Out of Control Burn

23Dec10

Your Tax Dollars At Work

Since the unfortunate retirement of Assistant Fire Chief Ellen Murray in June 2010 (https://stratfordcharter.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/giving-up-heroine/ ) the Town of Stratford has literally burned through nearly $1 MILLION in callback expense for the FD as of November. Since JUNE.

Callback Budget:1,280,560 Month ending 11/10: 902,306.19 .00 Remaining budget 378,253.81 Percent Used:70.5%
** END OF REPORT – Generated by Susan Collier **

Click to access FY%202011%20Nov%20YTD%20Budget%20Report.pdf

There are three remaining Assistant Fire Chiefs (the supervisors that actually go to fires) that must cover 168 hours each and every week. If one becomes sick or injured or (gasp) takes a whole day off, the other two must cover additional hours. It’s hard the tell which we are burning through faster; the cash or the ass’t chiefs.

In the meantime no plan has been formulated by the HR department to even develop standards, qualifications or testing for an additional Assistant Fire Chief. All the while the cash and personnel are burning up.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention that Fire Chief James Cavanaugh will tell anyone who will listen that everything is just fine at the FD.

Note: The three most tired people in Stratford are Ass’t Chiefs TIM BRENNAN, DANNY ROSS and TOM MURRAY. Thank you, guys…really.



29 Responses to “Out of Control Burn”

  1. 1 1george1

    This situation has gone on for decades.

    The assistant chiefs are well paid and get O.T., which applies
    to their PENSIONS.

    Exact same situation as Police Chief and D/C are the ONLY people
    in PD who do not get O.T., nor PENSION boost.

    Are the Police + Fire all professionally and competently trained?
    I would say YES.

    Are certain people robbing the system, thanks to the 1989, 1991, 1995,
    1999, 2002, & other Town Councils, Town Managers, Town Attorneys,
    and Town Committees?
    You decide.

    I expect the PENSION PONZI scheme and STOCK MARKET to collapse in
    2011, because the fundamentals simply do not work!

    Subtract CASH OUT from LIFETIME PENSION Contribution and the total put
    toward retirements is $ 70,000 – $ 100,000 = L I F E T I M E.

    In EXCHANGE:
    ANNUAL PENSIONS should likely average $ 80,000
    HEALTH CARE net cost to TAX PAYERS over $ 21,200 in BoE last year + this
    ANNUITY to some – who contribute and get from Town
    401 ADDED to D B P – who contribute and get from Town

    ESTIMATED – 70 % of BoE + Town personnel pay NO Stratford Property TAX
    > They live out of TOWN.

    The Town Committees are all EGO and NO SELF RESPECT – in my opinion!

    Taxes are 40 % too high
    Heating oil is up 600 % from early 1998 & 500 % from late 1998.

    Low / Fixed income and others are very likely to die this winter,
    which should never have happened, as their discretionary revenue
    and savings have been eaten up by political decisions.

    Regardless of what happens to me …..

    The Stock Market bubble will burst
    The Pension bubble will be popped
    Health Care bubble will be popped
    There shall be reductions in staffing
    It will be necessary to recover outrageous PENSIONS / INSURANCE / BENEFITS.

    I have been stupid enough to write the truth and tell the truth to people
    stealing, lying, cheating, and their victims.

    It does not change the above truth.

    It will NT change the fact – people who double crossed their OATHS of OFFICE
    and people who TRUST them to do the JOB, shall be DOUBLE CROSSED, and
    this includes having their HIDDEN NEST EGGS found and ELECTRONICALLY wiped
    out as well as RECOVERED.

    Caesar LOVED treason
    Caesar HATED traitors

    In CAESAR’S MIND:
    If YOU will LIE to “HELP me” to HELP yourself?
    Why would YOU not LIE “against me” to HELP yourself?

    These people all thought they had protection:
    JFK
    RFK
    TED
    Joe K
    LBJ
    McNamara
    Nixon
    Agnew
    Mitchell
    Ehrlichmann
    Haldermann
    Colson
    Lyddy
    Newton
    Ganim
    Rowland – CT
    McGrievy – NJ
    Spitzer – NY
    Paterson – NY
    Blagjovich – IL – He is my favorite! He showed the way it really works!
    Perez – Hartford
    Giardino – Waterbury

    Bartlett’s book of quotations:
    Every once in awhile, the British would KILL an Admiral ….
    to KEEP the others in line!

    The British Flag is a DOUBLE CROSS
    Cross of ST MICHAEL
    Cross of ST GEORGE

    The PIRATE Flag is a SKULL & DOUBLE CROSS of BONES

    December 1987 – after Stock Market crash, after IRAN CONTRA treason
    USSR quit the COLD WAR.

    1988 British “OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT”
    10 Downing Street is also = TEN D owning STREET
    > White Hall is British version of WHITE HOUSE
    > Why would british empire bureaucrats care anything about protecting
    american police and fire pensions?
    >> British “common wealth?”
    > Common = from MAR X = “COMMunist Manifesto”
    > Wealth = from Adam S myth = “WEALTH of Nations”

    Capitalism or CAP ITALY sm?

