Mayor Taps Hon
Unions Hopeful On WTC Health Czar

By ARI PAUL

Unions representing the Emergency Medical Service Workers who responded to 9/11 and its aftermath are cautiously optimistic about Mayor Bloomberg's appointment of Jeffrey Hon as the city's World Trade Center Health Coordinator.

TOM EPPINGER: Likes Red Cross background.

Mr. Hon will work with residents and community groups as well as the Health Department's World Trade Center Health Registry, the Police Department and the Fire Department to evaluate and recommend changes in services for people suffering physical and mental illnesses and injuries caused by the 9/11 attacks.

'Seems Aggressive'

"I'll reserve my judgment," said Patrick J. Bahnken, president of District Council 37 Local 2507, which represents Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. "He seems to be very aggressive on the issues affecting rescue workers and responders to the World Trade Center."

First-responder unions are concerned that their members are suffering from lung diseases caused by dust and other airborne pathogens at Ground Zero.

Mr. Hon last served as a spokesman for the September 11 Recovery Program of the Red Cross. He was also a spokesman for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

"It's great to see he comes from a group like the Red Cross," said Thomas Eppinger, president of DC 37 Local 3621, which represents EMS officers.

He added that his union is attempting to meet with Mr. Hon.

Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Chairman of the City Council's Civil Service and Labor Committee, said that in two hearings his committee held this year on the issue, it was apparent that many of the different health entities working with 9/11 responders and community members lacked adequate government oversight.

"We need some kind of umbrella committee or entity to look at what's going on," he said. "Hopefully, this is an implementation of what has come out of those hearings."

In addition to the creation of the World Trade Center Medical Working Group, Mr. Hon's appointment is the result of a recommendation of the World Trade Center Health Panel last February. The Mayor reiterated that the city plans to implement the panel's other recommendations, including the request for full Federal funding of certain health programs. Mr. Hon will also set up a Web site containing information about World Trade Center health issues.

The leaders of the two unions representing EMS workers and officers agreed that only time will tell concerning Mr. Hon and his effectiveness.