Freehold to vote on bond ordinance for fire dispat

[admin]

www.app.com/article/20100503/NEWS/5030312/1285/LOCAL09/Freehold-to-vote-on-bond-ordinance-for-fire-dispatch-handover

FREEHOLD — The Borough Council is expected to vote today on a bond ordinance that would help pay for the transition to county fire dispatching services.




The ordinance calls for the appropriation of $250,000, which includes authorization to issue $237,500 in bonds or notes.

The money would pay for several Fire Department purchases that have been deemed necessary for the handover of fire dispatching services from the borough to the county, which is set to occur in July.

The purchases include:

Security upgrades, smoke alarms and a new telephone system for the borough firehouse.

An automatic fuel-dispensing system.

Mobile data terminals for two fire chief vehicles.

Pagers that can receive the county dispatch radio frequency.

The security changes are needed because once the switch occurs, the firehouse will be vacant at times. Dispatchers are currently stationed in the firehouse around the clock.

Dispatchers also currently pump fuel for borough vehicles. The automatic fuel-dispensing system will take over that duty, Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina said.

Borough officials also plan to use the appropriated funds to replace the deputy chief's vehicle, which Bellina said is 10 years old.

The ordinance vote is set to be held during the Borough Council's meeting, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. this evening at Borough Hall, 51 W. Main St. A public hearing will be held before the vote.
Kim Predham:

[admin]

Kim got this up quick, and I am glad. It will save me some typing.

www.app.com/article/20100503/NEWS/100503112/Freehold-council-OK-s-250-000-appropriation-for-fire-dispatch-change

Freehold council OK's $250,000 appropriation for fire dispatch change

FREEHOLD — The Borough Council unanimously adopted a $250,000 bond ordinance Monday night that will help fund the transition of fire dispatching services from the borough to Monmouth County.





The move was greeted with displeasure from in the audience, including those who questioned the borough's handling of the switch.


"I'm totally disappointed in each and every one of you for this decision," Mike Burtt, a former borough fire chief, told the council.


Council members called the decision difficult, but said the current economic situation had forced the change.


"The state is forcing towns to rethink how we do business. . . . We simply cannot afford it (fire dispatch) anymore," said Councilman Kevin Kane.


The ordinance calls for the appropriation of $250,000, which includes authorization to issue $237,500 in bonds or notes.


The money will pay for various items, including security upgrades for the borough fire house, an automatic fuel dispensing system and pagers that can pick up the county radio signal.


-- Kim Predham

[Mike Rosseel]

Extremely sad situation. I attended last nights meeting and was left with a not so great feeling. I felt like the crowd was talked at not too. I felt like the "Freehold Soap Box" was working over time last night. Some of my issues were the following;

1. Sharon Shutzer claiming the Fire Department was made aware of this decision in advance. I disagree, you have many active members there, chiefs and ex chiefs that said this isnt true. Why would these people make this up? If your "heart" is telling you no, then why didnt your "heart" which holds them in such high regards, allow the fire department to be more involved with this decision.

2. Kevin Kane, were not idiots, we realize that the fire department isn't closed after 5pm. Making his point, it seemed to me, that Kevin was speaking down at us. Are we that dumb Kevin? Reggies point was well explained and understood by all, your point left alot to be desired. What Reggie was saying was after 5pm, no one would be at the fire house, simple enough! Also, Kevin stated a few times about no dispatcher losing a job, does that include the soon to be county police dispatchers Kevin?

3. Lack of heart, I saw Mr Burtt speaking twice with true passion and love for his department, why wasnt his points answered, wouldnt that have been a nice show of respect to a past chief? We all know it was a hard decision, how many times are you going to beat that dead horse?

4. The term throwing a bone....If the only way you would agree to vote to remove the dispatchers was to except a grant for a new fire truck, then yes thats the bone!

5. I feel for Jaye and Mike D., two current firemen. I do believe Jaye has the best interest of the fire department in the back of his mind. To me, Jaye is a class act, a good councilmen, no question. I don't think the division part of his speech and the questioning of "brothers" should have been done in a public forum. Showing division amongst the fire department, to me as a resident, is a scary thought, people could get hurt at a fire if there mind isnt 100% focused on there job at hand. Also, attacking people who blog on the internet is alittle much. Its 2010, internet media is were its out today, if people arent hiding behind false names, why attack them for speaking freely on that forum. Maybe public speaking isn't there thing.