    New World Order:
    Russia now stabilized & CAPITALISTIC due to OIL / GAS pricing
    China now stabilized & CAPITALISTIC due to Industries Off shored and
    Capital surplus.
    US Military, Police, & Political Justice now TRAITORS
    US political parties are now the pre 1987 version of Russia + China political
    parties.

  2. 2 1george1

    Jeze,

    You missed a chance to super impose your favorite politican
    SNORTING the SMOKE from the $ 100 bills! 8)

    During Reagan years an excess of 94 % of $ 100 bills has COKE
    on them. 😦

  3. 3 jezebel282

    George,

    “You missed a chance to super impose your favorite politican
    SNORTING the SMOKE from the $ 100 bills!’

    Too derivative.

    The problem is lack of accountability (James Cavanaugh) and foresight (Harkins).

    In the meantime, EMS continues to disintegrate and tomorrow marks EIGHTEEN months that Captain McNeil and Orlando Soto have not received a paycheck.

  4. 4 missgreeneyes118

    “There are three remaining Assistant Fire Chiefs (the supervisors that actually go to fires) that must cover 168 hours each and every week.”
    That’s a lot of hours these 3 poor guys have to cover each week. No wonder the FD has burned over a million in O/T in 6 months?
    That’s a lot of swag! It’s going to push them all into a higher tax bracket for sure.

    “Callback Budget:1,280,560 Month ending 11/10: 902,306.19 .00 Remaining budget 378,253.81 Percent Used:70.5% ** END OF REPORT – Generated by Susan Collier **”

    What happens when the o/t account is gone? Threaten to close the library? Eliminate the Senior Citizen bus?

    Or is there another “Mini Tax” on the horizon? Let’s ask the town atty if we can – oh- no- never mind. (Didn’t he do the last one?)

    Well as taxpayers we must assume there must be a plan to fix this, no? I can’t believe what I read in the Word Press;
    “In the meantime no plan has been formulated by the HR department to even develop standards, qualifications or testing for an additional Assistant Fire Chief. All the while the cash and personnel are burning up.”

    Mayor Harkins, Mr Ing, Chief Cavanaugh – someone please, please tell me this is being addressed – please!

  5. 5 1george1

    I respect the Police and Fire personnel.

    However, in the 1990s certain people “set up” the system for abuse.

    Anyone the equivalent of sargeant of above, should be management
    and not part of the union and not get O.T.
    It should be properly staffed to cover management duties, including
    “acting management,” which eliminates O. T.

    The personnel shortfall and contractual coverages should have been
    designed for proper coverages to insure public safety, while covering
    shifts, with minimal O.T. like most responsible professional fire fighters.

    Instead the system was “gamed” to throw money and benefits towards
    certain people, who in turn would either do business with certain
    people and/or not interfer with certain people, in my opinion and in
    the opinion of others.

    It is a common and systemic problem.

    The POLITICAL BOSSES and BUSINESS PEOPLE who set these thing up DIE
    after living the GOOD LIFE. Their protoges get away with it for a long time.
    Eventually the PENSION / HEALTH CARE Madoff type PONZI scheme runs
    out of money.

    2 years ago the more intelligent and responsible union people recognized
    the party was nearing being over. However, they doggedly try to hang on
    because they represent their union people to get the same thing as the
    past retirees (& for themselves).

    I blame some union people for not doing the right things, especially on
    certain Public Safety issues.

    However I really blame those who created the systemic abuses who are
    members of the political parties, police, state police, FBI, Town, State, &
    Federal Attorneys, and town, state, and Federal government and political
    people and benefitting business people.

    In the private sector, one has to provide quality, service, and reliability
    related to the INTEGRITY ASSOCIATED with PORTIA’S MERITOCRACY.

    In the public sector, in order for TRAITORS to steal everything at National
    and International levels, it is necessary to C O R R U P T, every local and
    state investigatory person and lawyer and judge, so there is NO ONE who
    can not be black mailed and controlled.

    The only thing it takes to keep T R E A S O N from P R O S P E R I N G,
    is that N O N E … D A R E … CALL IT T R E A S O N!

    In real terms, there is no difference between BRIBERY and LOBBYING.

    The PUBLIC SECTOR has also been BRIBED with PAY, WORK CONDITIONS,
    BENEFITS, PENSIONS, HEALTH CARE being paid for by increasing classes of unemployeed, underemployed, underpaid, NONbenefit, NO Health Care,
    over taxed and overworked workers and small business owners.

  6. 6 jezebel282

    Missgreen,

    “That’s a lot of swag! It’s going to push them all into a higher tax bracket for sure. ”

    Err…just to be clear, the $902K is not divided between just three assistant fire chiefs. It is the expense of calling back an entire crew according to State mandate (unfunded, of course).

