I thought the whole fee for fire and police service thing was crazy. Mayor Ness was smart to pull it off the city council agenda. People would have revolted, given the fact that we already have the most expensive fire department in the State of Minnesota. Giving more revenue to the fire department is like adding gasoline to a fire - the fire does not need more fuel. Rather, the fire needs careful supervision to make sure it is contained.
To be sure, this writer is in favor of assuring public safety. I, like every citizen in Duluth, want the fire truck to come when necessary. However, there are ways to make sure we all have adequate protection at the cheapest possible price. The rub lies in thinking that the department cannot operate without increased revenue.
Complicating the matter are politics. Some elected officials, in the last municipal election, were endorsed by the firemen's political action committee (PAC). In fact, the firemen's PAC outspent any other special interest group to assure their interests were protected. As a result, threats to their funding - even if the city can find ways to provide the same services at a cheaper price - result in political chips being called in. It sounds ludicrous, but this kind of political activism breeds a certain tyranny that demands attention from elected officials.
I cannot blame those running for office for asking for support. Nor can I blame fire personnel from engaging in political activity. After all, it is the American way. However, bringing this dynamic to light often causes great angst - yet, it must be done in order to do what is truly right. Once the dynamic is exposed and the tyranny broken, we'll be free to bring reform to any city department needing reform.
The Chamber is committed to making sure additional investment in government is provided only when government demonstrates responsible spending. This is not to say we are against a government entity gaining additional revenue but we oppose it when cost savings and efficiencies are clearly available. We think this is the case regarding the fire department. There are multiple ways we could provide the same service at the same or lesser price without people losing their jobs or even damaging their qualities of life. In addition to suggestions already proposed additional savings could come from:
- Establishing a department of public safety that oversees both the police and fire department
- Reduce rescue vehicle size, staffing from 3 to 2 and utilize St. Louis County Rescue whenever possible
- Reduce hall staffing to only two
- Implement 12 hour shifts and eliminate overtime
- Limit use of city vehicles to city business
- Eliminate non-essential medical responses
- Start implementing supplemental volunteers as first responders
I'm sure those potentially affected will feel attacked by these proposals. However, given the business climate slowdown, the state's tax shortfall, and the need to save our city money, these savings would be appreciated. Again, we're not suggesting that we gut the fire department or fire workers. We are, however, asking the city to make decisions that any business would given the current climate. If we don't make these changes, we will all pay higher fees and taxes in tough economic times. And that would punish businesses and eliminate their abilities to provide jobs for people in our community.
Don't be thrown off by rhetoric. Tell the mayor and city council you will support them if and when they make difficult decisions regarding the fire department. After all if they don't make these kinds of decisions now future elected leaders will have worse decisions to make in the future. You can email the council at
council@duluthmn.gov.
