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March 25,
2008---Marion---Dist Vp Roy Hollenbacher kicked off the First
District meeting tonight, welcoming all local leaders and guests.
Secretary Treasurer Mark
Horton addressed the finances of the OAPFF and discussed in length
the OAPFF’s plan to relocate offices. The OAPFF will be moving its
headquarters to the 12th Floor of the Ohio Police and
Fire Pension Building near the statehouse. “If we are going to play
the game, we should be nearer the players,” Horton commented.
Following his address to
the assembled fire fighters, Retiree VP Tom Rave held a brief caucus
with the retired members to field questions and address concerns of
the many retired members at the Meeting.
Candidates for Trustee
gave presentations to the first dist and answered questions as they
were raised. The five members vying for the Trustee spots are Tim
Taylor, Solon; Joe Richards, Columbus; Pat Gunn, Green Twp; Phil
Gauer, Akron; and Tracy Koons, Buycurus.
The first district was
visited by two Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund representatives.
Larry Petrick, Active member and Bill Deaton, retired member, were
both in attendance. Larry spoke not only about Pension issues but
Fire Fighter Health Issues as well. Hew fire rules are in effect
and Director Petrick discussed those briefly. Safety Stand Down
week is now Fire and EMS Safety Survival week, the same basic idea
applies, but under its new name we should all revisit our own safety
at the fire houses. HIPPA rules also apply to health and wellness
programs, special care should be given in contracts to see that
HIPPA is followed when instituting these plans.
(ED’s note: Larry
Petrick is running for reelection to the position of Active Fire
Representative for the OP&F. He has received the OAPFF
endorsement.)
Director of Education
and Research Mark Lundy announced that the OAPFF winter education
seminar will be Nov 10 and Nov 11 in Columbus. Lundy also reminded
members that SERB fact finders’ fees rose to $950 per day and to
ensure that locals check on the SERB website to make sure contracts
are up to date.
IAFF 8th Dist
VP Tom Miller informed the first district that the IAFF has not made
any commitment or movement in the realm of endorsing a presidential
candidate. SAFER Funding is has been increased by 60%. Fire
Departments can apply through the Homeland Security website.
President Sanders
covered a wide variety of topics including our recent successes at
the state house including the recent Legislative Conference. “We
are recognized as the organization to speak on fire fighters
issues. We are well represented at the state house. We are the
voice of fire fighters. We are the OAPFF.” Sanders stated.
President Sanders then
reviewed resolutions for the OAPFF Conference in Akron this summer.
For a full list of resolutions visit that page of oapff.com or click
here.
Motions were
presented and passed for First District to endorse Tom Rave for
Retiree VP and Tracy Koons for Trustee. |
