1-17-12

Brothers and Sisters, yesterday Salem Fire Fighters conducted our first SOS Campaign phone bank, it was a success! Twenty seven (27) members showed, including Olivia Wagoner (Clint and Gladys Wagoner’s daughter) as well as Don and Nan Fleck.  I understand Nan Fleck even got a quiche pie recipe on one of her calls!  Noticeably absent were many of the members lowest on the seniority list?  As we progress through the campaign we will have additional events, i.e. more opportunity to help out!

Last night I attended the West Salem Neighborhood Association.  The main topic of discussion was the station 11 staffing reduction. Linda Norris and Chief Niblock presented their case in favor of the reduction, albeit some of the information was suspect.  I had the opportunity to present our issues and concerns with the staffing reductions and to tactfully (difficult for me) point out a few of the “discrepancies” in their presentation.  Several of the community members clearly expressed their displeasure with the proposal and challenged the Mayor, City Manager and Fire Chief, specifically, John Whitney, Marc Courtney and Stewart Rose were very vocal in their opposition.  The neighborhood association passed a motion rejecting the City’s proposal 16 to 4; despite the community outcry the City Manager made it clear that she intended to move forward with the proposal.

Just a reminder to talk with your family, friends and neighbors about the upcoming neighborhood meetings and the scheduled budget meetings; you have the message, please share it!  Please have them contact their respective councilors, the Mayor and City Manager – no reductions to fire fighters!

In Unionism,

Robin