Ladies and gentlemen, taxpayers of Altoona.

I find myself in a position to respond to a personal attack

by the firefighter's union. Let's set the story straight. No public suspicions were made. Several years ago,
we were entering Act 47 financial distressed status and the IAFF was vehemently against it. At the time
there was fear the city of Altoona would go to a volunteer or hybrid fire department to cut costs. While
this was being discussed there was a rash of fires set in vacant structures throughout the city. We didn't
know who was setting those bud discuss motive and various possibilities confidentially. At one point a
firefighter came to me and was concerned because it was his opinion the fires were not being set by
amateurs and people that really knew what they were doing may be responsible for the numerous fires
set in the vacant buildings. He expressed concern a firefighter would eventually get hurt or killed. I have
addressed the situation on several occasions. Including a face to face meeting with the executive board
of the local fire union. I met with them as a mature adult in what I believed was a man to man
conversation. Now one week prior to Election Day this letter surfaces from some guy claiming to be a big
shot in the firemen's union attacking me. Please understand I have never expressed my opinions,
publicly or outside of communication with City Management and Council Members. Attacking me over
this situation one week prior to the election simply reeks of political sabotage, especially considering the
spouse of an Altoona firefighter is one of my opponents. I realize the Altoona Fire Department is made
up of professionals who are dedicated to protecting our community. I did not solicit the information I
was given; I was approached by one of their own who was afraid that someone was going to get hurt or
killed during this string of abandoned structure fires. As a member of council, I have and will continue to
protect the taxpayers of Altoona.