Its nice to see even though a 4th "overtime eliminating" shift has been enacted, there is still going to be plenty of overage on the overtime budget for the fire department. I know there is going to be an attempt to lay blame everywhere on this from the Fire Administrator to the County Executive, but I want to try to give everyone the true take on what has happened with this.
The 4th shift was OKed by Janet Owens and Ron Blackwell. I'd like to take the responsibility off of Chief David Stokes and Executive Leopold, but we can't fully, because they are the "Men" and the buck stops at their desks. Something new and really quick minded will have to be done about this problem, and looking at the background of Chief Stokes, it will.
Now, lets put another spin on things:
About 80% of the employees of the Fire Department don't live in Anne Arundel County, but screamed for a 4th shift, which made more overtime, and raised our taxes. These are members of the IAFF of Anne Arundel County, and yet still don't live here..... They live in other counties or states, where taxes are lower and its cheaper to live because Anne Arundel County is "too expensive" for their pay rate. Well, if they didn't request a 4th shift, and higher pay rate, wouldn't that be at least an attempt at making lower taxes for themselves to live where they work, and for the citizens they serve?
I admit, there is no pay high enough for Firemen, Paramedics, Police Officers, Jail Guards, Nurses, etc........ but in reality, aren't they making things harder for people who actually live here?
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