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Brothers and Sisters
All of our affiliates should have received the PPFFA Strategic Plan For Passage of Our Cancer Presumption Bill.
We are asking ALL our Local Presidents to contact their State Senators, visit them in their home office and ask for their support in passing this Bill. Keep in mind the importance of reaching out to Senators in your surrounding areas who don’t represent any of our locals. They need to understand how important this issue is to us.
Eastern Trustees and the President’s from the Northeast (Kevin Ruby), Central Pennsy (Carey Eggert), and the Del Val (Marty Kelly) will circulate a request that I sent out earlier asking for help. I want to make sure that no one is missed.
E-mail me any scheduled meetings you set up so that we can coordinate any overlaps or possible missed visits. We do not have much time! We need to have these home office visits completed before Sept 16th when they return to Harrisburg. Additional information can be found in our Download Section. Any questions do not hesitate to contact myself or any of the officers or trustees. I want to thank you in advance for your time and cooperation in helping us make this a success. Please Act Now!
In Brotherhood,
Peter F. Huf
Eastern Vice President
PPFFA
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| April 2007 Notes from Pete Huf |
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Brothers and Sisters,
As the Legislative conference draws near, I wanted to remind all locals to send in your registration information ASAP. Twenty Seven members from across Pennsylvania just recently returned from Washington DC. We were very successful in discussing the IAFF issues with our congressional representatives. The House Reps and Senators were very receptive to us and asked many important questions. It demonstrated to us the importance of these meetings. In May the PPFFA (YOU) will be doing the same thing in Harrisburg. With so many important issues facing organized labor and the fire service we must have a strong showing from our membership. As Act 47 continues to spread across the state we must discuss the negative impact the Act is having on us and public safety in general. I am asking every local in the Eastern region to send members to this important event. Please contact me with any questions or concerns you might have.
To date, over 125 members of the General Assembly will be attending the reception on Monday evening. This is a great opportunity to meet not only your own representatives but those from the surrounding areas.
Presidents, please make sure a recent copy of your contract is on file in our state office. You can either send an electronic or hard copy. Also, don’t forget to contact IAFF headquarters and begin the municipal financial analysis. This information will be crucial as the IAFF assists us in developing a financial picture for the entire state. Again, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me or any of the trustees at anytime.
In Brotherhood,
Peter F. Huf
Eastern Vice President
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| Notes from VP Huf |
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Eastern Vice President
As I start my second term I want to thank all the locals and their leadership for their continued support. Again, I am honored to serve as the PPFFA Eastern Vice President. Recently I participated in two IAFF events that highlighted the true importance and spirit of our profession and our great union. The international convention in Toronto presented many challenges facing our union. These challenges seem to be coming at a faster pace and from more directions then ever before. It is comforting to see the IAFF creating and adjusting programs and policies to meet these demands. You realize that this will be a constant fight that will never end.
Attending the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial in Colorado Springs is certainly a moving and emotional experience. This memorial not only honors our fallen brothers and sisters but also reminds us of the true sacrifice and commitment. It is a true reminder of just how dangerous our profession really is. It is also a reminder that as a union leader we must continue to make our profession safer. I have come away from these two places proud to be a member of the IAFF and this great profession. Now, it is my job, along with the other executive board members to make sure you are focused as well.
On the home front we are continuing to address the ever expanding problem of Act 47. No community is truly safe from its deadly grip. I believe this problem will only be controlled through the legislative process- which means getting politically active. This can be accomplished by getting to know your legislators, establishing a local PAC and supporting the PPFFA and IAFF PAC funds. If anyone is uncomfortable meeting with their state legislators let me know and we will make arrangements to accompany you. Our state legislative conference is a great time to accomplish this. The most important step you can take is to VOTE. President Eckman has worked very hard to compile a list of legislators that support us. Please keep this in mind when voting.
Also, our Act 47 Strike Team has done an outstanding job of educating our locals about everyday life under Act 47 and how to prepare for it. They are always available to assist you.
The PPFFA is currently working with the IAFF to develop an “in-state” Fire OPS 101. This will be another great tool in getting our message out to our political leaders and the media.
In closing I want to acknowledge the retiring of Tom Haines and Joe Matta. Thank you for all your years of service. I also want to welcome Art Martynuska and George Ban to the executive board. Having served as our trustees they bring a lot of experience to the board. Our two new trustees, George Beckly and Mike Valine will compliment our four returning trustees. I look forward to working with everyone. If any locals have any questions or need any assistance please don’t hesitate to e-mail or call me at any time. I am also available to attend any local meetings.
In Brotherhood
Peter F. Huf
Eastern Vice President
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Page Last Updated: Aug 26, 2008 (09:12:09)
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