EDITORIAL: Put taxpayers before firefighters

Editorials

November 7, 2009

Staff Reports The Lockport Union-Sun %26 Journal Sat Nov 07, 2009, 11:47 PM EST

It’s important that the Common Council keep pushing for cost-cutting measures within the fire department that keeps the taxpayers in mind.

The city taxpayers’ only option is to expect that management (the Common Council) is going to get the best deal out of the fire department as possible.

The task will be to examine every possibility and make a decision that cuts the OT without hiring. It’s a near impossible equation, but not impossible. It’s just not going to be easy and will take some drastic decisions.

It will also apparently take some court battles the city is willing to wage. If the city is willing to battle it out and get the best deal for the taxpayers, we’re willing to support the time it will take.

At this point, we appreciate that the fire department is meeting with the city and willing to make a deal, but they also seem totally out of touch with reality.

That’s why we’re glad to hear the Council is not ready to sign on the dotted line on anything just yet, even though one week ago the fire department thought it had a deal.

It’s incumbent on the fire department to get in the real world or things will get a lot worse. Look at what your private sector neighbors who pay your salaries are going through every day at their job, and then think about the overtime games you are playing and unrealistic demands you are making.

Feeling guilty?

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