    “What happens when the o/t account is gone? Threaten to close the library? Eliminate the Senior Citizen bus?”

    Not to worry. Town Hall can always lay off more Public Works employees (their favorite target), close a couple of schools, promote a few less police officers (after a chosen few retire with enormous pensions), maybe even raising parking fees.

    Thank goodness we have all those consultants working (and getting paid) on the theater and EMS.

  7. 7 1george1

    Town Hall can always lay off more Public Works employees
    (their favorite target),

    I CALL NJ TOWNS / BOE to SELL PRODUCTS.
    TOWN /BOE BUDGETS are cut MILLIONS $
    – Many jobs are being O U T S O U R C E D.
    – There are many people in town, who want Volunteer FIRE DEPT.
    > Reduce cost
    > Reduce benefits
    > Eliminate pensions
    – My relative was a chief of a Voluteer Fire Dept. I do NOT favor
    a Volunteer Dept.
    – The more antics the Fire Dept personnel create, the worse they
    will look when everything comes out …..
    – The real story behind the story was to pay certain police and hires
    of a certain period just before the retirement of a certain person.

    close a couple of schools,

    IN TIME TO BOND $ 40,000,000 to BRING STRATFORD HS + BUNNELL UP
    TO 25 YEAR STANDARDS?
    TO REPLACE SHS = SUGGESTED COST? WELL NORTH OF $ 100 MILLION.
    Unless the “consultant” was lying to me and people at the meeting?

    promote a few less police officers
    (after a chosen few retire with enormous pensions)

    THAT WAS THE WHOLE KEY, IN MY ESTIMATION – AS THEY PROTECTED
    THE POWERS THAT WERE and ARE NOW BEHIND THE SCENES!

  8. 8 1george1

    Yo Jeze,
    Either posters are taking the Holidays off,
    Or people got burned out.

    PORTIA + I post very long.
    RON under posts.
    MIKE R usually underposts.
    SUDDS minimally post and almost always a wise crack – sometimes real funny.

    PCS very informative and researched posts.
    I think PCS is likely the most disappointed Harkins supporter.
    I have seen NOTHING / NADA / ZIP about developmental center/parking RR,
    since 9 months ago’s meetings.

    Style wise, we are better with John than Jim.
    I am not sure the is much difference in substance ….. so far.
    2011 is shaping up to be hell in first 1/2 and timetable of dervish in the
    2nd 1/2 and beyond

    PHIN + MAYOR 2013 decent size posts.

    Chris seemed to get stuck in defensive mode vs. PORTIA.

    I miss PHYLLIS + STAR.

    I even miss KANE + CYCLOPS.

    JON fell off the edge of the World since the PRIMARIES.
    But then this blog has not been kind to DONNA.

    GAVIN picks his spots.
    I then pick apart whatever GAVIN writes.
    GAVIN is far smarter than I and more expert in financial nuances.
    However, far too many of his political decision are … INDEFENSIBLE! 😉

    It is too bad the blockers bashed LAURA D + DAVE MOONEY + BONNIE,
    because we lost insight.

    Jimbo + Pearly Whites were good for stirrin da pot.

    I have no feel for miss green eyes + paradise green + a few of the EMS
    people, except they appear to have limited political agenda, and they
    “appear” to be for the volunteers / good of the town?

    NO ONE challenges or suggests solutions on ANYTHING related to:
    PENSIONS
    HEALTH CARE
    UNFUNDED MANDATES
    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
    GRANTS – Christine K is gone – coming back as a consultant
    STIMULUS $$
    FIRE HOUSE BOON DOGGLE
    FIRE TRUCKS bid circumvention
    POLICE BONDING same old same same
    BOE – H C PAID Deductables
    BOE – H C inflated costs
    BOE – BUDGET slush funds
    TOWN – slush funds
    POLICE / FIRE multiple lines of hidden O.T.

    JEZE newest post related to MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL EXPENSE REPORTS
    posted on the WEB which was one of my PET IDEAS when running for MAYOR.
    > MATT sponsored
    > HARKINS supported
    > COLLIER did excellent job posting.

    It is increased TRANSPARENCY.

    Without increased TRANSPARENCY departmental people do NOT realize the
    EFFECTS of their ACTIONS, as well as DEPARTMENT HEADS, MAYOR, COUNCIL,
    and others, including the GENERAL PUBLIC.

    Most of the FIRE + POLICE + BOE + others are exceptionally decent people
    who naturally want the best possible deal for themselves.

    However, until they can see in the light of day, just how U N J U S T and
    unfair it is to Taxpayers, there would be no PEER PRESSURE to allow for
    reasonable “adjustments.”

    As a former UNION STEWARD, I would want to argue for benefits.
    But how do you argue to people footing the bill who do not have …..

    What is Health Care? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is Sick Leave? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is Vacation Time? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is Holiday Pay? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is a PENSION? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is a 401? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is an ANNUITY? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is a UNIFORM ALLOWANCE? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is FREE PARKING? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What is VEHICLE ALLOWANCE? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What are work expenses? What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE?

