took more hits than anything else. I think that one thing that amazed me more than most of the others in the comments section was that the posters didn't seem to mind funding an out of state entity that gleans the money made in Pinellas County and sends it to Texas over the fire service earning the money and having it spent locally. One deluded asshole even told how pissed he was that the fire service would get the money to purchase fire trucks. There's no point dazzling the public with facts on those places when the stupid and moronic baffle the public with bullshit. And believe me there's more of them than there are of us. It's unfortunate but it will serve the public right when they get what they pay for and SS is laughing all the way to Texas.
Received via Email: 10-16-11 2nd 10/16. Wow you are the ego idiot. Thinking you are so great that we are honored to have to let you put up with us. You are the reason many are leaving, idiots like you who have nothing more than a big mouth and spineless ambitions. For that, YOU receive the Department IDIOT award.
Received via Email: 10-16-11 Some A shifters must have taken their second r day today. 10 sickies.
Received via Email: 10-16-11 The only toolbag missing from the video is FIRE CHIEF JAMES LARGE http://saintpetersblog.com/category/bay-area/tampa-city-elections/
Received via Email: 10-16-11 And if Jimmy gets dumped on it's because he deserves it.
So John Fair is number 2 on the list? Funny, his nickname used to be Blackjack for a reason
Received via Email: 10-17-11 Our soon to be new Union Pres. had a good idea. Since the city wont give us another R day, he suggested just take a sick day where your other R day would be and there you have it. Great idea Mikey, looks like A shift is already doing it. Oh, you are on the A shift, guess we on the other shifts will hear it on the down low soon enough. Guess if the city wont be fair, we will have to make them be fair. Now that's Strong. But eventually, we do have to fight to get that other R day. What makes the Captains and D/Cs so special that they can have one and the troops cant. Other departments in the state give it to all personnel, but not us, we are so screwed up backward it is unreal.
Received via Email: 10-18-11 You gotta like the sick leave/R day idea. Good stuff. I'm in.
Received via Email: 10-18-11 EGGPLANT
Received via Email: 10-18-11 The nurses at Northside would greatly appreciate the support from the firefighter's as we fight for safe staffing for our patients.
On Saturday, October 22nd at 7a to 8:30a we will be marching outside the hospital located at 6000 49th St North in St. Petersburg.
Received via Email: 10-18-11 If only the names were different. "and finally to my son Steve." http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/81927469/
Received via Email: 10-22-11 It sure has been quiet around here the past couple of days. Must be because there's not much to report. We've got a new union president. Nobody ran a freight train through the union hall on meeting night. There was no need for pitchforks or torches. For someone who wasn't at the union meeting (Steve Fletcher) you sure ran your mouth a lot about something you didn't even witness. You've been heard running around telling everyone you could that the only reason Winnie didn't run away with the business manager job was because an army showed up for the meeting and wouldn't let it happen. Bullshit. If you had read the posted agenda you'd know just what was going to happen and it would have answered all of your questions. Not only did a large group of us show up at the union meeting (it was all over Facebook) but a bunch of us were there early before the E board meeting and Winnie brought up the subject of business manager and he told everyone that if the job could be shaped for him by the E board that he'd only work on politics and not on negotiations. I'm guessing that if you had been at the meeting you'd still shape the story to your liking so whatever Steve. And before someone tells me he couldn't be at the meeting because he was on duty, he could have traded places with that moron Nuberger Jr. Everyone kept their mouth's shut and listened and twice this guy took the prize for stoopid comments. Guess there's a good reason that Jimmy Large didn't prep you for Lt.
Received via Email: 10-22-11 It couldn't be any worse than Landis running back to his station the next moring and telling everyone that even tho WN won't be paid to negotiate for us that he still ought to help because he's stilll a member. Bwhahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaa
Hey Ray. You and your clan got what you wanted. You put a boot squarely in Winnie's ass and now you're thinking he's going to stick around and help bail out a sinking ship?!!! F**k that and FTM.
Received via Email: 10-23-11 Yes, I saw more folks from stations 11 and the big house of idiots than has ever been assembled in quite awhile. They were there for one thing, the beer, as soon as it ran out so did they. Hey Pete Gotts. how does it feel to have hooked your wagon to those devil juice drinking morons? MTB, you had better get used to the fact that your supporters will run out on ya so easily. As far as what Winnie will or wont do now that he has been booted square in the teeth, yeah he is still a member, I guess if we expect members to support the union because of that then I would suppose that there wont be any open parking spaces ever again around the union office or at any events. I cant wait to witness that show.
