For the second time in a week, Michael Harrington has received an endorsement from a public safety organization.
Michael Harrington
On Friday, the Riverside Sheriffs Association (RSA) endorsed Harrington, who is one of six candidates vying for three open seats on the Rancho Mirage City Council. Earlier this week, the Rancho Mirage Fire Department, also known as Cal Fire Local 2881, endorsed Harrington. He is the only candidate of six to receive each of the endorsements.
Harrington, 59, a family law attorney, interviewed with the Political Action Committee of the RSA and it recommended Harrington’s endorsement to the full board, said Julie Kelley of the RSA.
To receive the endorsements, candidates must actively seek them. Harrington to date is the only candidate to seek the dual endorsements.
“These public safety endorsements mean that I have taken the time to understand important issues with the service contracts, budgets and public needs in our city,” Harrington told Uken Report. “Rancho Mirage is a contract city which means we contract for our police and fire service.”
Police services are contracted through the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, fire service is contracted through CalFire.
“I have taken the time to understand the reasons behind the increase in crime, such as Proposition 47 and Assembly Bill 109, the opening of the new jail, deputy attrition rate, and morale,” Harrington said. “I am honored to have been endorsed in this race by the Riverside Sheriffs Association.”
Robert Garcia, deputy finance director for District VI of Cal Fire Local 288I, said Harrington’s knowledge of inadequate staffing levels, challenges with recruitment and retention and forced overtime earned him the endorsement.
“I have taken the time to learn about statewide increases in devastating fires, the staffing issues for our local fire department, the national minimum standards for staffing and why we need to increase staffing at our city fire department,” Harrington said. “I am honored to have the endorsement of CalFire Local 2881. If elected, I am ready to lead the effort going forward to address the growing public safety problems we are facing as a city, the rising cost of public safety and our contracts with these public safety agencies.”
Harrington will be available to discuss public safety and fire service with residents at 9 a.m. today, Saturday, March 3, at Koffi, 71380 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. The public is welcome to join him.