    What are heated / AC offices with paid utilities and equipment?
    What percent Stratford Tax Payers have NONE, working outside?

    Supposedly 70 % of Stratford BoE + Town Workers pay no PROPERTY TAX?
    They live out of Town?

    The political class and government workers look a little bit like the
    apparatchic russian communist party member … or as eric blair / orwell
    wrote: “some are more equal than others ….”

    One thing Jeze and I agree on … . much of this goes back to the
    Mirons / Burturlas / B utter nut followers in the Country Club circuit.

  9. 9 1george1

    Where Do You Rank as a Taxpayer?
    by Kevin McCormally, Editorial Director KIPLINGER (today’s Yahoo)
    Thursday, December 23, 2010

    (WHERE DO STRATFORD EDUCATION + TOWN MANAGERS/WORKERS + LAWYERS
    + OTHER PUBLIC TRUST BENEFICIARIES RANK to GENERAL POPULATION?)

    Now that Congress has extended the Bush tax cuts for everyone — rich and poor and everyone in between, ask yourself: How much of the tax burden do you bear today?

    No issue seems to get under Americans’ skin more — or command more attention from politicians — than whether taxes will rise or fall and, frankly, whose ox will be gored. The lame duck session of Congress has been filled with acid debate on this topic as lawmakers battled over what to do with the Bush tax cuts.

    In the end, of course, our lawmakers kicked the can down the road a bit — neither allowing the tax cuts to expire nor permanently extending them. Instead, there’s a two year extension of the status quo. That means that, after a brief respite, taxes will be right back in the thick of things.

    In the meantime, we have developed a tool to show how the nation’s tax bill is distributed among its citizens. Are the wealthy coddled with tax favors? Is the middle class unfairly burdened? Our tool uses the latest IRS data to shine light on such issues. We’ll also show you how your own income stacks up against your fellow Americans.

    Are you ready to see where you fit in? With our simple calculator (see link above), enter a single number from your 2009 tax return and you’ll instantly know the answer.

    > What the Numbers Show

    The latest numbers from the IRS — based on 2008 tax returns — show that the top 1% of income earners paid 38.02% of individual income taxes paid. That’s a lot, but it’s actually a smaller share of the total tax bill than the top 1% paid in 2007. That year they paid 40.42%. We also learn from the IRS that, in 2008, the richest 1% of Americans made 20% of all the adjusted gross income reported. That’s almost twice the 12.75% of total income earned collectively by the lowest-earning 50% of workers. Yes, 1.4 million taxpayers earn 20% of all income reported while 70 million share just 12.75%.

    But get this: When it comes to taxes paid, an even wider discrepancy shows itself — in reverse. Compared with that 38% of taxes paid by the top 1% of earners, the bottom 50% pay just 2.7% of the taxes collected.

    These income and tax burden breakdowns come from information reported on 2008 individual income tax returns. Income categories are based on adjusted gross income (AGI), which is basically salary plus investment, rental and business income minus investment losses and expenses such as alimony paid, contributions to retirement plans, moving expenses and a few other costs.

    (Note that these figures include only federal income taxes. According to one study, 56% of all wage earners pay more in Social Security and Medicare taxes than they do income tax and the percentage of those paying more payroll tax than income tax soars to 86% if you count both the employer and employee share of Social Security and Medicare taxes.)

    For historical perspective, back in 1986, the top 1% of earners reported 11% of all income and paid 26% of the income taxes; the lower-earning 50% made 17% of the income and paid 6% of the nation’s individual income tax bill.

    >>>

    TABLE:

    >>>

    Top …….2008 AGI —– % of ALL income ….
    1 % ……Over $ 380,354 —– 20 % …………….
    5 % ……Over $ 159,619 —– 35 % …………….
    10 % …. Over $ 113,799 —– 46 %…………….
    25 % …. Over $ 67,280 —– 67 % …………….
    50 % …. Over $ 33,048 —– 87 %
    Bottom
    50 % … Under $ 33,048 —– 13 %

    Pay of most Teachers, Police, fire, and ALL MANAGEMENT puts them in the
    top 25 % of Earners in the US.

  10. 10 jezebel282

    George,

    Just a couple of comments.

    “Either posters are taking the Holidays off,
    Or people got burned out.”

    Probably both. And then there was a blizzard, you know. Also citizens are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of any sort of direction or movement from Town Hall. We have the same problems and people in place as we had when we voted Mayor Moron out of office. In this second year of Harkins tenure, we certainly hope that at some point he decides to actually do something.

    “JON fell off the edge of the World since the PRIMARIES.
    But then this blog has not been kind to DONNA.”
    Not to worry. Jon has been very busy trying to settle some scores and delaying whatever reform might take place at Stratford EMS.

    When you lose $600,000 in revenue in one year (and continue to do so), dismantle any sort of positive morale among volunteers, resort to paying EMT’s just to show up and general endangering Stratford citizens you cannot expect this blog to be kind to you.

