A campaign mailer bearing the name "Support Abilene Fire PAC" is raising questions among Abilene voters, some of whom thought it came from the Abilene Professional Fire Fighters Association. The city votes on two firefighter labor measures on Nov. 3.
The mailer urges voters to reject Propositions A and B. The association supports both measures, according to Jarrod Crockett, who spoke for the group. Crockett said he is not aware of the association being behind the mailer and said members and residents sent him photos of it. He said the name, paired with the mailer's opposition, could leave voters uncertain about the association's position. "It could have a tremendous impact on the vote," he said.
Proposition A would adopt collective bargaining for Abilene firefighters under Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code. Proposition B would add a city charter provision for binding arbitration when negotiations reach an impasse. Neither sets a specific pay raise. Crockett said people involved with the committee told him the name was meant to show support for firefighters and was not meant to deceive or suggest a link to the association. The mailer argues that rejecting the measures would keep spending decisions accountable to local voters.