Colorado Springs mayoral challenger receives endorsement from firefighters

The union representing Colorado Springs firefighters has announced its support for a candidate in the mayor’s race — but it’s not the incumbent, John Suthers.

Challenger John Pitchford has received the endorsement of the Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 5.

In a statement posted on his Facebook campaign page, Pitchford said he agrees with firefighters who seek collective bargaining to obtain better pay, benefits and resources.

Pitchford spoke with KRDO NewsChannel 13 on Tuesday.

“I’m very proud to get that endorsement,” he said. “Of course, we don’t want (collective bargaining) to get out of hand. But I don’t think that’s going to be a problem if we have a mayor who is willing to negotiate in good faith with the city employees. I don’t think there will be any more necessity for anyone to ask for a union.”

In the April 2 municipal election for mayor and several City Council positions, voters also will decide whether to pass Issue 1, which would allow collective bargaining.

Suthers, seeking a second term, opposes collective bargaining because he said it would open the door to more bargaining among city employees, and cost money that would be better used for other purposes.

Suthers also said firefighters already have a good salary and benefits package, with an average pay of $80,000.

Suthers’ political action committee is currently airing a TV spot urging voters to reject the issue.

“You can’t unionize the fire department,” he said. ‘It would be unfair to do that without allowing the police department, public works, utilities, city foresters. It’s only a matter of time before the whole city would be unionized. That would be costly to taxpayers.”

Curt Crumb, a union spokesman, said firefighters endorsed Suthers in the 2015 election.

“Pitchford understands that public safety should be immune to partisan politics, and understands that working with the professionals who provide public safety is the best way to insure that we have a secure city here,” Crumb said.

Juliette Parker and Lawrence Martinez are also in the mayor’s race.