    “It is too bad the blockers bashed LAURA D + DAVE MOONEY + BONNIE,
    because we lost insight.”
    ROTFLMAO! Insight? is that what it was? If you can’t take the heat, you shouldn’t be a sock puppet.

    “a few of the EMS people, except they appear to have limited political agenda, and they “appear” to be for the volunteers / good of the town?”

    The “EMS people” that do post here have no political agenda. They could care less about politics. They are addicted to serving the weakest and neediest among us. They truly love it. When you do thank them, the most you will get is an “aww shucks…”. To be honest, they simply are the finest Stratford has to offer.

    “However, until they can see in the light of day, just how U N J U S T and
    unfair it is to Taxpayers, there would be no PEER PRESSURE to allow for
    reasonable “adjustments.””

    George, it only takes a few minutes of reading this blog to understand the management conditions the rank & file of PD & FD must work with. The incompetence and favoritism are breathtaking. The eventual cost to the taxpayers will be equally breathtaking. Contract negotiations over just the last 5 years have been shining examples of how to eliminate trust and good faith.

    “Supposedly 70 % of Stratford BoE + Town Workers pay no PROPERTY TAX?
    They live out of Town?”

    That seems a bit high, but totally irrelevant. There are no requirements that any paid Town employee, save the mayor, must reside in Stratford. Otherwise why would we pay for Police Chief John Buturla’s vehicle, gas, insurance and maintenance so he can commute to work?

    “followers in the Country Club circuit.”
    Now wait a minute. If the country club has reasonable greens fees, cart rentals and ease of getting a tee time……

  11. 11 pcsperling

    Jeze ~

    Herein lies the problem ~ we, the taxpayers, should be slamming Town Hall if vehicles are still being provided for some of the employees. There is no reason why Chief Buturla can’t drive his personal vehicle from Woodbury to Stratford. While I understand that certain employees are provided vehicles, when one lives so far outside the Town, it shouldn’t be on us to pay for gas, insurance, etc.

    I heard recently that prior to a certain (retired) police captain becoming captain, overtime wasn’t “allowed” for captains. But, of course, a certain (retired) deputy chief signed off on that captain’s overtime. When confronted, that deputy chief told the inquiriers to butt out. Now, we’re paying that retired capitain an unbelievable pension all while he is now assistant chief of UNH. WOW! Town Hall powers should grow some balls and go after and look into all of those wrongdoings, and pull some of that back. There has to be something that can be done.

    George, you don’t hear much from me about the RR because I no longer commute. I’m five minutes from home and loving it! I’m happy to see the canopy up for commuters, and I believe that spaces were added on the NH bound side. I bowed out of the commuter committee as well. I’ve go other priorities, like my daughter’s homework, dance classes, etc.

    At this point, I believe all BOE administration should be given walking papers (including the newly hired Feeney). They’re are probably seriously qualified people in the unemployment line who have been making a mere $525 a week, who would be more than happy to have a better paying (but not as much as current salaries on East Broadway) and benefits. Want to start saving some money – get rid of the heavy dead weight there. There’s enough of it! Long gone are the days when one secretary supports one person – the same should be true for Town Hall and the BOE.

    It’s time that Stratford get back to basics – black and white! Stop Town-supplied vehicles and cell phones. Consolidate health insurance – BOE and Town with the same medical and dental plans (it would probably save money).

    Each Town Hall and BOE department should find ways to cut their budgets – stop the spend it or lose it antics!

  12. 12 1george1

    Great to see PCS back and not missing a step.

    JEZE is unlikely to care where I agree and disagree.
    I got a reaction.
    There was substance, instead of just wise cracks.

    These two may inspire other comments before next year?

  13. 13 jezebel282

    PCS,

    “Herein lies the problem ~ we, the taxpayers, should be slamming Town Hall if vehicles are still being provided for some of the employees.”

    Oh that. That was just a small example. Egregious, yes. Especially if you add in the communication equipment and other goodies that are simply a must for a 25 minute ride home. Kinda like taking unmarked police cars for spins to health clubs and shopping trips. Not nearly as bad as $75,000 taxpayer dollars for a set of false teeth.

    Luckily for us taxpayers, the Town Attorney’s office costs nothing to operate. Otherwise it would be posted on the monthly expense reports on the Town website. Since it is not, we should assume that no payments have been made to Tim Bishop or Berchem Moses & Devlin since July 2010. Does anyone think that any of this is being done pro bono? After all, Rich Buturla is such a sweetheart.

  14. 14 1george1

    Jeze,

    I was curious why you were not all over the Transfer of money to
    the Town Attorney’s office a couple months ago?

    Then the money transferred was REDUCED, but still 6 figures?

    Apparently, MONEY was PAID …..
    Sue Collier appears to not know where the transfer was to come from?

    Passing thought…

    Does the Town get M O R E Tax Money this month?

  15. 15 1george1

    Sent to Mayor – attorneys – certain council + press:

    JANUARY 7, 2011 BREAKING NEWS!

