City, County and Statewide Public Safety Endorsements

This past week, Das announced at a press conference hosted by the city and county firefighters' unions that his campaign for State Assembly has received the following city, county and statewide public safety endorsements:

• Santa Barbara City Firefighters Association
• Santa Barbara County Firefighters
• CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Firefighters (CDF Firefighters)
• California Highway Patrol

Collectively, these organizations represent thousands of firefighters and peace officers up and down California. They now join the Santa Barbara Police Officers Association and the California Asian Peace Officers PAC as leaders in the public safety community supporting Das Williams' campaign.

"In his 6 years on the Santa Barbara City Council, Das Williams has consistently shown his support for public safety, especially our local fire department," said Tony Pighetti, Chair of the Santa Barbara City Firefighters Association Political Action Committee. "He has always been willing and open to meet with us and hear our concerns on various issues. Time and again, Das has demonstrated a deep understanding of public safety and recognition of the value of the services we provide."

"We are confident that Das Williams has the experience, proven record of results, and understanding of public safety issues that it takes to be an effective advocate for firefighters and our community in Sacramento," said Adam Estabrook, Vice President of the Santa Barbara County Firefighters. "Those of us on the front lines of public safety face many challenges, and need representation in Sacramento that is not only committed to our issues, but also to solving the problems that have been affecting this state for years."

During his six years on city council, Williams has consistently proven his commitment to public safety. He has helped stop attempts to reduce the fire truck staffing levels in Santa Barbara and worked to establish the wildland fire protection program to create fire breaks and buffer zones. Additionally, Williams has helped lead the successful effort for a 9 percent staff increase for uniformed police officers and found a way to maintain a staff of 140 sworn officers in the midst of local budget deficits.

"Budgets are increasingly strained for cities throughout our state, and as stewards of the public dollar we must maintain a focus on supporting the very people whose duty is to provide a safe environment for us to live," said Das Williams. "The support of these organizations moving forward represents an endorsement of my record of serving the people in this region."

"I am deeply humbled and honored by today's endorsements," added Williams.