Letters to the Editor

 

To the Editor

I would like to respond to a few items in Fire/Rescue member Brian Whitney's editorial in your January 22 issue.

"…stipend pay for volunteer fire / rescue members". If Brian had discussed this with Interim Chief Gary Sacco he would have been reminded of the discussions that took place at the Fire / Rescue ordinance workshop and Special Town Meeting last year. It was made clear that the permanent chief must be hired before the compensation issue can be addressed. In no way has the Selectmen ever denied the importance of or "shunned" the compensation issue.

"…record keeping…". All Town financial records are public. Brian should discuss this issue with Chief Sacco. I'm sure donors' names, amounts etc. could be provided by office staff.

"resignation of fine fire chief and town manager". Former Chief Tupper chose another opportunity prior to the completion of the interview process and former manager Cooper chose to retire for "very personal reasons".

"…Selectmen chose to pay them [Fire/Rescue day fill-in members] an unfair wage…". Selectmen do not determine pay rates except for the Assessor and Town Manager. The department heads in conjunction with the manager determine all other pay levels. If Brian has an issue with this fill-in pay level I suggest he discuss it with Chief Sacco.

In general, Brian's assertion that the Selectmen are showing lack of support for the Fire / Rescue Dept. by looking into Law Enforcement is totally false. We are working hard on short, medium and long-range plans for ALL departments. Chief Sacco along with Deputy Chiefs Rich and Bartlett, are actively representing the Fire/Rescue department in this planning process. We have many departments in this Town and are doing our best to provide balanced services for all citizens at a zero increase in our municipal tax rate.

Steve Libby,
New Gloucester