The FORVM is a great place to learn about issues that affect your business. It is also a great place to have your voice heard and to give input into the policy approach the Chamber ought to take. However, we know that many of you - try as you might - cannot attend this monthly meeting. As a result, you may feel left out of the process. Our goal is to make sure we hear your voice and that you have adequate opportunity to give input.
Last week, the FORVM addressed some of the chronic budget issues that the Duluth Fire Department has experienced. Our perspective is the department should work to reduce costs while at the same time offer good service. Guests included: John Strongitharm (Fire Chief), Erik Simonson (Fire Marshall, Fire Union Steward and Spokesperson), and At-Large City Councilor Jim Stauber (long time critic of the department).
The outcomes of the FORVM's discussion included the need for continued dialogue and critical study. Chief Strongitharm - an excellent advocate for his department - pointed out that the department has already reduced costs over a period of years and it bears the cost of building inspection, something other departments don't always do. He made a case that the department has significant challenges, including geography and a model of public safety that drives a certain level of staffing. The chief also purported that 24 hours shifts were necessary to allow for 3 hours of training per day.
Councilor Stauber - always the financial reformer - challenged the department to do things differently, while providing good response time and fire protection.
Erik Simonson - a downright decent person - relayed the detailed and specific challenges fire fighters face, including high OSHA standards and a higher than normal need for safety.
All three gentlemen made great points.
At the end of the discussion, we at the Chamber continue to maintain the department should become part of the budget solution.
The whole matter is complicated by the department's political activism. They have publicly worked to influence local elections. They, in fact, outspent every special interest group in Duluth in the last municipal election.
This is not to say the department has participated in any corrupt or illegal activities. Rather, that kind of activity is unbecoming and seemingly puts their interests above those of Duluth's citizens. This should not be so - the department should end its political activities and fire fighters ought to participate as any regular citizen might participate. Their group approach to politics smacks of self-interest.
Lastly, the blogs and FORVM spurred intense interest from members. This issue ranks in the top three response generating issues in my tenure - almost nine years - at the Chamber. The emails and calls ran 125 to 1 calling for reform. While this is, of course, nice to hear, the real issue of how to accomplish reform remains. Clearly, it is time for the city to take a long term approach and ask what model of public safety and what level of service is adequate to protect the citizenry. For instance, should the department respond to every medical call and what are our doable options? Are twenty four hour shifts something we can continue to afford?
Clearly the FORVM and blogs brought out strong feelings. However, as one member put it: we must find a way to find an independent authority to do a thorough review of the department and either leave things as they are or suggest change. Once that happens, the department, the administration and the council should have no trouble supporting the status quo or adopting change.
We think this message is important. City budgets drive taxation. Too much taxation and you punish business. When you punish business you punish employees. We are in this together. We must find a way to get it done. If you agree, email
the mayor,
the chief, or
the council and tell them it is important we get the best city services for the least amount of money.
