These are tax dollars being used by these VFD's to operate. These monies and operations need to be monitored strictly so that tax dollars are wisely spent and the operations and hiring practices are fairly administrated. There have been accusations that an inordinate amount of friends and family are employed by the UVFD and the New Chapel EMS two organizations Mr. Noel apparently oversees and when you factor in the political activity we can see where those same words "doesn't pass the smell test" come into play again. Not saying there is any wrong doing, but there appears to be several questions that should be answered...
It's a good move for the commissioners to look into these VPD's and we hope they follow up on their consideration of possibly adopting an ordinance.....
I believe that a volunteer fire department should be just that. It should be staffed by volunteers, ran by volunteers and financed by volunteers. Financing should be limited to training and equipment. The community that the department serves should be who decides whether or not that department serves their needs. If public dollars are to be used in any fashion then I believe public oversight and control is a must. Having a privately held corporation providing a public service with public dollars and no oversight is begging for misuse and corruption. Not saying this is definitely the case in the recent news stories, but oversight of the funding would have definitely alleviated any concerns.
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ReplyDeleteI still don't understand why a fire dept. and ambulance service would purchase property that's not in their area...what use would it be for them. Sounds like a one man decision to benefit only himself and deep pockets.
As soon as Goliath broke the news about the headquarters on his blog, the next week the EMS was in the paper having a ribbon cutting with mayor Moore for their supposed new location.
ReplyDeleteSo let me get this straight, if I can but it's pretty crooked!............Donavon Harrod is the chief at Utica FD. He is running for Jeff Township Trustee. Trustees are the ones who contract for fire and EMS services for the Township. The trustee does take into consideration the Township Advisory Boards suggestions. Those GOP running for that Board are Tony Singleton (Boy Scout leader), Jamie Hudgins (deputy coroner & EMS) and Scottie Maples (sheriff deputy).
ReplyDeleteWho do you think Harrod will choose for those services? People say they don't know why UTVFD bought the building on Spring when they don't service the area. Well....not yet they don't! But the pieces are in place to do so if the election goes the chairman of the GOP's way!!!
I agree why would the Utica Volunteer F.D. want its headquarters in Jeff...
ReplyDeleteIt just doesn't pass the proverbial "smell test"...
All the more reason to vote Kelley Curran for township board ;-)
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