Atascadero firefighters union endorses Susan Funk for City Council
Susan Funk.
Union cites public safety funding and staffing in endorsement
– Atascadero Professional Firefighters, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3600, has endorsed Atascadero City Council Member Susan Funk in her bid for re-election, according to a news release from her campaign.
Funk, who has served on the council since 2018, is one of four candidates running for two seats in the Nov. 3 election. She announced her campaign in July.
“Susan Funk listens to first responders, respects our expertise, and works collaboratively to ensure Atascadero remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Zachariah Jackson, president of the local. “Her steady leadership, experience, and commitment to public safety make her the right choice to continue serving our city. We urge you to join us in supporting Susan Funk for Atascadero City Council.”
According to the release, the union cited Funk’s support for funding initiatives, including Measure D-20, that expanded fire and emergency equipment and helped secure infrastructure for the city. It also pointed to her work on staffing and training for emergency services, wildland-urban interface preparedness, disaster mitigation and regional homelessness.
“Much of the work of being an effective City Council Member takes place without fanfare or drama – showing up, studying issues, asking questions, clarifying priorities, and finding opportunities,” Funk said. “I am deeply grateful to the members of Atascadero Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3600 for their endorsement and recognition of the work I do in collaboration with my Council colleagues to promote reliable funding for the training, infrastructure, equipment and personnel, so that they can be effective in their vital work.”
Funk’s campaign said that during her tenure, the city has replaced fire engines, added police officers and launched a $37 million public safety facilities project that the council supported unanimously. A downtown fire station more than 70 years old was torn down to make way for a new two-story fire station and emergency operations center, the campaign said. The city broke ground on the public safety facility improvements in May.
The campaign said other endorsers include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 639, the Central Coast Labor Council, the Central Coast Building Trades, the California Faculty Association Cal Poly Chapter and the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast PAC.
For more information and additional endorsements, visit votesusanfunk.com.