    Crash closes I-95; no injuries, fire trucks damaged
    FRIDAY 9:30 p.m.: No one was injured, but two Stratford Fire
    Department vehicles were damaged in a crash on I-95 tonight.
    A tractor-trailer slid into…

    2 replacement FIRE TRUCKS?

    Or will the MAYOR & TOWN COUNCIL ignore the BOND & BID
    process (laws?) again?

    I wonder who would be able to sell 2 non custom $ 230,000
    equipped Fire Trucks for $ 900,000?

    De Ja vue —- all over again?

    Let’s throw more elderly home owners into the streets, while
    we give more Benefits,
    Pensions, Pay, Fees, “legal settlements,” awards, change
    orders to political buddies?

  16. 16 1george1

    I REALIZE these are NOT CUSTOM FIRE TRUCKS.

    However, neither were the 2 FIRE TRUCKS/Equipment we PAID $ 900,000.
    Being honest, I am unsure these are exact matches per FIRE DEPT info.
    However, they mentioned a PUMPER + RESCUE TRUCK.
    NOTE: Below includes PUMPERS + RESCUE TRUCKS.

    Is there QUID PRO QUO
    O.T. + PENSIONS for FIRE TRUCKS
    O.T. + PENSIONS for TOWN ATTORNEY FEES + Dept head/mgmt appointments
    PENSIONS + PAY + BENEFITS for overpriced HEALTH CARE (kick backs)
    MAYOR BENEFIT PACKAGE for JUDITH TERRACE

    From FENTON Fire Equipment web site:

    – 2011 int demo 4 X 4 1250/500/20 Marion built E1490

    International 4700 Workstar • 330 hp Maxforce 7 Pre Emissions engine • Engine Exhaust brake • Allison 3000EVS Transmission • Meritor 4 x 4 tansfer case • Polished aluminum wheels • Dual vertical exhaust • Power windows • Power door locks • Air ride drivers seat and officers • SCBA seating for 4 firefighters • Stainless sun visor •
    $255,000.00

    – 2010 International 7400 1250/1200/24 E1437

    2 DOOR CONVENTIONAL CAB • CHROME BUMPER • CAB PAINTED RED • AIR BRAKES • AUTO SLACK ADJUSTERS • MAXX FORCE 300 H.P. DIESEL ENGINE • ALLISON 3000EVS TRANSMISSION • 270 AMP. ALTERNATOR • (3) BATTERIES 1950CCA • FRONT TOW HOOKS • POLISHED ALUMINUM WHEELS • BLOCK HEATER • REMOTE HEATED & LIGHTED MIRRORS • AIR CONDITIONED • AIR RIDE DRIVERS SEAT • HIGH BACK PASSENGER SEAT • AM/FM RADIO W/ CD PLAYER • POLARIZED BATTERY RECEPTACLE • ALUMINUM BODY (5083 SALT WATER MARINE) • 4 MAN ENCLOSED TRANSVERSE CONTROL PANEL • HIGH SIDE / MEDIUM SIDE COMPARTMENTS • ROLL UP DOORS • HEATED PUMP COMPARTMENT • FOUR (4) ADJUSTABLE SHELVES • MAIN HOSE BED W/ 1 DIVIDER • TWO (2) SPEEDLAY HOSE BEDS • LED COMPARTMENT LIGHTS • FEDERAL LED EMERGENCY LIGHTING • CLASS 1 SELF DIAGNOSTIC ELECTRICAL PANEL • FOLD DOWN LADDER RACK W/ COMPLIMENT • TWO (2) SUCTION HOSE TRAYS W/ COMPLIMENT
    $289,000.00

    – 2010 International 4300 Rescue Pumper 1250/500/10 E1477

    Maxxforce 7 Diesel Motor 230HP • Allison 2500 EVS Automatic Trans. • Seats 5 • 4 SCBA Seats • Over 300 cu. ft. storage space • Storage compartment shelving package • R.O.M. anodized aluminum roll-up doors • Whelen LED lighting & Siren & Lightbar • Polished aluminum wheels, 22.5” x 7.50” hub-piloted • All aluminum body construction • Ladders, Pike Poles, Axes
    $184,500.00

    – 2010 International 4300 Rescue Pumper 1250/500/10 (E1477 < I may
    have posted a duplicate link, but you can look it up –
    – Ford turbo diesel, 6.7 liter, 8-cylinder, 325 hp • Ford six-speed automatic • Air conditioning • keyed start, cruise control, HO Bostrom 450 SCBA officer’s seat, three-point seat belts, extended mirrors, AM/FM radio, manual windows and door locks, XL cab trim package • Aluminum console located between driver and officer seats for emergency switches, siren controls, dry chemical system activation, bumper turret joystick control, Purple K enabled indicator light • aluminum body construction • Aluminum sub-frame constructed • 12,000 lbs Warn Winch • Kussmaul Auto Charger • Master Battery Switch
    $180,000.00

