Kerry courts Salem firefighters' votes
August 09, 2003 - Eagle Tribune - By Dan Tuohy

SALEM -

Fire Capt. Joe Kamal observes Sept. 11 in two distinct but not altogether different ways.

It's the anniversary of the day he became a firefighter in 1983. The date, he said, is also a constant reminder of what is at stake for a firefighter who may be the first to respond to an act of terrorism.

Kamal told Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry last night the risk is magnified because the Salem fire and rescue squad is constantly fighting staffing problems.

"In the first hours of any response, we're going to take care of it," Kamal said, adding that the solution to inadequate staffing is more money from the federal government.

Kerry -- who joined firefighters for a lasagna supper last night as part of a campaign swing through Southern New Hampshire -- said he backs a plan to boost funding for first responders and establish another 100,000 firefighter positions.

The Massachusetts senator has blamed President Bush for underfunding first responders, and he appears to be the leading contender for the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire. The union has yet to endorse a candidate, but its close ties to Kerry contrasts with firefighters' lukewarm or cool response to fellow Democratic front-runner Howard Dean.

Firefighters question Dean's support when he was governor of Vermont. The union's summer newsletter features a letter from Steven Locke, president of the Vermont firefighters' union, which raps Dean.

"I would like to tell you that Governor Dean was a friend to the firefighters and public safety in general, however that would not be a true statement," Locke wrote. "In fact, the only positive statement that I can make about our former governor is that he signed our Survivors Benefits bill once we had done all the work to ensure its passage."

Dorie Clark, a New Hampshire spokeswoman for Dean, rebutted the comments. She said Dean has a strong record on firefighter issues.

The state Republican Party, in response to Kerry's criticism, pointed to $750 million in federal fire aid that recently arrived and recent grants to New Hampshire departments. But while the $750 million helps, it is just a start in dealing with greater training, equipment, and staffing needs, said Kevin Breen, Salem's assistant fire chief.

Kerry's stop at the Salem Fire Department -- where he got behind the wheel of Engine 1 and rode a firefighter's Harley-Davidson around the parking lot -- was part of a swing throughout southern New Hampshire yesterday. He also met with local Democratic leaders and undecided voters in downtown Derry.

In response to comments from former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, who accused Democrats of being adrift, Kerry said he has a clear plan to improve economic and national security.

Cuomo said this week he wants former Vice President Al Gore to enter the race and unite the party behind a positive message. Gore, in a speech questioning President Bush's honesty, affirmed he would not run again.

"Right now the Democratic voice is not a single voice," Cuomo said. "It is not a chorus. It is a babble."

Kerry said Cuomo needs to listen closer. He said his agenda is on track.

"I worked hard with President Clinton to balance the budget," he said. "I worked hard with President Clinton on foreign policy that made sense. I think people are going to listen, not to labels that you try to attach to yourself, but you really have to look at who you are and what your policies are."

Kerry's comparison with Clinton came as U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., said he was the candidate in the fashion of Clinton-Gore.

Kerry's message yesterday focused on putting people back to work and he blamed Bush for an estimated 3 million job loss.

"We can put Americans back to work," Kerry said.

Kerry's plan to do so involves a payroll tax holiday and he would preserve parts of the Bush tax cut -- the child tax credit and a repeal of the marriage tax penalty -- to help the middle class. He said other Democrats in the race, including Dean, would hurt the middle class by a full repeal of the Bush tax cut.

The day netted Kerry a few more votes. Joan Watson-Jones, who met the candidate at Daren's Music store in Derry, said she would support Kerry for his foreign policy experience. She questioned Dean's leadership.

"I feel Howard Dean is just a little too far off the other end," she said.

Margaret Ives, a semi-retired consultant from Derry, said foreign policy is the No. 1 issue. She was an uncommitted voter, but after having lunch with Kerry, she offered her support.

"The world's in a tough spot," she said. "We need better leadership."