ADDITIONAL ELECTION INFORMATION
Ballots for the upcoming election will be mailed by American Arbitration Association on Tuesday, June 1st and must be returned by the close of business on Thursday, June 17th. They will be counted on Friday, June 18th commencing at 10:00 a.m.

Any member who has not received a ballot by June 5th is directed to call American Arbitration directly at (800) 529-5218 and give their correct address (and actual assigned unit - not their detail location).

Should any one candidate of the contested offices fail to achieve a majority of the ballots cast, a runoff election will ensue with the ballots being mailed on June 29th and returnable at the close of business on July 15th, to be counted at 10:00 a.m. on July 16th.

UFA DELEGATE HEALTH/SAFETY TRAINING
Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Bohan has announced Delegate trainings will be conducted on Monday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 25 at the UFA Office Building on 23rd Street. The same agenda will be presented both days, so attendance at only one will suffice. Report to the 4th floor meeting room for this 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Health and Safety Session. Proposed topics are Terrorist Tactics, Collapse, FDNY/OSHA Status: What members should be doing about potential safety and health issues. Please notify Jude Gaddis at 212-545-6965 if you plan to participate. Street parking is very limited. Delegate release time has been approved. If you are in Group 5-6-7, you are entitled to excusal time for only one of those two days (your choice of Monday or Tuesday). Coffee, bagels and lunch.

PROPOSED REPEAL OF COMMUTER TAX - A POTENTIAL
BASIS TO ELIMINATE SECTION 1127 WAIVER
The New York State Republican-controlled Senate intends to pass a measure repealing the commuter tax on New York State residents who live outside, but work inside the City. This measure was intended to boost the candidacy of a Rockland County Republican seeking a State Senate seat. Much to the surprise of everyone, the Democrats in the Assembly agreed to appeal the tax. Therefore, it appears that it will pass and the Governor has announced he will sign the bill. The commuter tax is not the 1127 waiver tax paid by non-City resident firefighters. However, for years we have had a bill drafted seeking to eliminate that waiver. The UFA lobbying team led by Mike Carter is teaming up with the Police Unions to redouble our efforts for passage of that bill, particularly in light of the imminent elimination of the commuter tax. We will keep you advised of our progress.

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SHOULD YOU USE CD-73 OR AN MD-X3 FORM?
The CD-73 is a medical exposure (possible injury) form. The MD-X3 form is specifically designed for biological exposures and should be used for biological exposures ONLY. Use the CD-73 for all other types of exposures. Do NOT use the CD-73 for biological exposures any longer.

EYE /FACE PROTECTION ON MEDICAL EMERGENCY RESPONSES
You are reminded to WEAR your OSHA approved, disposable HEPA MASK on all CFR runs when coming in contact with patients. Proper eye and face protection will prevent possible TB exposures. As per federal guidelines, you must assume all victims/patients have an infectious disease, while taking all precautions. The FDNY must provide this protection to meet the standards, but only YOU can assure that it is actually worn. Where does the blame lie if one contracts an infectious disease after not donning the mandatory issue safety equipment?

457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN - FOLLOW UP
Due to the restructuring of the Equity Index Fund, many participating members have expressed their concerns about lack of representation on the Deferred Compensation Board of Trustees. Currently, there is no union representative sitting on this board to have input towards administrative changes. If you would like to voice your concern about the recent restructuring and absence of union input, please send a respectfully written letter to Georgette Gestely at 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, 40 Rector Street - 3rd Floor, New York NY 10006. Let’s work towards adding a union representative to this important, controlling Board of Trustees.

FDNY SOLICITED FOR VOLUNTEER WORKERS - PLEASE HELP
The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation is requesting the firefighters help in fixing up a new burn camp for burn survivors. We need plumbers, carpenters, electricians and helpers. The Connecticut Burns Care Foundation has acquired a Boy Scouts of America Camp Grounds, unfortunately it is in need of some fixing up. If you can spare a weekend, from Friday through Sunday, please contact Jim Fitzgerald (a Burn Center director and also a retired lieutenant) at 718-981-2635. All help will be greatly appreciated. Burn camp is scheduled to start Sunday, July 25th and remain open through Sunday, August 2nd.

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27th ANNUAL FUN CITY BOWL
The 27th Annual Fun City Bowl between the FDNY Bravest Football Club and the NYPD Finest Football Club will be played at St. John’s University on Friday, May 21, 1999 at 7 p.m. All tickets for the game will be $10 (children are free). Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance from any team member. As ususal there will be a post-game party held on the campus at St. John’s University. This annual classic has special significance this year. The team who wins the game will represent the Eastern Division of the NPSFL at the National Championship Game. This game is to be played at Rice University in Houston, Texas on June 5, 1999. Please come out and support your brothers who play for the Bravest in their quest for a National Championship!

SOCIAL RETREAT & GROUP MEETINGS
FIRE-FLAG, which has been providing peer support to gay and lesbian firefighters and their domestic partners since 1992, was accepted as a line fraternal organization last year by the Department. The group sponsors a social retreat called Guns & Hoses for gay police, firefighters and supporters, June 7-11 in Provincetown, Cape Cod, at the Brass Key (800-842-3450) and June 11-14 at the Chandler Inn (800-842-9858). Meetings are held on the even month at the community center and every second Tuesday is Firefighter’s Night at Ty’s, 114 Christopher Street, 6-11 p.m. Those interested may call 914-762-6261, or 914-457-1572 or reach the group via the Internet at fireflag@aol.com. Membership is strictly confidential.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE MASS LABOR RALLY AT CITY HALL.

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Fraternally,

WILLIAM F. MIRRO
Recording Secretary

KEVIN E. GALLAGHER
President