Mayoral Candidate Marlin Gets Endorsement Of Local Police, Fire

An Urbana city council member running for mayor says she wants to strengthen ties between emergency personnel, saying it will make the community safer. Alderwoman Diane Marlin picked up the endorsement of local police and firefighters’ unions in an announcement Monday.

Steve Doggett is President of Urbana Firefighters Local 1147. He says Marlin’s campaign pledge to improve the dialogue between his union and police officers will pay off during emergencies.

“When we do have those serious incidents, is there something that will help us give us more tools, or give us more abilities to make a difference with our communities," he said. "So in those areas, communication is critical.”

Marlin Monday met with firefighters, as well as members the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 70.

"She knows the tough and often thankless job that we have to do, and she will take an active role in promoting positive interactions between police officers in our community," said Zach Mikalik, FOP Lodge 70 President.

“Anytime you have an organization, the more dialogue, communication, and collaboration you have among departments makes the city work better," said Marlin.

She says this marks first time that both unions have supported the same mayoral candidate in Urbana. 

She’s one of three women seeking the city’s top office in the February 28th Democratic primary, competing against current Mayor Laurel Prussing and Reverend Evelyn Burnett Underwood.

The winner faces Republican Rex Bradfield April 4th.