Fire union poll reveals discontent By MATT KAPKO Half Moon Bay Review September 29, 2004 In secret balloting, 20 of the 32 paying members of the local firefighters union have issued a vote of no confidence against Fire Chief Jim Asche of the Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District. Although the vote tally didn't reach the 75 percent that union leaders determined would be necessary to issue a formal vote of no confidence, the results nonetheless show that more than 62 percent of the membership has soured on Asche's management. A total of eight union members issued votes of confidence, totaling 25 percent of the tally. One member didn't vote and three others abstained. No union members contacted would speak publicly on the vote, however several did confirm the vote count and discussed issues surrounding the vote. Union leaders are disappointed that the vote depicts a factionalized labor group, albeit one weighted in opposition to Asche. According to several members, the union believes that the district board of directors would fail to act on the union's vote, regardless of the outcome. Director Dave Eufusia, who is also a former fire chief, voiced serious concern. "I think it's significant and it's an important issue," he said. "If they felt strongly enough that a majority of them had no confidence in me as a board member, I would step down," he said. "We all have to work together to try and resolve this," he said. "I think Jim Asche inherited some of this stuff." The union issued former chief Chris Maxwell a unanimous vote of no confidence in 1999. His time at the department ended quickly thereafter. "With the problems they've been having there, I don't know how it would surprise somebody," said Gary Riddell, a director on the Point Montara Fire Protection District board. Point Montara currently contracts for service from Half Moon Bay. That arrangement has been the subject of prolonged discussion between the two boards. Riddell voiced frustration with the union's unwillingness to make the results public in a letter. "If they want to live in those conditions, it's their choice," Riddell said. "It seems like an effort in futility. I think the people down there deserve better than that." Asche said he was surprised to learn of the vote. "I was feeling pretty confident this week," he said, emphasizing his goal of consolidating the two districts in the coming weeks. "Now, with this, I don't have that same optimism." No confidence votes "aren't that uncommon" within fire ranks, he said, adding that it can show solidarity. He believes the underlying reason for the vote was labor's uncertain future. With the Point Montara district actively considering a contract with another fire agency, Asche said at least eight staff positions are on the line. "I hope that labor hasn't hurt themselves with this in the long run," he said. "It's almost like the worst possible time." Home