EMS union jumps on the Watson bandwagon

Selena Xie, president of the Austin EMS Association, announced Tuesday that the union has endorsed Mayor Kirk Watson for reelection. The announcement came from the Watson campaign, which included a statement from Xie that said, “While most people know us for responding to life and death situations, EMS personnel are also on the front lines of some of the biggest challenges facing our community, including homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse. And we’re part of our community’s health care network providers.” The EMS union endorsed Watson, saying the incumbent “has demonstrated over and over that he places the highest priority on public health and safety, and has the ability to get things done that help first responders like us help our community.” Xie said the union is helping Watson raise money for the election and asked those receiving the email to contribute. Former City Council Member Kathie Tovo, Watson’s best-known opponent, also sent out an appeal for contributions on Tuesday. All the serious campaigns are focused on fundraising this week because the deadline for the next contribution report is June 30. The Austin Monitor asked Xie whether her organization had endorsed other City Council candidates. She said the group has endorsed all the incumbents running for reelection – Council members Vanessa Fuentes, Chito Vela and Mackenzie Kelly, running in Districts 2, 4 and 6, respectively. Bob Nicks, president of the Austin Firefighters Association, said his group has not yet made any decisions about endorsements. He said he expected that to happen in July or early August.