    2010 Ford F550 4X4 Quick Attack 275/300/25 (W0640)
    —————————————————

    International 4400 Chassis • Maxxforce 9 • 330 HP Diesel Motor • Allison 3000EVS • 5 Speed Automatic • A/C • Exhaust Brake • Attic, 14' and 24' Ladders
    $179,900.00

    2009 International Pumper 1250/1000 (E1342

    —————————————————————-

    330HP Max Force 9 Engine • Allison 3000EVS Automatic Transmission • Stainless Steel Body • Whelen LED Lighting Package • Transverse Rear Compartment • Roll-Up Doors • Ladder Brackets
    $180,000.00

    2009 International 4400 Pumper 1250/1000 (E1528)

  17. 17 jezebel282

    Today marks the end of Assistant Chief Dan Ross’s career with the Stratford Fire department. It is another sad day for Stratford residents.

    After 25+ years of dedicated service, the Town of Stratford was unable to reach an equitable agreement with Chief Ross and he has no option but to retire. Thus we lose another young, experienced and knowledgeable scene commander. Chief Ross will be sorely missed. We are now down to two assistant fire chiefs who must cover 168 hours/week between them.

  18. 18 1george1

    Much O. T. until other position filled, then it starts over.
    More 6 figure pensions?

    Not a question of ability or dedication, however pension conspiracy
    questions linger:
    1) Why were PENSION CAPS removed?
    2) How are the quivalent of Sargeants, Lieutenants, Captains,
    and colonels being union people and getting O. T. instead of
    being on salary?

  19. 19 jezebel282

    George,

    “How are the quivalent of Sargeants, Lieutenants, Captains,
    and colonels being union people and getting O. T. instead of
    being on salary?”

    Because the only two positions that are non-union are the Chief and Deputy Chief. And they are protected by contract and State law.

    I am surprised you don’t mention Chief Ross’s 25 years of service to the Town including the 25, 20, 15th years he put in as a Fireman at not enough pay to support himself and had to work second jobs just to survive. Maybe you should ask those who’s houses and lives he saved over those 25 years whether or not he deserves the pension he worked for.

  20. 20 1george1

    Jeze,

    I do not question Dan Ross as a worthy fireman, who undoubtedly
    saved lives. I know he and his dad did a great service to the town
    with the WW II Memorial.

    I do not begrudge anyone a PENSION.
    Nor do I begrudge anyone a very good PENSION.

    However, I do question the people who created a system that is
    1) far out of whack with the private sector.
    2) escentially steals from tax payers, by having people put in $ 95,000
    in 27 years into their pension plan and get back $ 134,000.

    I work multiple jobs and extra hours nights and weekends.
    So do many other people.

    The is a question about what is proper compensation?
    Same argument of priorities to BoE administrators and Mironuts?

    Change Dan Ross name to Miron and what would your likely position be?

    PORTIA has been very silent a long time.

    If I am right about PORTIA’s identity, I am unsure what to expect?
    Regardless …. it should be interesting, as I have ruffled feathers of
    all kinds of birds …
    Chickens
    Hawks
    Cuckoos
    Vultures
    Doo doo
    Humming
    Doves
    Duck
    quick duck again

  21. 21 jezebel282

    George,

    “Change Dan Ross name to Miron and what would your likely position be?”

    I am puzzled by that question and have no idea how to respond other than what I had said a long time ago; There is a major difference between chasing an ambulance and driving one.

  22. 22 1george1

    At least I made you puzzled.

    While I do not conceed the point you have subjective double standards
    related to people, and not related to parallel objective facts ….

    I do have to conceed this:

    Your ambulance chasing vs. ambulance driving analogy is appropriate,
    clever, and consistent with your repeatedly stated priorities, dislikes,
    and likes:

    ambulance chasing = lawyers

    ambulance driving = EMS

    —— Jeze ya got a smile outta me!

    —– To change subject to bring a couple smiles.

    YAHOO had video of baby little girl’s first taste of grapefruit juice.
    Although mostly predictable, it is LOL cute!

    TARGET store has a TV Commercial with a little boy toddler, open
    jar of peanut butter, and open jar of jelly
    1 – It totally broke me up.
    2 – It reminded me of the way the guy in the mirror does certain things.

  23. 23 jezebel282

    George,

    “While I do not conceed the point you have subjective double standards
    related to people, and not related to parallel objective facts”

    “Double standard”? You may be correct. I do have one standard for people who lie, cheat, steal and bully and another for those who work with dedication and caring.

    What is a “parallel objective fact”?

  24. 24 1george1

    Jeze
    You know the difference between
    Ojective and Subjective

    softball alert > You know the difference between
    Fact, Fiction, and Fantasy (as do I)

    You know the definition of parallel.

    My point:
    Taking the same objective facts and transposing people you
    like for people you do not like, your would likely have different
    outcomes, from what I have read.

    There are significant grey areas for people who do not arouse
    your passions.