6. I felt a very human side from John Newman last night. John spoke his case, explained his vote and didnt speak at anyone. Hats off to you, Mr Newman. As a side bar, i have been against Mr Newmans citizen budget review committee, today, I am 100% for this. I hope they put this into action and award people that have that kind of expertise the ability to serve as the residents voice to the council.

Look, I get this wasn't easy for anyone up there. I get its upsetting to hear people angry with you. Im not an expert, maybe this had to be done. My issue is with the way it was handled. I think peoples input, such as fire department members, police, other towns using the system could have been more helpful in the decision. You are all elected officals, elected by the people, dont forget the people as you sit up there at the table. Im sure Im not making any friends with this post, Im ok with that, I just think alittle human relations could go along way. Again, everyone up there are very nice people and good people, I just choose to disagree on this topic.

Mike Rosseel

[richardkelsey]

May 4, 2010 8:29:02 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Extremely sad situation. I attended last nights meeting and was left with a not so great feeling. I felt like the crowd was talked at not too. I felt like the "Freehold Soap Box" was working over time last night. Some of my issues were the following;

1. Sharon Shutzer claiming the Fire Department was made aware of this decision in advance. I disagree, you have many active members there, chiefs and ex chiefs that said this isnt true. Why would these people make this up? If your "heart" is telling you no, then why didnt your "heart" which holds them in such high regards, allow the fire department to be more involved with this decision.

2. Kevin Kane, were not idiots, we realize that the fire department isn't closed after 5pm. Making his point, it seemed to me, that Kevin was speaking down at us. Are we that dumb Kevin? Reggies point was well explained and understood by all, your point left alot to be desired. What Reggie was saying was after 5pm, no one would be at the fire house, simple enough! Also, Kevin stated a few times about no dispatcher losing a job, does that include the soon to be county police dispatchers Kevin?

3. Lack of heart, I saw Mr Burtt speaking twice with true passion and love for his department, why wasnt his points answered, wouldnt that have been a nice show of respect to a past chief? We all know it was a hard decision, how many times are you going to beat that dead horse?

4. The term throwing a bone....If the only way you would agree to vote to remove the dispatchers was to except a grant for a new fire truck, then yes thats the bone!

5. I feel for Jaye and Mike D., two current firemen. I do believe Jaye has the best interest of the fire department in the back of his mind. To me, Jaye is a class act, a good councilmen, no question. I don't think the division part of his speech and the questioning of "brothers" should have been done in a public forum. Showing division amongst the fire department, to me as a resident, is a scary thought, people could get hurt at a fire if there mind isnt 100% focused on there job at hand. Also, attacking people who blog on the internet is alittle much. Its 2010, internet media is were its out today, if people arent hiding behind false names, why attack them for speaking freely on that forum. Maybe public speaking isn't there thing.

6. I felt a very human side from John Newman last night. John spoke his case, explained his vote and didnt speak at anyone. Hats off to you, Mr Newman. As a side bar, i have been against Mr Newmans citizen budget review committee, today, I am 100% for this. I hope they put this into action and award people that have that kind of expertise the ability to serve as the residents voice to the council.

Look, I get this wasn't easy for anyone up there. I get its upsetting to hear people angry with you. Im not an expert, maybe this had to be done. My issue is with the way it was handled. I think peoples input, such as fire department members, police, other towns using the system could have been more helpful in the decision. You are all elected officals, elected by the people, dont forget the people as you sit up there at the table. Im sure Im not making any friends with this post, Im ok with that, I just think alittle human relations could go along way. Again, everyone up there are very nice people and good people, I just choose to disagree on this topic.

Mike Rosseel

Great summary Mike. I can feel the anxiety that must have been apparent in the room last night.


Can you flesh out the internet blog issue? Had did that arise? What was said? Does that refer to the posted letter by Mr. Pullen, Mr. Simms, and the gentleman?

