Lakewood Firefighters Association Endorses For Issue 64 Campaign, Nurses Endorse Against 64

LAKEWOOD, OH - Lakewood Firefighters Association Local 382 announced that it is endorsing the 'For' Issue 64 position, saying it is the only way to ensure uninterrupted emergency room service during the transition to a new outpatient medical center and the only way to guarantee emergency services in Lakewood for years to come.

Seth Andregg, President of Lakewood Firefighters Association Local 382, made the following statement in announcing firefighters' endorsement FOR Issue 64:

Firefighters are on the front lines of health and safety in Lakewood, and we respond to medical emergencies every day. Lakewood’s emergency room is vital to our quick and effective response for patients.

We should never risk or endanger emergency medical services in Lakewood, but that’s an unintended consequence of this ballot issue: if people vote ‘against’ and the issue fails, Lakewood emergency services would be subject to legal challenges and delay as part of costly new lawsuits against the healthcare plan. That would be irresponsible and is an unnecessary risk.

Voting FOR Issue 64 is the only path to uninterrupted emergency care and affirms the healthcare transformation plan that guarantees emergency services in Lakewood for years to come. That’s why every Lakewood resident should vote FOR Issue 64.

The firefighters join a long list of city officials and organizations that have come in support of Issue 64. So far, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Cleveland Building Trades & Construction Council Trades Council, IBEW Local 38, and Building Laborers 310 have come out in support of Issue 64.

Mayor Michael Summers and Fire Chief Scott Gilman held a joint press conference in late September to discuss rumors that the city's medical emergency services would be impacted by Issue 64. You can watch their conference here.

Issue 64 is on the ballot in Lakewood this November 8th.

The Strong Lakewood group that opposes Issue 64 pointed out that the 'For' 64 side isn't the only campaign receiving endorsements. The National Nurses United Tweeted out their support for the 'Against' 64 campaign on Oct. 21.

The Strong Lakewood group, which is asking residents to vote against the issue, have said that they want the city to pursue a course of action that is less harmful to the city. According to a document on their site, "We can still pursue better options than simply conforming to a harmful trend. Lakewood can continue to offer a better alternative, by rejecting Issue 64 and its restricted future. Investors recognize the attraction of cities like Lakewood. We can defeat the noncompete clause on our hospital property, and restore real healthcare as well as job opportunities."

Photo from Lakewood Firefighters Association

Caption: Seth Andregg, President and Chuck Yurcich, Vice President of Lakewood Firefighters Association Local 382.