    I had different opinions about Mossman, Imbro, DeCilio and others
    than Sylvia did.
    Socially they might be nice people and pillars of the Community.
    I disagree with some of their politics and professional actions, which
    is my RIGHT and they have the RIGHTS to their positions.

    Sylvia thought highly of them and wished she knew me better when I
    was having issues with Mossman.
    I believe Sylvia would have been surprized that Mossman was working
    under orders, same as most political people, even if they are unaware?

    How can that happen?

    Example 1
    June 6, 1944 dawn off the coast of Normandy, and Armada of wel over
    5,000 Warships suddenly appeared.

    With far less technical and communications tools than today there was
    a planned and coordinated operation, whereas tens or hundred of
    thousands men and women were coordinated to have everything in
    place for multiple landing beaches, air assaults, and all elements of
    army, navy, marine, air, and political / civilian coordination.

    NOTE: CIA + DOD intelligence are on site in SIKORSKY + AVCO.
    Nothing happens in the Stratford Police force and politics which does
    not interest Military planning and operations, in part with a TERROR
    SITUATION.

    Example 2
    A family member passes and leaves and inheritance and a need to move.
    For their own reasons, people want you to buy a certain house.
    If the home owners are politically connected, they can drop prices to
    make a buy imposible to refuse by the target.
    They were compensated in the past and will be in the future for the lower
    price, by extra profits and contracts or promotions or PENSIONS.

    Example 3
    A yenta type situation who likes to arrange or cause marriages, but done
    for political or cryptographic reasons.
    A man and a woman are separately targeted to be befriended by a couple
    of people. As time passes each of those people are influenced by friends,
    who separately are told to attend a function and to influence their friend
    to meet and become attracted to the other target.

    Dating is often a matter of who shows interest and whose friends show
    interest and give 3rd party endorsements.

    During surveillance and social interaction of the assigned friends, they
    observe behavior and interests, which can then be used and cultivated
    to assist hitting it off.

    POINT: I ran coed bowling leagues, class reunions, softball leagues and
    picnics, parties, and varieties of functions.

    At least 1- couples married, who met at things I created and ran, with
    dozens of children due to my indirect credit. Nature happens.

    In a few instances, the girl or guy asked my opinion and my third party
    endorsement or caution often, not always affected decisions along the
    path I endorsed or suggested rejecting.

    Jeze the DARK SIDE tkes forever to load.
    Might be time for new page, as suggested????

  25. 25 jezebel282

    George,

    “Taking the same objective facts and transposing people you
    like for people you do not like, your would likely have different
    outcomes, from what I have read.”

    The “objective fact” is that Miron would not have made it past the firefighter exam or physical (I’m not even going to mention saving anyone) so it’s a moot point. You just can’t switch people around and assume all is equal.

    I have no idea what relevance WWII or dating may have. But I am sure to you it makes perfect sense.

  26. 26 1george1

    Paragraphs 1 repeat and 2 rebut related to Objective facts,
    injects your Subjective Facts.

    Jim Miron was in far better shape in the Army and his younger
    days, which you chose to ignore.
    Now Jim and Dan Ross are still light weights and in better shape
    than I am, yet none of us are in the shape / condition we were
    in our 20s.

    There are also differences between hypotheticals and assumptions.

    Creating scenarios by manipulating people who do not know they are
    being manipulated, as well as coordinating people towards making a
    highly complicated plan work are both done by people NOT VISIBLE
    to the UNWITTING nor the WITTING.

    The disconnect of commonality between:
    “coordinating” an INVASION
    “coordinating” people to manipulate people to BUY a certain home
    “coordinating” people to manipulate people to WANT to date people
    into wanting to become a couple, has two commonalities.
    One commonality you can plainly see.
    What are both commonalities?

  27. 27 jezebel282

    George,

    “making a highly complicated plan work are both done by people NOT VISIBLE
    to the UNWITTING nor the WITTING.”

    Sigh…I give up.

  28. 28 jezebel282

    Editor’s note:

    Despite George’s guesstimates of who gets what for a pension, it must be noted that there is a Pension Review Board and that Assistant Chief Dan Ross’s pension has not yet been calculated.

    It is, of course, my own opinion that whatever the final total might be after 25 years of truly dedicated service, it is well earned in this case.

  29. 29 jezebel282

    Update:

    SHELTON — Residents will see a slight decrease in their taxes, if the 2011-12 budget proposed by Mayor Mark A. Lauretti Tuesday night is approved.
    Lauretti proposed an $111.9 million spending plan with an 18.57 mill rate, which is down slightly from the 18.61 mill rate in the previous budget.
    That means for a house assessed at $200,000, taxes would decrease from $3,722 to $3,714, which is an $8 savings.
    He said that back in February 1992, his first budget message was grim.
    Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Lauretti-Residents-may-see-slight-tax-drop-1025680.php#ixzz1EmmmywbO

    A tax DECREASE? 18.57 mill rate? OMG! There’s a place like that?


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