Commission Candidates Squabble Over Firefighters' Support

Largo City Commission candidate Robert Hunsicker's decision to hit the campaign trail along with two men wearing firefighter gear has sparked some criticism from his opponent, who says it's misleading because Hunsicker has not been endorsed by Largo's firefighters' union.

Hunsicker campaigned outside of the Supervisor of Elections Office on Starkey Road on Monday along with his son and a friend who were wearing the gear in what they said was a show of Hunsicker's support for firefighters.

But Hunsicker's opponent, James Robinson, who is endorsed by the state and Largo Professional Firefighters Association, expressed concerned that the men wearing fire gear could be confusing to voters. 

Macho Liberti of the Largo Professional Firefighters said the men wearing bunker gear was a misrepresentation, because no firefighters' groups endorsed Hunsicker.

As firefighters, "we take pride in the job we do," Liberti said.

Hunsicker said that he supports firefighters. When asked, he said he was not endorsed by Largo's firefighters' union and that he had not told anyone he was.