Mayor David Cicilline is taking to the airwaves.  In what was called a "significant" ad buy, Cicilline is defending his position in negotiations with Local 799, which represents Providence firefighters.  From what I've been reading, nonunion employees will soon be paying 20% of their health insurance, and it is also a goal for other unions.  Expecting the firefighters to pay this percentage isn't unreasonable.  Union President Paul Doughty agrees the firefighters should pay something, but he thinks the 15% veteran firefighters are being asked to pay is too much.  This is ridiculous.  All city employees should pay a minimum of 20% toward their health insurance.

     While I do agree with having Firefighters pay a portion of their health insurance, David Cicilline once again shows he's a failure.  First, Local 799 says David Cicilline hasn't sat down with them to negotiate.  Why not?  These negotiations have dragged on throughout his administration.  Why not sit down and discuss these issues in person?  Second, David Cicilline seems shocked that the firefighters are going to picket the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and federal officials won't attend.  I would have been surprised if they didn't picket!  After all, aren't these the same people who essentially forced him out of the Clinton campaign?  Also, who would expect an Presidential administration with heavy union support to cross a picket line?  Does David Cicilline think before he speaks?  Finally, I find it  distasteful that he is using contract negotiations as a chance to raise campaign funds.  Instead of making radio ads, why not sit down and negotiate?

     Hopefully, the Cicilline circus will come to an end in just 17 months.  I've heard speculation about many possible candidates who are considering a run.  I would encourage them to give it a try because David Cicilline's act is wearing thin.