Council speach March

When mayor was elected he asked all the city unions to help the city financially in their contracts. the fire union did (concessions = approx 3.5 million dollars over 7 years). Mayor Leighton said "By making (these) substantial concessions, the firefighters' union has agreed to become partners with the city in its revitalization plan" The Fire Fighters Union did their part and who gets cut back?


Now I would like to further Quote our Mayor:

"The new station will cover the north end of the city. Headquarters will cover center City and the other station will take care of the south. In turn, the residents of the city and firefighters who protect us will be safer and better equipped" & "I would love to have a fire station in every neighborhood but you have to remember, this is neglect of the past" June 8, 2005. Whos neglect is it now? (WNEP)

March 13, 2006 about 2 simultaneous fires "I must emphasize that with their help, and the professionalism of our fire department we're able to save the entire block both on Carey Avenue and South Welles Street." What would happen now? (WNEP)

Oct 27, 2008 "With the location of three city fire houses - Hollenback at the city's north end, headquarters near center city and the Parrish and High Street station on the city's southern border - the department can respond promptly to all calls" So he was already aware that there will be delays with only 2 Engines! (The Times Leader)

Oct 5 2004 "I would never, never gamble with the safety of residents visitors or guests," (WNEP)

May 31, 2008 "just how important the safety of each firefighter was to me." & "I have great respect for the fire department. They do a great job and their safety is my number one concern" (The Citizens' Voice)

1. The Monroe St. fire facts:

10 min response with E2 vs. 2 to 5 min with E3 because of this:
E1 ran out of water
the line chief who should be directing efforts had to hook up 5 in hose
paramedic should be treating pt or getting info had to hook up 5 in hose
one man had to carry & foot a ladder that requires 2 men minimum
Not enough men on the scene for an effective search in a life saving amount of time

2. Ultimately this will increase injuries due to one FF trying to do the work of 2, which will increase overtime and what did the Mayor say about "their safety is my number one concern"? June 8, 2005 (WNEP)

3. The Mayor likes to say that our response times are below 'national standards' but then ignores those 'national standards' which say 16 men a shift, the City's own study says 17 men, our mayor 12.

4. 6 fire engines were in service (now 2),3 firehouses closed (South station wont be far away so call it 4) and 20 men have not been replaced. and taxes were raised 23 milsin 2009 and, if I am not mistaken, taxes were also raised in 2005.

5. Police, Fire, and EMS are the residents insurance policy. Would you cancel your insurance policy if your personal finances were tight? No. You'd look to other ways to save money

6. I'm paying for the services. Police protection, fire protection, and clean neighborhoods. WE ARE NOT GETTING WHAT WE ARE PAYING FOR!

7. 1002 Dispatches for E3 last year. most of these will fall on E1 (an engine which already has memos out about its wear and tear.) the rest will be on E2 both will have a long delay in response time.

8. E3 had 430 EMS calls last year. Can YOUR loved ones hold there breath 8 to 10 minutes? I can't.

9. $322000 last year. No new hires in 8 yrs. means approx. $322000 this year, It's quite simple ask a Dodson school child to do the math, it's their engine out of service.

10. There was a proposal for a 3rd medic unit (our Mayor said "cant afford it" even though the chief paramedic proved it wouldn't cost the city anything). Result: thousands of dollars to an ambulance company reported to be owned by disgraced ex-judge Conahan. And There was NO BID!!!

*11. City council should stand up for the people who put them here, You are letting us down

*12. $50 fee to take test, no intention to hireif W-B does not get the grant. The people should demand their money back

*13. Councel, Why did you approve a budget of less than half of last years? Hire more men or pay the bill. I believe, The budget was due last Sept. you knew this would happen. It happened with the police a few years ago, and then more police were hired reducing the overtime.

*14. Stop spending this year's tax increase on pet projects instead of replenishing essential personnel.