The Sacramento city firefighters union has released a copy of the pledge mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson signed last month stating that he would support a ballot measure forbidding the city from closing firehouses or reducing firefighter staffing.
Johnson signed the pledge Sept. 3 in support of the Neighborhood Firehouse Protection Act. The firefighters union released the document to The Bee's editorial board Tuesday.
Mayor Heather Fargo said she would not sign the pledge, saying she was concerned that such a measure could force the city to tap resources from other city services.
Less than two weeks after Johnson signed his support of the measure, Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 endorsed Johnson. In a letter to The Bee, Local 522 representatives said, "Signing this pledge was not a condition of our endorsement."
No language has been written on the Neighborhood Firehouse Protection Act, and fire union officials said they have not decided whether to bring the measure to the voters.
The measure – similar to one passed by San Francisco voters in 2005 – does not include a funding source. By signing the pledge, Johnson acknowledged "possible cuts could be incurred by parks and recreation, youth programs, libraries and other city departments."
"Even in tight budget times, I do not support closing fire companies due to not only the risk to the citizens, but to the firefighters themselves," the pledge reads.
Call The Bee's Ryan Lillis, (916) 321-1085.
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