Debate Is Always Welcome

Rules of the game

Occasionally you strike a nerve when you state an opinion.
That’s to be expected. And in some cases, desired.
But the rules around here are pretty simple. You can disagree with us and call us stupid, but you can’t do it anonymously. If you’re convinced we’re wrong, have hidden motives or simply beyond repair have the courage of your convictions and leave your name.
See we’re from the old school. We grew up in the newspaper business.

We didn’t print letters to the editor from people unwilling to sign their name. So we won’t post anonymous comments.

We also don’t allow profanity, personal attacks, racist screeds, sexist remarks or attacks on looks. (And yes, we know we have faces for radio).
Now I understand that sometimes topics are so sensitive that you might be unable to sign your name. But sorry, no exceptions. Anonymity allows for hyperbole and nastiness. That doesn’t fly around here. I sign my name, you sign yours. Simple.
A few weeks back I wrote about a potential merger of our fire department with the county.
I didn’t like the idea. That’s my prerogative. I think our city should have its own fire department. I also think we should treat our personnel fairly.
So while I oppose a merger,  I strongly favor investment in the department, it’s people and it’s facilities. We need to be competitive and you shouldn’t scrimp on a lifesaving service.

We invested quite a bit in public safety during my term in office.  We invested in equipment, increased salaries and benefits and most controversially boosted pensions. I am proud of what we did and it stopped a major recruitment and retention issue happening at the  time.
But for some people it’s never enough. That’s ok too.

Was it enough?

I thought so. Others might disagree, so be it. I’m gone. It’s history.

Still, by no means do I feel that you can just coast. The fire department requires a continued investment. If you want a good department, that’s the deal. Same with police. And just about everything else.

It seems that the city has made the decision not to merge. If that’s the case, we have to invest in the department or we risk a repeat of what we had 12-14 years ago, losing talented people to other departments. We need to be competitive.

Back to the issue of anonymity. When we published the post, we received a bunch of comments on social media and through the blog. Most wanted to keep the department and just about everyone favored offering competitive salaries and benefits. Which was our position.

But  I also  got a series of anonymous emails from one person that missed the point of what we were saying. I was accused of wanting to screw firefighters. I declined to post the anonymous comments.

Even though I vehemently disagree with the conclusions I would have posted them had the writer signed his or her name. That offer is still open.
So if you want to debate, we welcome it on this blog.
Just sign your name. You know who we are, it’s only fair we should know who you are.

And if you missed the point of the blog let me spell it out: I think Delray should have its own fire department like we have had for more than 100 years. I think we should provide competitive wages, benefits and pensions so we can attract and keep quality professionals. I think we need to invest in good equipment and facilities. And I think we need a good working relationship with the union.  Pretty simple.