Received via Email: 10-23-11 I'm just glad that all the people who showed up for the first time ever and got to hear Winnie talk about the beating we're going to take from Talahassee understands that if they show up a 2nd time they won't see that repeated. Mike has no clue that Talahassee is the state capital let alone ground zero for 175 pension smashing. New day, new reality. Hey Foster. Come and get us. We're easy now.
Received via Email: 10-23-11 #11 B are the biggest bunch of babies, thats why they call them the armpit of the south.
Received via Email: 10-24-11 Who are the 2 souls that are on their ways to the gallows? Rumor has it they are both C-shifters. I feel bad if its those no loads that cant find their way to work on a regular basis. MTB, are you really ready for this? When is the warm fuzzy unit rubbing gonna start? On second thought when are you gonna shut down this site? I cant wait to hear about you falling on your face during Thursdays nego session. I mean with all the goodness that everyone believes that the mayor is gonna pull out of his ass and hand to you, they will begin to doubt your capabilities. But hey 2 long years, your gonna fall many more times. Good luck mutt-boy. Do you know what mutts like to lick more than anything else? The mayor will be showing you his real soon.
Received via Email: 10-26-11 I keep hearing the whisper camaign that Winnie didn't get reelected because some are bitching about pay raises. Read this then read the comments. Pay raises are far and few between boys. http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2011/oct/25/3/tampa-firefighters-reject-proposed-contract-ar-291239/
Received via Email: 10-26-11 Pay raises? Who's the genius that thinks this is the time to make noises about pay raises? The public is already resenting our benefit package more than any time in our history. Pay raise talk would be an excellent thing for unemployed citizens to remember a few years from now when we go back and try to catch up a little. In the mean time, perhaps go read up on the fire departments, some here in Florida, that are losing large percentages of their employees.
This isn't the time to ask for more, it's the time to try to hang on to what you have.
Received via Email: 10-26-11 You seem to forget, the mayor promised raises when we got rid of Winnie, oh yeah he also promised Kimler a COLA in his pension if he prostitued himself for his election campaign. We will all be crying in our glasses about noon tomorrow. Remember the war cry, "anybody but Winnie".
Received via Email: 10-28-11 ILLIGITIMUS NON CARBORUNDUM
TEAM: No shit!
Received via Email: 10-30-11 I dint see no promise of any raise from Thursdays ass fistin session, Did the Mayor forget what he promised to Mikey like he did to the leader of the forgotten 157? I'm in the DROP and I pity each of you FOOLS.
Received via Email: 10-30-11 we're done for.....thanks blankettes
Received via Email: 11-01-11 Suddenly I'm drawing a Blank.
Received via Email: 11-01-11 Hep me Hep me, I am drowning in Blankettes new removal of benefits plan. We are circling the drain and about to go down. The toilet has already been flushed. And you all that voted for Blank pulled the handle. ENJOY
Received via Email: 11-05-11 Flush, swirl, and swoosh. That pretty much sums it up.
Received via Email: 11-05-11 They get a brand new one million dollar Truck at 13 and it is out of service 48 hours in a row due to staffing. Give me a break. Bet the folks in the Carillion Area are real happy about that bit of insanity. Are the DCs that dumb or are they just plain stupid. Only in St Pete. We will probably read about it in the Tampa Bay Times soon.
Received via Email: 11-05-11 Maybe Mike Deeson has had too many calls from firefighters wives to come out every day. Make a project of it and call a business a day and tell them their tax dollars and protection are sitting parked.
Received via Email: 11-06-11 Brain stem, new truck out of service until night drills are completed so we have people trained on it
Received via Email: 11-06-11 Re: 11-05-11, Number 3 ... That's an excellent idea.
Received via Email: 11-06-11 Ok Mr Jack Ass know it all. T13 is OUT OF SERVCE STAFFING ON THE A SHIFT AND C SHIFT. Oh I forgot to mention E1 TOOO
Received via Email: 11-06-11 Yes jackass but it is not the new truck like you stated. The new truck not placed in service yet.
Received via Email: 11-06-11 http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/content/state-sen-jack-latvala-schedules-public-hearing-ems#comments
Received via Email: 11-06-11 http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/content/fire-chief-ousted-ems-advisory-group#comments
Received via Email: 11-07-11 Oh I am sure the dcs can com up with some good lies to tell tell the public
Received via Email: 11-07-11 What is really jack ass, is that our trucks are out of service due to staffing. No other departments in our county do this on a regular basis. We are screwing ourselves putting trucks out of service all the time. Dumb Dumb Dumb. Well, looks who is running the department. Nuf said.
Received via Email: 11-07-11 Hey it is that nuf said guy again.
