Page 35 - FOP Magazine March 2019

important the job of a first responder is, and how police offi- cers and firefighters feel they are not being represented by their political leaders.
During group chats and when he stepped to the podium, Gar- diner detailed the perspective he wants to bring to the council. “You can watch a movie or read it in a book, but when you tell your story personally it becomes more relatable,” he em- phasized. “We will be able to explain what really happens and why it’s important for certain things to be addressed. We can tell them how having healthier first responders leads to having
a healthier city.”
Like the other candidates, Taliaferro used his time at the po-
dium to offer similar words of encouragement. His initial state- ment was one of tribute to police officers who reduced crime in the 29th ward by 73 percent.
Then, he made a pledge to all those in the hall who serve and protect.
“I want to sit down and have a really good dialogue about how we can make sure our first responders aren’t losing their benefits,” Taliaferro conveyed. “They are the backbone of this city, and I’m anxious for this new start we have in the city coun- cil with adding additional first responders to get that done.”
The right leaders
The post-rally statements of increased police and fire politi- cal presence came fast and furious on election night. Taliaferro won reelection with 59 percent of the vote. Gardiner defeated a heavily stacked incumbent in the 45th, taking 54 percent of the vote. Napolitano carried the 41st with 70 percent of the vote.
And perhaps the greatest statement on the growing force of first responders-as-elected officials came in the 38th ward. Sposato ran unopposed. He needed only one vote to be cast to be reelected but received. He received more than 9,000 votes.
Chicago Lodge 7 President Kevin Graham makes some remarks before inviting candidates to come up to the podium to address members.
Gardiner added a statement at the rally to motivate first re- sponders to continue to raise their voices in the city’s political process.
“The importance of volunteers is highly underappreciated,” he said. “We have to be better if we want political leaders to best represent us. Pick a candidate and give them an hour once a week. Answer phones. Knock on doors. Believe me, when you’re out there knocking on doors and it’s cold, wet and dark, you need to have somebody with you. We need the right leaders, and you need to help those leaders get there.”
An immediate opportunity for Lodge 7 members to step up politically comes with the April 2 runoff for city treasurer. Conyears-Ervin has proven herself worthy of the FOP endorse- ment for more than just having several family members who are first responders and a mother who was a union laborer for nearly 25 years.
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