Publisher of RFP, After tonight’s meeting I would like to take a opportunity to clarify a few false statements made by Ron Theriault, if you would allow me to do so here they are and thank you.
First thing is the fact that we had 85 call men when he was on the force. Records show at most there where around 30 or 35 members at one time. Currently we have around 7-12, and that is simply because of the training requirements and people work further away from home now rather than right in town. He then goes on the stress concern for the Mexico taxpayer bay saying they come over here for every fire because we have no one, but then in the same breath wants to decrease the size of our department.
Second is that we park the apparatus out front to be a inconvenience to the citizens walking by. I’m sure most people that have been here for any length of time will agree that the trucks have always been parked out front at different times for various reasons, not an inconvenience.
Third is the straw pole he just loves to down size. I truly believe had this “straw pole” gone the other way it would have been gospel to him, in fact the straw pole was sparked by the board of selectmen. Regardless of how he views it, it was a vote of the people!
Fourth is actually not a false statement, we do take a pumper or ladder truck with us most everywhere we go. The reason behind this is so if we get a call we have our tools with us and we can go directly to the scene. A fire truck is our tool box, without tools what good are the firefighters?
Lastly I would like to talk briefly about Ron and Jason talking about us breaking our contract by handing out informational flyers at the meeting. I can tell you this is not even mentioned in our contract, as a matter in fact a copy can be obtained at the Town Managers office, or stop by the station and one can be available for you to look at. The letter Jason was talking about tonight was one that was sent to the Selectmen Candidates from the Union asking some questions about themselves, careers, views, accomplishments and a few other things and they where also asked if they would meet with the Union to discuss there vision for the town if they got elected. It was a pretty simple self explanatory letter and questionnaire. I tried to address it with Jason at one point during the night but he ignored me so I never got to explain it to him.
If anyone has questions comments or concerns feel free to stop by the fire station to get info or if you ask most any firefighter they should be able to furnish you with the correct info. I can also be reached by e-mail @ marktripp@pffmaine.org
Thank you,
Mark Tripp
Union President
LOCAL 1601
Rumford, Maine
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9 comments:
First, I believe our fire department should be fully staffed. We need them, they do a wonderful job. We need to make that happen.
Just a comment on the parking of the fire vehicles: My understanding is that NO vehicles should be parked on (or blocking) a sidewalk. It IS an inconvenience as well as a danger to those who have to walk in the street to get around the vehicles, especially so for our citizens who use wheelchairs.
Despite a dwindling population I feel the FD is one place we can't make cuts. We still have the same area and as many buildings that need to be protected regardless of how many live in them.
Just so it is clear the firefighters that where handing the flyers out last night where OFF duty in civilian clothes and there are no scare tactics being used. We are just distributing the facts for the voters.
Mark Tripp
From The Rumford Reporter: Many citizens were upset that several of the Fire Fighters that were handing out the flyers at the end of the driveway were actually on duty and getting paid by the taxpayers to carry out union activity.
I have no reason to doubt Mr. Tripp. If what The Rumford Reporter "staff" published is not true, how do they get away with it? If The Rumford Reporter is in error, will they publish a retraction? Why is this tolerated?
“T” I absolutely agree with you. It is very frustrating to have a incorrect one sided story that can not be corrected due to the views of the staff there. The only thing I hope is people will ask the right people for the truth. The staff at TRR know those 2 where not on duty, but they also know telling the truth does not help their battle.
Mark Tripp
Mark
Thanks for keeping the fine citizens of Rumford informed with the truth. It truly is sad that the people in Rumford have to be subjected to this negative site. I'm glad the people of RFP will not come down to that level. This is a great site and I'm glad that someone started it. The truth hurts the TRR that is why they have to be so negative.
Concerned Citizen of Rumford
Mark,
I appreciate your comment concerning TRR. For quite some time they were putting out "mis-information" concerning the actions of the Charter Commission. When I attempted to set the record straight, they refused to publish the rebuttals that I gave because I gave them printed and established facts along with state statute covering their remarks and accusations. They refused to acknowledge any of it, instead accused me of being angry in attempting to refute their lies. You are correct in stating that "...they also know telling the truth does not help their battle." That is the situation in a nutshell. Actual truth does not seem to matter anymore if it does not further some people's agenda. I will sign my name.
Dr. Joseph F. Roberts
Good for you Joe!!! Your a good man!!
Dr. Roberts, you or any anyone else who has something you would like to submit for publication on our site are welcome too. Just send it to us marked “please post”. I have wanted to hear more about why the Charter Commission has suggested the recommendations that have. You’re welcome to post them here, as are those that may disagree with the recommendations.
We encourage responsible free speech and open debate.
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