You would think that - after several years of problems, financial crises, and budget rejections - the Allingtown Fire Department (the littlest of our three - THREE! step-children) would have long ago gotten the message that it needs serious reform...or simply to fade away.
Well, at least now they're trying reform. As the Register has reported, a meeting has been set up to discuss creating a "home-rule" charter.
Without such a charter, the Department is essentially required to go to the General Assembly for any major changes to its rules (the other two....TWO! Fire Departments did this decades ago.)
This doesn't really address the serious - some would say fatal - problems that the AFD faces. However, it is a long-overdue adaptation to the realities faced in the late 20th century. Pity it's being done in the early 21st century, but, hey - better late than never, right? Right?????
One thing that should be watched closely is the budget process...and how it might be changed. After the problems AFD has had getting its budgets passed in recent years past, I'd keep a very close eye on this one.
This isn't an issue of how much firefighters get paid, or their retirement packages. I, for one, couldn't do that job no matter how much you compensated me...and I suspect those who complain the most are in the same boat. This is an issue of allowing the AFD to streamline itself to change with the times...and possibly "grease the skids" for consolidation.
The meeting is going to be tomorrow (Thursday, December 10th) at 7:00 pm - what, the Mayor couldn't talk them into 5:15? - at the West River Hall on Orlando Street.
All Allingtown residents should pack this meeting...otherwise, they shouldn't carp about the crap that can be expected to occur.
UPDATE (12/9/09 8:10PM) - Something happened tonight that I wouldn't have thought possible: a clear statement by a Public Official! In the "Comments" of the Register article (click on the link above), Ron Walters presents a straightforward clearing of the normally irresponsible and juvenile snarks that have been posted. I submit a screen shot of his comments for your review:
I hope this is really from that Commissioner, and not a bully ploy by one of our "merry pranksters"...if so, then this guy sounds like a breath of fresh air for AFD. They should find more like him and toss out some of the rotten wood that's been taking up space on the Fire Commission for far too long.
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3 comments:
Thank you for posting information regarding the Charter meeting. The District has tried several times to adopt a Charter and for what ever reason it was never completed. The problems of the AFD are serious. I would not consider them fatal. You are correct the budget process needs to change. When 60 people are deciding the fire and rescue budget of 15,000 residents there is a problem. Hopefully the public hearing will be well attended. If anyone has questions please call the Fire Department Headquaters 203 933-2541
Again thank you for the posting.
Ron Walters - Commissioner Allingtown Fire District
This travesty of a budget process plagues all three districts; it's not peculiar to the AFD.
However, the failure to adopt a charter can be directly attributed to a deadly mix of parochial self-interests as well as a lack of trust in their elected officials. Your refreshingly open and factual approach should go far in addressing the latter problem. But the issue of working for the larger good may be harder to crack.
Thursday's night meeting was very productive. Several residents offered comments on what they would like to see addressed in the Charter and also voiced their concerns about accountability and communication issues. The Charter Commission will include a public comment session at their regular meetings so residents will have additional opportunities to voice their opinions. The next Charter Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday January 13, 7 pm at the Admiral Street Headquarters.
Ron Walters
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