A local firefighters union is endorsing two Greenwood City Council candidates for the upcoming May primary.
The Johnson County Professional Firefighters Local 4252 formally endorsed Greenwood City Council members Ron Bates and Erin Betron, both of whom are on the ballot for the May 2 Republican primary. The firefighters union is comprised of over 150 firefighters in Johnson County from the Greenwood, Bargersville, and White River Township fire departments.
Bates’ endorsement was announced by the union on Thursday, and Betron’s was announced on Friday.
In both announcements, union officials said Bates and Betron are proud supporters of fire and emergency medical services and the union’s members. Both candidates were interviewed by one of the union’s boards, who felt Bates and Betron demonstrated a commitment to the issues most important to members, said Nathan Poff, union president.
“We understand the importance of having leaders who prioritize our public safety and emergency services,” Poff said. “We just feel that Ron Bates and Erin Betron demonstrate that commitment to all of our issues.”
Bates, a long-time council member, is seeking reelection to the city’s council’s District 4 seat. He is currently facing challenges from Bob Lynn and Teri Manship in the primary.
The union is confident Bates will continue prioritizing the well-being of residents and public safety personnel. He’s shown a strong commitment to serving the community, Poff said.
“He’s been the council vice president, council liaison to the mayor and he’s also a precinct committeeman for White River 5,” Poff said. “He has a deep understanding of our city’s needs and abilities and can work effectively with city officials.”
Bates was honored to receive the endorsement. Supporting public safety is something he’s always done, he said.
“I’ve been a fan, so to speak, of public safety since I’ve been on the council,” Bates said. “I’ve always supported anything that came before the council that had to do with fire and police. Personally, I think that’s the first line of duty for local government — to provide for fire and police protection.”
Betron, who was caucused in to fill in a vacant at-large seat in February, is seeking her first full-time in office as one of the council’s three at-large members. Also running for the seats are incumbent Mike Campbell, and challengers Bogdan John Golinksi, Steve Moan, Brian Moore and Ronald Palmer.
The union was proud to endorse Betron, who has shown a dedication to improving and supporting emergency services, Poff said.
“She’s come out and talked with us, and asked questions about the fire department — the inner workings of how the fire department works,” he said.
She is also a veteran, a former volunteer firefighter and a former flight medic. This gives Betron an understanding of firefighters’ needs and the community, Poff said.
Betron was honored and humbled to receive the endorsement, she said.
“First responders will always have a special place in my heart, and as a former flight medic in the military, this partnership makes it all the more special for me,” Betron said. “I will do everything within my power to earn their endorsement every day that I serve on the Greenwood City Council.”
The bipartisan union has now endorsed three political candidates for office through its political action committee ahead of the May primary. The first candidate was Greenwood mayoral candidate Joe Hubbard, who was endorsed on Feb. 23. Hubbard is challenging incumbent Mayor Mark Myers in the Republican primary.
