Mayor Johnson says the city presented the union a “very good offer.” Conversely, the union thinks the city’s demands are unreasonable. The union offered the city one year with no pay raises as long as no jobs were cut. The city rejected the offer. The city apparently wanted a 3 year pay freeze.

From what I have seen, it is the union residents appear to be angry with.  I have read countless comments from citizens to the effect of:  “so much for the brotherhood when it comes to money.”  Hard to argue.

Indeed, at face value it appears as though savings accounts  are more  important to union members than saving their brothers’ jobs. Then again, if your job was safe, and your company asked YOU to choose between raises or your peers’ jobs, how would you vote? I have thought about this a little, and I honestly don’t know how I would vote.  That choice could be likened to being presented two options: to have your teeth knocked out or your legs broken. Errrrrr. This decision had to be a gut-wrenching one for firefighters, and I don’t envy them for having to make it. They probably thought the city would ultimately come though. But despite KJ’s hardcore stance on public safety, that didn’t happen.

That raises the question: Has KJ and his council colleagues done all they can to reach an amicable solution with the union? I know a lot of people are probably thinking : “Joe! There is no money in the city’s coffers! Do you want them to grow $10,000,000 in the city hall atrium?” (Ed: Do we even have a city hall atrium? And if so, is it adorned with 40 Acres art works yet?).  I understand the city has no money, but should we assume just because it has no money that is has done everything in its power to save jobs?

The city’s new fiscal year starts on July 1. Shouldn’t they be negotiating all the way up til the eve of the new fiscal year? Of course I understand that they have to legally notify workers two weeks in advance, but Johnson’s “we’re done” statement tonight leads me to believe the city is completely DONE with negotiating, and would rather take off for their vacation on Monday than work with public safety officials to find a solution.

In any event, I really abhor all the rancid comments from people about our firefighters. I think charges that they are overpaid, crooked, lazy, greedy, and so forth and so on are pathetic. It’s probably safe to say the people making those comments have never needed the services of the fire department. These folks make MAJOR sacrifices to serve the public and put their lives on the line EVERY DAY for our safety, and they deserve more respect than ignorant people are giving them.

Show some respect for our public safety servants. They deserve it.

I’m very sorry so many of our prized firefighters are losing their jobs. I can only hope they can find jobs elsewhere doing what they love to do.. serving their fellow human beings. God speed to y’all and we’ll keep praying for an eleventh hour miracle.

Maybe KJ can call up Warren Buffet and get some cash for us…