I read in your most recent issue of the Call an article describing the amount of money that Mehlville Local 1889 of the International Association of Firefighters spent on the recent efforts to elect Mr. Dennis Skelton to the Mehlville Fire Protection District board.

This money came out of the pockets of the employees and was used in an effort to inform the taxpaying residents of the district exactly what is going on. The current board members have used this publication as a platform for their personal agenda of tax reform.

In the process of doing so, the stories that have appeared in the Call have been riddled with half-truths and, in some cases, outright lies about the men and women of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.

Stories about increases in services, salary and benefits of employees or reductions in tax rates have been greatly exaggerated and have the readers totally confused as to the real issues that are going on within the district.

The decision of the local to participate in the efforts of Mr. Skelton came just two weeks before the election and after a well-respected businessman was harassed at work and at home and was forced to withdraw his name from the ballot. Who would benefit most from this kind of action, and whom do you call bullies and thugs?

I am encouraged by the number of persons who we informed about the truth who came and voted for Mr. Skelton. Our efforts will continue until the residents see the true story about their fire district.

One day, they will know the truth — but until then, the men and women of the Mehlville Fire Protection District will continue to serve you and yours at your time of need.

Bob Strinni,

president

Mehlville IAFF Local 1889