I don't want to comment without understanding the complaint -- but I get very nervous when this particular groups tries to chill speech. That is the machine's collective history -- and with some pretty hard-ball tactics.

Wasn't Jaye Simms the same cat who dodged a debate last time he ran? Is there a forum that he thinks is appropriate for public speach and questioning of elected officials?

Maybe he thinks like Marc once said on here, "it's a privilege" to have elected officials participate in the community.

No doubt, the conversation moved online years and years ago.

[Mike Rosseel]

Rich,

What I got from the internet part of the speech is that alot of people blog or give there thoughts on websites but when it comes to an open forum like the council meeting, alot of the bloggers or posters, sit quitely. I have a real issue here. If anyone up at the table, has read the blogs and posts, why not answer them. Why not say, I have heard x,y,z on this website and would like to clear the air? You know why it doesnt happen, because nine out of ten times, x,y,z is true! And why would anyone speak up, to be called a liar by the council, happened lastnight! How about present a fact like no one is going to be at the firehouse after 5pm and have it twisted like your saying if theres a fire after 5pm, your S.O.L.! Maybe some people aren't into public speaking, maybe there fearful of what may happen, just not a great statement to make!

After speaking with several parties after lastnight, its safe to say we all believe who these points were being made too! I guess writting on the internet in there eyes is like the Blue Claws, and being at the table is like the Yankees!

Again, I like the council personally, just think this is a bad way of handling this topic. Not saying I can do it better, just my thoughts.

[lisas84]

Good day, Rich!

I was there too. There really was no "complaint," just the assertion that blogs, postings are read. Jaye stated that he would welcome and prefer that people attend council meetings to ask any question they want, to do business face to face. Sharon also asserted that she is available to answer any questions and encouraged people at the meeting to talk to her.

That's what I remember from last night. For whatever it's worth.

I will say there was a bit of comic relief with two gentleman (Mr. Baldwin and another man, Leroy, I think) who began to get up to speak about their polar opposite positions on illegal immigration. Jaye had to cut that off and ask them to take their debate outside.

Oh, and Al Michenfelder's annual presentation of the awards from his Racer's Club was delightful.

[Mike Rosseel]

May 4, 2010 11:36:35 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Good day, Rich!

I was there too. There really was no "complaint," just the assertion that blogs, postings are read. Jaye stated that he would welcome and prefer that people attend council meetings to ask any question they want, to do business face to face. Sharon also asserted that she is available to answer any questions and encouraged people at the meeting to talk to her.

That's what I remember from last night. For whatever it's worth.

I will say there was a bit of comic relief with two gentleman (Mr. Baldwin and another man, Leroy, I think) who began to get up to speak about their polar opposite positions on illegal immigration. Jaye had to cut that off and ask them to take their debate outside.

Oh, and Al Michenfelder's annual presentation of the awards from his Racer's Club was delightful.

There were no complaints?? I think Jaye was extremely passionate about making that point. Maybe I misunderstood it, but to me, he was very unhappy with the internet and "people" not speaking up. I guess we were wrong?

[lisas84]

But his verbiage in and of itself was not an active complaint. His tone was passionate. I thought he made a viable and salient point about encouraging people to come to meetings and open discussions, ask questions.

In general, such mass use of the internet does have a way of spinning stuff out of control, and simply to prevent myths being propagated as truths, just go to the source. That was the essence of his message that I received.

[Mike Rosseel]

May 4, 2010 11:49:24 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

But his verbiage in and of itself was not an active complaint. His tone was passionate. I thought he made a viable and salient point about encouraging people to come to meetings and open discussions, ask questions.

In general, such mass use of the internet does have a way of spinning stuff out of control, and simply to prevent myths being propagated as truths, just go to the source. That was the essence of his message that I received.

Lisa,

Did you feel that the message was directed to Jaye's right side of the room? I did, and thats were the active fire department members were sitting. One of them, spoke to me about it and felt it was directed towards him specifically, he has been vocal. The other reason why they felt it was harsh and sending a negative message, was the passionate point about the firemen not being "brothers" anymore. He doesn't see them as "brothers". Thats a painful thought, although I am not a firemen, having many in my family, I know the HIGH values of the brotherhood.

