By james art 
Tallahassee professional firefighters have announced their support for this year’s city races: The city’s firefighters union is endorsing Jack Porter for re-election for City Commission Seat 1 and Dot Inman-Johnson in the race for City Commission Seat 2 held by Curtis Richardson.
Both Porter and Inman-Johnson have long expressed support for a pay increase for firefighters as the union continues to negotiate with the city. The Tallahassee Professional Firefighters Union has been battling city staff for more than a year, trying to reach a pay agreement that satisfies both sides.
The candidates’ support, “a desire to stand up for firefighters and act in the best interest of our community,” led to their approval, according to a news release.
“Jack Porter has consistently advocated for treating our first responders with respect and strengthening our ability to serve the community,” said Joey Davis, the union’s president, in a statement. “Jack listens to our concerns, understands what we need to move forward and speaks up for what’s right.”
While City Commissioner Curtis Richardson has “congratulated our firefighters in the past, it hasn’t made the city do what’s right and the firefighters are still leaving. It’s time for action and Dot has a history of doing, not just saying,” Davis added.
Inman-Johnson, who previously served on the commission from 1984-94, is also running against Bernard Stevens Jr. and Donna Nayak. Porter faces opposition from Anthony DeMarco, Louis Dilbert and Rudy Ferguson also in the mix.
Breaking and breaking news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on the Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Professional Firefighters Announces Two Local Endorsements