PRESS RELEASE

September 5, 2009

Endorsements for Asheville City Council and Mayor
A prepared statement by Mike Marshall; President of the Asheville Fire Fighters Association; endorsing Cecil Bothwell, Esther Manheimer, and Kelly Miller for city council:

“We do not take any endorsement by our organization lightly.  Fire fighting is a serious profession and we are very careful about which candidates we back for public office.  The guiding principle of any endorsement we make is the person must be good for public safety, our members and their families.  In a recent meeting, our Executive Board came to the unanimous conclusion that Cecil Bothwell, Esther Manheimer, and Kelly Miller are the candidates to receive our endorsement as the next members of Asheville City Council… All three of the candidates that we are endorsing have the professional experience and a record of accomplishment unmatched by any other candidate in this race.  Throughout their careers, each has demonstrated his or her natural leadership when called upon to do so…Bothwell, Manheimer, and Miller share our main concerns.  Those concerns include public safety and safety of our members, adequate training, proper staffing, and quick response capabilities.  These candidates will help make sure these objectives are achieved.

"In addition, the Asheville Fire Fighters Association strongly supports Mayor Terry Bellamy in her bid for re-election. Said Marshall, "Mayor Bellamy, throughout her tenure has been a steadfast proponent of public safety.  Endorsing her was a non-issue since she always has the fire fighter's and the community's safety in mind.  The City of Asheville is fortunate to have such a leader,"