You know what, 10 people could come up with 10 different explanations or thoughts. Its safe to say, were both right! I just don't like the statement about the INTERNET, does that mean it will not be used as a tool for the democratic election in town?

All I can say is I hope this dies down and friends can be friends again! I guess only time will tell.

[richardkelsey]

May 4, 2010 11:36:35 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Jaye stated that he would welcome and prefer that people attend council meetings to ask any question they want, to do business face to face.

I hope he feels this way -- with the same passion and clarity, about showing up for a debate in this election cycle, and answering questions -- face to face.

[lisas84]

I was not paying that close attention to where Jaye's eyes were pinpointed, sorry.

I agree and applaud your sentiment about this issue dying down and friends can be friends again.

I don't know if you missed my point about the internet information sharing communities. The whole point I gleaned lasat night is if you are unsure of something, or have questions -- just go to the source. No matter what that credible source is, so that people don't believe and invest their emotions in incorrect messages. That's it, and it's very basic.

[Mike Rosseel]

May 4, 2010 12:45:00 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

I was not paying that close attention to where Jaye's eyes were pinpointed, sorry.

I agree and applaud your sentiment about this issue dying down and friends can be friends again.

I don't know if you missed my point about the internet information sharing communities. The whole point I gleaned lasat night is if you are unsure of something, or have questions -- just go to the source. No matter what that credible source is, so that people don't believe and invest their emotions in incorrect messages. That's it, and it's very basic.

I did get your message there Lisa, and I dont believe for a second, any of the messages were false.

If the council wants to show true feelings towards the hardships were all feeling, let someone step up and decline there money and or the money for benefits and put it back into Freehold. Oh to dream!

[lisas84]

I don't have factual information so cannot speak about any specific posts being false in this case. In my own case, I have seen false info about a client's product on the internet, which we investigated to have enamated from a competitor, and I was consulted to compose educational posts to counter that, so I can attest in general, a lot of myth-building does happen on the internet.

Meanwhile, with your last sentence; are you suggesting that the council/mayor decline a salary and benefits for the positions they were elected to do? Are the Republican contenders this year willing to likewise sacrifice this too should they get elected and can they afford to?

[Mike Rosseel]

May 4, 2010 13:11:18 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

I don't have factual information so cannot speak about any specific posts being false in this case. In my own case, I have seen false info about a client's product on the internet, which we investigated to have enamated from a competitor, and I was consulted to compose educational posts to counter that, so I can attest in general, a lot of myth-building does happen on the internet.

Meanwhile, with your last sentence; are you suggesting that the council/mayor decline a salary and benefits for the positions they were elected to do? Are the Republican contenders this year willing to likewise sacrifice this too should they get elected and can they afford to?

Lisa,

My father barely got 2000, far cry from todays council. I cant speak for the Republican canidates but I can say I find it interesting you divert the question to them. There answer would be irrelevant due to the fact there not on there already. If Im sitting up there, telling people how tough economic times are, how cuts are coming and no ones safe, i would give it all up in a second. Not like its going to make a difference, its principle, good faith, bring yourself back to the residents status. I know they give up alot of there time, so does Cheryl Mott and she doesnt get a dime! Just think it would be a nice gesture. Maybe it would help people who think theres a greater then thou feel to it. It was just a thought. So to answer your question, yes I am asking that. Im not sure 100% of our residents even know there paid nicely and the benefits and pension. Just a thought!

[lisas84]

I see and understand what you're saying. But, I was strictly commenting on the philosophy of your original statement about eschewing salary/benefits from an elected position this year and that if it is desired/expected among the current working council, it should also thus be desired/expected from any challengers.

[Mike Rosseel]

May 4, 2010 13:29:18 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

I see and understand what you're saying. But, I was strictly commenting on the philosophy of your original statement about eschewing salary/benefits from an elected position this year and that if it is desired/expected among the current working council, it should also thus be desired/expected from any challengers.

All i am saying is you go to App.com and search salaries, our Mayor and council get paid very nicely versus Keyport or even Red Bank. If all these cuts are coming and its a matter of time, i thought it would be a nice gesture thats all. Not calling them out on it or demanding it. Just a statement, nothing more nothing less

[BrianSullivan]

There is some nice dialog in my absence today.

