Local firefighters have chosen the candidate they would like to see as 91原创 Township鈥檚 next mayor.

Local 4550 of the International Association of Fire Fighters has endorsed Mel Kositsky for the top elected position.

鈥淚鈥檓 very pleased,鈥� Kositsky said as he campaigned on Thursday afternoon.

鈥淚鈥檝e supported public safety and my record is clear on that.鈥�

He added that he supports the Township鈥檚 business plan to have all fire halls staffed around the clock.

Also endorsed by the IAFF local are incumbent councillors Bob Long, Steve Ferguson, Grant Ward, Charlie Fox and Kim Richter.

Incumbent councillor Bev Dornan did not make the cut.

Local 4550 has also endorsed challengers Michelle Sparrow, Dan Sheel and Rebecca Darnell.

Local 4550 president Andy Hewitson said that a committee of eight firefighters took into account the past performance and experience of the candidates. The final decision, made after an all-candidates meeting hosted at the Murrayville fire hall, came after several hours of deliberation and a review of the candidates鈥� questionnaire answers.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 play partisan politics,鈥� Hewitson said. 鈥淲e look at people who had answers to public safety issues.鈥