We are writing in response to the negative campaign being conducted by Jimmy Stewart. Mr. Stewart's characterization of City Council's vote on the voluntary American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees payroll deduction is inaccurate and inappropriate. To call AFSCME a special interest insults city workers by insinuating they have some private agenda, when they work for the public good by keeping our streets, water, sewers, vehicles and other important city services running.
Five members of council supported the voluntary AFSCME payroll check-off.
This was something AFSCME requested, and it was a reasonable request. The mayor's administration disagreed. The check-off is now allowed.
The other two members of council, and the mayor disagreed only with the process for approving the check-off. We still believe the voluntary payroll deduction is reasonable.
Debbie Phillips is supported by all members of council and the mayor of
Athens. She is endorsed by Ted Strickland. She is also endorsed by AFSCME, the Ohio Association of Public School Employees, the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the United Mine Workers and others.
We support Debbie Phillips and respectfully request that Mr. Stewart stop his negative, deceptive attacks.
' Amy Flowers, Nancy Bain, Paul Wiehl and Bojinka Bishop are members of Athens City Council.
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Letter to the Editor
