Lynn unions say no pledges offered

LYNN – City police and fire union leaders Tuesday said they never spoke with former mayoral candidate David Rohnstock and have received no post-election commitment from candidate Judith Flanagan Kennedy.”The only thing she promised me was a fair shake,” International Association of Firefighters Local 739 President Matthew Reddy said.The firefighters union has endorsed Kennedy’s candidacy, but Reddy dismissed remarks by Rohnstock, published in Monday’s Item, claiming public safety unions approached Rohnstock with offers of support in return for his assistance if he won the mayor’s seat.”No one ever approached Mr. Rohnstock. I wouldn’t know the man if he walked up to me,” Reddy said.Lynn Police Association executive board member Thomas Reddy called Rohnstock’s support claim “absolutely a fabrication” and said no Association member spoke with Rohnstock prior to his Sept. 15 defeat in the city preliminary election.”We have not endorsed anyone. We will let our individual members stand on their own. We’ll work with whoever wins the office,” Reddy, Matthew Reddy’s brother, said.Kennedy said she had made one commitment to municipal unions.”All I’ve promised any union is to listen to them. That’s what they are mad about. Nothing more has been promised,” she said Tuesday.Click here for complete Lynn election coverage, candidate profiles and more. You may also comment on the election and read what others have to say.