First, Mike, your post about last night is really good. Regardless of people agreeing with your points, you did capture the mood and intensity.

I am going to play devils advocate here largely in favor of the council. I do so because I always like to see all points.

Geo made one point that needs to be said. He mentioned that when he sat down with the fire department, Hank Stryker read from a two page prepared letter. That was on 3/31.

If people recall, I posted about this a few weeks ago. I mentioned at that time that I was aware of the police dispatcher issues for about a month before I posted it. I got that info from inside the PD. Chances are the PD has been are of this for some time and I will assume the FC too.

From what I understand, the issues with the dispatchers have been discussed for some time. I doubt many people were surprised at this point.

One thing I clearly saw last night, this has been one of the hardest decisions for the governing body. I do not think they make these decisions lightly. Plain and simple, as long as they are on the path they are on, some people are simply not going to be happy no matter what any given councilman says.

It is sad to say, but it all comes down to economics and the time we are living in. Look around other towns and many are taking more drastic measures than what we see here in the borough. Cuts are happening everywhere and people don't mind until it affects them. Eventually, most of us are going to feel some pinch somewhere. Just ask Jaye. Like me, he works for the county and we have been seeing severe belt tightening for a few years now. Last year that came to the loss of about 185 jobs. We may see more this year. Is anybody happy with that in the county? Hell no and it was not an easy decision for the Freeholders either.

[Mike Rosseel]

May 4, 2010 16:00:27 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

There is some nice dialog in my absence today.

First, Mike, your post about last night is really good. Regardless of people agreeing with your points, you did capture the mood and intensity.

I am going to play devils advocate here largely in favor of the council. I do so because I always like to see all points.

Geo made one point that needs to be said. He mentioned that when he sat down with the fire department, Hank Stryker read from a two page prepared letter. That was on 3/31.

If people recall, I posted about this a few weeks ago. I mentioned at that time that I was aware of the police dispatcher issues for about a month before I posted it. I got that info from inside the PD. Chances are the PD has been are of this for some time and I will assume the FC too.

From what I understand, the issues with the dispatchers have been discussed for some time. I doubt many people were surprised at this point.

One thing I clearly saw last night, this has been one of the hardest decisions for the governing body. I do not think they make these decisions lightly. Plain and simple, as long as they are on the path they are on, some people are simply not going to be happy no matter what any given councilman says.

It is sad to say, but it all comes down to economics and the time we are living in. Look around other towns and many are taking more drastic measures than what we see here in the borough. Cuts are happening everywhere and people don't mind until it affects them. Eventually, most of us are going to feel some pinch somewhere. Just ask Jaye. Like me, he works for the county and we have been seeing severe belt tightening for a few years now. Last year that came to the loss of about 185 jobs. We may see more this year. Is anybody happy with that in the county? Hell no and it was not an easy decision for the Freeholders either.

Brian,

The point isnt the dispatchers being cut, the point is handling it in a respectful way. These people are volunteers, plain and simple. The governing body could have handled this much better. The inside info I recieved about the police dispatch is only because someone from the county leaked it, so dont be too sure of how the council has discussed things. Also, i refer to Kane, Schnurr and Shutzer last night, all which spoke of hard times, cuts, pay freezes. Shutzer was pretty vocal about the council having a pay freeze. With them being paid far greater then an equal town like keyport, and better then Red Bank or Colts Neck, i wouldnt bark over a one year freeze either. Simple fact, it was a hard decision by them all, no doubt. Yet a decision that could have been handled more respectfully. These people with the exception of Newman, arent new, they know better, the question is do they care?

[adefonzo]

May 4, 2010 16:19:18 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Brian,

The point isnt the dispatchers being cut, the point is handling it in a respectful way. These people are volunteers, plain and simple. The governing body could have handled this much better. The inside info I recieved about the police dispatch is only because someone from the county leaked it, so dont be too sure of how the council has discussed things. Also, i refer to Kane, Schnurr and Shutzer last night, all which spoke of hard times, cuts, pay freezes. Shutzer was pretty vocal about the council having a pay freeze. With them being paid far greater then an equal town like keyport, and better then Red Bank or Colts Neck, i wouldnt bark over a one year freeze either. Simple fact, it was a hard decision by them all, no doubt. Yet a decision that could have been handled more respectfully. These people with the exception of Newman, arent new, they know better, the question is do they care?

