Ed FitzGerald, aka Fitzie-G, purports to be a great fighter for labor and quickly hopped on the issue in a sad attempt to run away from his record. Fitzie-G’s real record on fighting for union men and women? Let’s take a look at a few examples:
Fitzie-G Drew the Ire of Local AFSCME Union, Who Mistook Him for a Republican, as He Cut City Employees: In November 2007, the city elected a new mayor, Edward Fitzgerald (R), who vowed to improve public safety, but he never explained how he was going to pay for it. Soon after assuming office, he started making service cuts. First, the entire city health department. Then, mobility services for seniors. Next, city code enforcement officers. So far, nearly two dozen members have lost their jobs. (NOTE: use of the R after FitzGerald’s name was actually in the blog) [2009 AFSCME blog entry]
After Ascending to Office in Cuyahoga County with the Support of Labor, He Turned His Back on Them: The austerity measures could pose a tricky situation for FitzGerald, who depended heavily on organized labor during his 2010 campaign. As mayor of Lakewood, FitzGerald pared 20 percent of the city work force, which he said cost him endorsements from two labor groups during his run for county executive. [Cleveland Plain Dealer in 2011]
Fitzie-G Then Bragged about Bargaining “Sweeping Union Concessions”: Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald has announced what he called the most sweeping union concessions the county has ever reached. [Cleveland Plain Dealer in 2011]
Fitzie-G, a friend to labor or an opportunist who will do and say whatever he needs to to make his next career move?
