And if you're frustrated by all this, then now you know how the old commissioners feel by the attack you launched on them, and how the taxpayers who voted for you blindly not understanding what they were voting for because they trusted the FIREFIGHTER! When the union is so politically driven as to be involved in all aspects of our local government, then the local citizens need to pay attention to what's going on or be prepared to pay through the nose. Not all of us are civil workers and it's not fair that those who are can unionize and penalize those of us who aren't.
Taking "phrases" of what I've said as a whole is taking me out of context. For example, I'll respond to the base salary comment because the public isn't fully aware of just how good we're making it for the fire department. Sure, it's not the whole package these days but even us regular people out in the secular world are reminded that our pay INCLUDES all our benefits WHICH WE HAVE TO SHARE IN THE COST OF! So when you take your base salary of starting pay ($30-38K) and add in that healthcare package that the rest of us are paying upwards of $600+/mo (($7K/yr) that our employers share with us; that starts you out in the ($37-45K range). Next figure in the pension plan that you do contribute 3.5% to but the employer contributes fully to the remainder (such as a 401K), that if you do your job well and get your raises acccordingly, you'll get that healthy mega monthly salary for the rest of your life! Not to mention the rest of your package that doesn't need to be exposed but all carries a particular value that puts you well over the STARTING pay of ($50K)! (bold underline is my correction, as I was corrected in a post). So, be grateful and stop whining!
The public is more than dying on their feet trying to survive this economy and you're making it sound like you're suffering on your benefits and salary while working your eight days a month! And now you can argue that those eight days are equal to 24, and I know you have many more responsibilities than just fighting fires, etc. I know the fantastic things you do in our community and all the work you do on the equipment, so it's not a lax job but the point is, that it's a good paying job and you are appreciated. But all this has made you sound like you don't think you are and want more.
All the people responsible for what they ARE responsible for will do what they are supposed to do and those of you who are supposed to submit to their authority should do so. Hopefully everyone involved will remember who you serve on all fronts. I am not into pissing matches, nor do I have the time nor the energy to continue to confront or deal with the stupid remarks and personal attacks I have viewed on your blog and seen posted to mine. I had expected much better of FIREFIGHTERS and only had ONE post to my site. I had expected a FIREFIGHTER to own his words and thoughts with courage, stand behind his principles and the postings such as I recieved and sign them. Even an anonymous post can sign the post. I have to admit I have been highly amused that my blog has made such an impact though. As I said before, perhaps the dirty laundry should have stayed at home and been handled more discreetly, not dragged into the board meetings! Then I wouldn't have had anything to query about.
So with that gentleman, and please, those of you who are not guilty of all this behavior, please, know you hold a very special place in my heart and are in my prayers always. My husband considers me a little strange for caring so much about our fire department but hey, it's what I do. You serve us in times of emergencies (and I'm particularly grateful for that!), and though our district isn't a high emergency district, when it happens I pray for your safety and that no one is hurt. Once committed to something, I generally stay committed but I won't play in the same mudpit, such as the blog wars, forever.  |
| SMFD 10/31/10 SR70 first responders! |
So, please get on with the job you have to do, debate whatever you wish, and let things fall where they may. I know one thing: you do not know my source and would not guess it ever. So quit laying the blame on "my neighbor". He lost and he's out of it. You got your way and wish.It's a shame that he worked 18 years to build up what you now enjoy only to have you work 18 months to take over it all. The new commissioners will ride the coat tails of a lot of hard work and look like heroes for their accomplishments but the general public should know it was the PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION that accomplished it. Now you have to live with your will. May God have mercy on us if you stick to personal agendas. I hope all my fears are false and high roads are taken from here on out. There's a strong possibility our new commissioners realilzed what happened and will now rule smartly and not like puppets. They really represent the taxpayers and no one else. Now, the public knows what they needed to hear. Anyone who wants to talk to me, just email me @ stonecreek3408@gmail.com. If you're polite and reasonable, I'll be the same. If not, we don't have anything more to talk about. Hopefully, I as a taxpayer of this district will continue to be as proud of Southern Manatee Fire District as I always have been: the best fire district in the county.
