Firefighters group endorses Connealy

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by don walton

With a sharp critique of Jeff Fortenberry's record, Nebraska firefighters Thursday handed their congressional endorsement to Matt Connealy.

As a member of the Lincoln City Council, Fortenberry expressed opposition to pay raises for firefighters in 1997 and voted to eliminate six firefighting positions in 1998, said State Firefighters President Mike McDonnell.

"We have men and women protecting the citizens of Lincoln right now that would not be here if Jeff Fortenberry had his way," Lincoln Firefighters President Mark Munger said.

Connealy, the Democratic nominee in the 1st District House race, has been "a strong supporter of providing first responders with the tools needed to get the job done," Munger said.

Thursday's endorsement by the Nebraska Professional Firefighters Association will be accompanied by campaign contributions and volunteer workers. Lincoln firefighters have been a major force in turning out voters in city elections.

The critical review of Fortenberry's record drew a swift response from the Republican nominee.

"While on the council, Jeff Fortenberry supported firefighters with their equipment needs and improvements to their benefit programs," campaign manager Jessica Moenning said.

Fortenberry focused on public safety, she said, voting to add 24new officers to the police force.

"Serving in elective office requires the type of leadership that can balance the needs of the community with not raising taxes on the backs of working people," Moenning said.

Mayor Coleen Seng, a Democrat, also voted to eliminate six firefighting positions in 1998 when she was a member of the City Council, Moenning said.

Fortenberry has "a record of fighting to make our jobs more difficult as we face unprecedented challenges," McDonnell said.

"You cannot claim to support our troops when you have a record of failing to do just that here at home."

Connealy said firefighters and police officers "truly are our first line of defense" in the war against terrorists.

"We owe it to our men and women in uniform to make sure they have the resources they need for training and protection as they protect us," he said.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or dwalton@;journalstar.com.