I have to ask, since it is a topic near and dear to my heart ( newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008-08-20/letters/026.html )

Did Councilwoman Shutzer voice the opinion that the Council should take a pay freeze, or that they have taken a pay freeze?

All of your discussion, Mike, of how they get more than Red Bank and Keyport reminded me of the letter I had written. Forget about those towns, our Council gets more than many of the much larger towns in the county and surrounding areas.

[BrianSullivan]

May 5, 2010 1:39:52 GMT -5 adefonzo said:

May 4, 2010 16:19:18 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Brian,

The point isnt the dispatchers being cut, the point is handling it in a respectful way. These people are volunteers, plain and simple. The governing body could have handled this much better. The inside info I recieved about the police dispatch is only because someone from the county leaked it, so dont be too sure of how the council has discussed things. Also, i refer to Kane, Schnurr and Shutzer last night, all which spoke of hard times, cuts, pay freezes. Shutzer was pretty vocal about the council having a pay freeze. With them being paid far greater then an equal town like keyport, and better then Red Bank or Colts Neck, i wouldnt bark over a one year freeze either. Simple fact, it was a hard decision by them all, no doubt. Yet a decision that could have been handled more respectfully. These people with the exception of Newman, arent new, they know better, the question is do they care?

I have to ask, since it is a topic near and dear to my heart ( newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008-08-20/letters/026.html )

Did Councilwoman Shutzer voice the opinion that the Council should take a pay freeze, or that they have taken a pay freeze?

All of your discussion, Mike, of how they get more than Red Bank and Keyport reminded me of the letter I had written. Forget about those towns, our Council gets more than many of the much larger towns in the county and surrounding areas.

Andrew, Shutzer said that they did get a pay freeze this year.

Your letter brings a up a topic that finally has relevance. When it came up a couple of years ago, it was a topic that wasted space. At the time, I thought Miller was completely wasting his time with it. I will be watching if he or any others pick it up now that it may actually count for something. Now there are good questions to be asked.

To Mike,

You bring up the topic of how things have been handled. IMO, that is an issue wel worth exploring. I have been watching he various conversations with interest.

[Mike Rosseel]

May 5, 2010 4:57:27 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

May 5, 2010 1:39:52 GMT -5 adefonzo said:

I have to ask, since it is a topic near and dear to my heart ( newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008-08-20/letters/026.html )

Did Councilwoman Shutzer voice the opinion that the Council should take a pay freeze, or that they have taken a pay freeze?

All of your discussion, Mike, of how they get more than Red Bank and Keyport reminded me of the letter I had written. Forget about those towns, our Council gets more than many of the much larger towns in the county and surrounding areas.

Andrew, Shutzer said that they did get a pay freeze this year.

Your letter brings a up a topic that finally has relevance. When it came up a couple of years ago, it was a topic that wasted space. At the time, I thought Miller was completely wasting his time with it. I will be watching if he or any others pick it up now that it may actually count for something. Now there are good questions to be asked.

To Mike,

You bring up the topic of how things have been handled. IMO, that is an issue wel worth exploring. I have been watching he various conversations with interest.

Brian,

You see thats the point. I honestly believe the cuts MAY have had to happen, I get that. Although IMHO, I feel something could have been done to hold this off. If I didnt get it, I certainly do after having it pounded into my head at the last meeting. I just think the communication to our fire department, in plain english sucked! These men and women deserve better. Plus, to say everyone has been placed with jobs is a stretch of the truth, yes, the fire dispatchers that were full time were placed in a job. How about the part time workers and the soon to be out of job Police dispatchers. Are they going to wait until the very end to inform those police dispatchers, I certainly hope not!

[richardkelsey]

May 5, 2010 9:01:06 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

May 5, 2010 4:57:27 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Andrew, Shutzer said that they did get a pay freeze this year.

Your letter brings a up a topic that finally has relevance. When it came up a couple of years ago, it was a topic that wasted space. At the time, I thought Miller was completely wasting his time with it. I will be watching if he or any others pick it up now that it may actually count for something. Now there are good questions to be asked.

