Neal Andrews has done more to promote public safety and recognize the courage and dedication of peace and fire officers than all other candidates for City Council. Yet, he doesn’t get endorsed by the police and fire unions. Why?
Andrews’ background in emergency medical services has served the City of Ventura and its fire department well. He has helped the city nearly double its revenue for paramedic services.
After Sept. 11, he established the Kiwanis Fire Services and Heroes Day, annually honoring outstanding fire personnel countywide. He remains the force behind this program and our annual Law Day for outstanding law enforcement officers. He understands the daily risks these individuals take.
He was a leading voice urging passage of a ballot measure to protect city revenues from raids by the state. He collected more signatures for that ballot measure than any other elected official in Ventura County. He spoke at numerous events and organizations. No other candidate or council member was out there doing that.
Police, firefighters and other city employees would face cuts in jobs, pay and benefits right now if that ballot measure had not passed.
Four years ago, Sheriff Bob Brooks said that Mr. Andrews was a strong ally of law enforcement. The only change this time around is that, instead of facing cuts, police and firefighters are now demanding 20 percent salary increases and exorbitant retirement pensions, and they want candidates to promise support in exchange for their endorsement.
Shame on the police and firefighters!
In my view, it is a mark of his integrity that Andrews didn’t get the police or firefighters’ endorsement in this election. What he does get is my ongoing appreciation for his courage and honesty. He also gets my vote.
— Richard Nyznyk, Ventura
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