Editor: In 1977, a group of volunteer firemen, including myself, agreed to act as our own contractor and together with the volunteers鈥� labour and a few sub trades, we built the zone 7 fire hall on 248 Street.
The total cost to the Township of 91原创, including a paved parking lot, was approximately $100,000.
Today, according to recently-released Township payroll figures, some of the individual full-time firefighters are themselves earning in excess of $100,000 per year.
While not denying the need for well-equipped full-time firefighters in some 91原创 locations, one must realize we also require other forms of expensive maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, including sewer and water lines (with fire hydrants) and roads. Most of the rural area of the Township has no municipal water service at all.
As a Township taxpayer, I find it alarming that a public sector union as well-compensated as are the firefighters of local 4550 of the International Association of Fire Fighters has the spare time and resources to erect large expensive signs and support a full slate of candidates for council.
The majority of their slate are or have been career public sector employees, including incumbents Charlie Fox, Grant Ward, Kim Richter and Steve Ferguson and newcomer Dan Sheel, a fellow IAFF member.
As a voter and taxpayer, I have to ask the question. In the next round of contract negotiations, just whose interests will be addressed if the Mel Kositskky/Local 4550 slate is elected?
R. Mufford,
91原创