To Mike,

You bring up the topic of how things have been handled. IMO, that is an issue wel worth exploring. I have been watching he various conversations with interest.

Brian,

You see thats the point. I honestly believe the cuts MAY have had to happen, I get that. Although IMHO, I feel something could have been done to hold this off. If I didnt get it, I certainly do after having it pounded into my head at the last meeting. I just think the communication to our fire department, in plain english sucked! These men and women deserve better. Plus, to say everyone has been placed with jobs is a stretch of the truth, yes, the fire dispatchers that were full time were placed in a job. How about the part time workers and the soon to be out of job Police dispatchers. Are they going to wait until the very end to inform those police dispatchers, I certainly hope not!

I think the cuts might well have been part of a responsible package. It's hard to know with the lack of transparency often exhibited. The real problem with this group, as always, is how some decisions are conducted. This is another sad result of people serving too long. They forget that responsible leadership is not pronouncements, but working together. In the end, leadership requires that tough decisions be made that might not be popular -- however, the it is the process of decision making that engenders trust -- or distrust.

If the this Borough Council has taken the wrath of the Fire Department, they have clearly bungled this issue. The Fire Department in Freehold has a rich and historic tradition that weaves through this town in every way. It is also a group that has deep ties to the Borough Council and key members of this community. In many ways, the Fire department members represent for the Freehold Dems a large contingent of voters and supporters -- even though enormous numbers of their members are much more independent and politically conservative. However, the rich traditions of the town and personal relationships have made many members of that department local dem voters.

I was struck by the obvious tension with existing council members who are in the Fire Department -- particularly Jaye Simms. Heck, the letter is signed by his brother, Reggie.

To me, this is d**ning proof that the Mayor and his group did not do enough spade work with this key group in Freehold, keeping them properly informed. That is one fact that seems obvious.

I was never a member of the Fire Department, but I have scores of friends who were and still are members. It is a special group of people who do a remarkable job, and I always looked upon their brotherhood was a bit of envy.

It seems the trust has been broken with that group.

[Mike Rosseel]

May 5, 2010 9:36:57 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

May 5, 2010 9:01:06 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Brian,

You see thats the point. I honestly believe the cuts MAY have had to happen, I get that. Although IMHO, I feel something could have been done to hold this off. If I didnt get it, I certainly do after having it pounded into my head at the last meeting. I just think the communication to our fire department, in plain english sucked! These men and women deserve better. Plus, to say everyone has been placed with jobs is a stretch of the truth, yes, the fire dispatchers that were full time were placed in a job. How about the part time workers and the soon to be out of job Police dispatchers. Are they going to wait until the very end to inform those police dispatchers, I certainly hope not!

I think the cuts might well have been part of a responsible package. It's hard to know with the lack of transparency often exhibited. The real problem with this group, as always, is how some decisions are conducted. This is another sad result of people serving too long. They forget that responsible leadership is not pronouncements, but working together. In the end, leadership requires that tough decisions be made that might not be popular -- however, the it is the process of decision making that engenders trust -- or distrust.

If the this Borough Council has taken the wrath of the Fire Department, they have clearly bungled this issue. The Fire Department in Freehold has a rich and historic tradition that weaves through this town in every way. It is also a group that has deep ties to the Borough Council and key members of this community. In many ways, the Fire department members represent for the Freehold Dems a large contingent of voters and supporters -- even though enormous numbers of their members are much more independent and politically conservative. However, the rich traditions of the town and personal relationships have made many members of that department local dem voters.

I was struck by the obvious tension with existing council members who are in the Fire Department -- particularly Jaye Simms. Heck, the letter is signed by his brother, Reggie.

To me, this is d**ning proof that the Mayor and his group did not do enough spade work with this key group in Freehold, keeping them properly informed. That is one fact that seems obvious.

I was never a member of the Fire Department, but I have scores of friends who were and still are members. It is a special group of people who do a remarkable job, and I always looked upon their brotherhood was a bit of envy.

It seems the trust has been broken with that group.

Well said, especially with how serious they take the brotherhood part, def a special group!