Chris Harris for Mayor (Posted At RIFuture.org)
Gay & Lesbian Dissension In Providence
Providence Mayor David Cicilline declined to attend this years PrideFest. The reason being that the promoter of the event, Chris Harris, is considering a run for mayor. And during the event, his float was decorated with "Chris Harris for Mayor" slogans.
"What do you think of this on-going contract negotiations between Providence's Fire Department and City Administration?"
The CFPPS Answer:
* Since taking office, David Cicilline has reduced the number of firefighters on each engine company. Currently half of our engine companies are staffed at 3. In October 2007, Cicilline, through fire chief George Farrell, issued a directive to draw all engine companies down to 3. No action has been taken, but given the current economic climate, this is most likely the path he intends to follow.
* Fire protection experts agree that the best way to follow NFPA 17.2 and NFPA 1500 is to staff all engine companies at 4 firefighters per engine.
* Staffing the engine companies at 4 firefighters per apparatus reduces injury to the men and women who fight these fires.
* Many cities of similar size in the region are staffing all engine companies at 4 firefighters per.(Worcester, MA; Hartford, CT;New Haven, CT; Baltimore, MD; New Bedford, MA)
* Events such as PrideFest are much larger than they used to be. All the more reason we should not be reducing the number of firefighters on the engine companies. This is risky business. Chris. Risky Business.
Like Chris, we are absolutely unsatisfied with David Cicillines' SAY ONE THING--DO ANOTHER strategery.
Joe Ouellette
Citizens For Providence Public Safety
provpublicsafety@gmail.com
