City fire department’s future still up in the air
City fire department’s future still up in the air
By: Catherine Smirnoff and Carol Holmes
Topics:
Posted by editor Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 3375 times
5 responses 72 comments
Attendance at the Tehachapi City Council meeting on May 1 more than tripled as firefighters from the county and the city came to let their voices be heard.
Although it was not a scheduled agenda item, residents and fire personnel expressed a need to have questions answered. The questions were born out of the city’s consideration to possibly make the Tehachapi City Fire Department a full-time fire department and the first responder to emergencies.
“When will we get our answers from the city on the Tehachapi Fire Department and is the fire-fighting issue going to a vote,” asked Kern County firefighter Derrick Davis.
Davis said he also wonders why questions that were asked the city council more than two months ago haven’t been answered.
Other questions posed to the council included why the city was willing to pay $70,000 to conduct a survey on whether to have its own police department and was not conducting a survey on the fire department issue.
Mayor Ed Grimes said that some of the questions asked needed some clarification from the county and that those questions will be discussed at the May 15 meeting when the council will consider the budget.
On May 5, City Manager Jason Caudle said the city council requested that the fire department matter be addressed as a separate agenda item at the next meeting or at a separate meeting.
Councilman Phil Smith told the audience that it doesn’t hurt to examine the contract and that the city reviews its contract every two years.
“We have been going through the process for five years to see if we could have a city fire department,” he said “We are not making a rash decision; this is a long process. This isn’t a last-minute decision.”
He invited those in attendance to come to the budget meeting and hear what Kern County Fire Department Chief Dennis Thompson has to say.
For local resident Jim Roberts, a retired Los Angeles County firefighter, the answer regarding fire protection is clear. He believes the city could save money by contracting with the county and the county could absorb city firefighters into Station 12. Roberts has seen that happen in L.A. County. He said when he began working, only 30 cities in L.A. contracted with the county and when he retired approximately 60 cities were contracting their fire protection service with L.A. County.
At last week’s council meeting, Roberts noted that Station 12 only has one engine and that a structure fire needs a minimum of two engines. He said that by closing the city fire station and bringing its personnel to station 12, the county station would have two engines.
“It’s a win-win situation to keep contracting with the county,” Roberts said. “This should at least come to a vote.”
When the council was asked if the the city needed a helicopter or bulldozer for wildland fires and whether the city would use CCI fire crews, Caudle responded by saying the city is looking at using the helicopter at Keene as part of a mutual aid program.
“We are not looking at CCI for mutual aid participation,” he said.
Not all questions voiced were on the side of keeping Kern County as the first responder. Carl Gehricke, Mountain Festival chairman and owner of Tehachapi Bible & Book Store, said the city is growing, but the county isn’t providing additional firefighters to keep up with that growth.
“Either we pack up our city and let the county take over like Rosamond, or we want to be a city and do it ourselves,” he said.
Gehricke would like the city fire department to take the lead in protecting the residents within the city limits.
While concerns were expressed at the meeting regarding having inmate firemen respond to emergencies, Gehricke, a retired CCI sergeant, sees no problem with inmate firefighters. He said they are a well-trained team and have good emergency equipment.
Similarly, resident Soccora Schmidt is supportive of the TFD and believes the city needs two fire stations.
While her husband is a retired Kern County fireman and she “admires the county firefighters very much,” she doesn’t think the county is keeping pace with the increased growth by increasing the amount of firefighters at station 12.
“I trust our councilmen to do what is right for the city of Tehachapi,” she said.
Furthermore, Schmidt supports a mutual aid agreement between the city and the county.
The city council meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Kern County Veterans Hall, 125 E. F St. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to participate.
Although it was not a scheduled agenda item, residents and fire personnel expressed a need to have questions answered. The questions were born out of the city’s consideration to possibly make the Tehachapi City Fire Department a full-time fire department and the first responder to emergencies.
“When will we get our answers from the city on the Tehachapi Fire Department and is the fire-fighting issue going to a vote,” asked Kern County firefighter Derrick Davis.
Davis said he also wonders why questions that were asked the city council more than two months ago haven’t been answered.
Other questions posed to the council included why the city was willing to pay $70,000 to conduct a survey on whether to have its own police department and was not conducting a survey on the fire department issue.
Mayor Ed Grimes said that some of the questions asked needed some clarification from the county and that those questions will be discussed at the May 15 meeting when the council will consider the budget.
On May 5, City Manager Jason Caudle said the city council requested that the fire department matter be addressed as a separate agenda item at the next meeting or at a separate meeting.
Councilman Phil Smith told the audience that it doesn’t hurt to examine the contract and that the city reviews its contract every two years.
“We have been going through the process for five years to see if we could have a city fire department,” he said “We are not making a rash decision; this is a long process. This isn’t a last-minute decision.”
He invited those in attendance to come to the budget meeting and hear what Kern County Fire Department Chief Dennis Thompson has to say.
For local resident Jim Roberts, a retired Los Angeles County firefighter, the answer regarding fire protection is clear. He believes the city could save money by contracting with the county and the county could absorb city firefighters into Station 12. Roberts has seen that happen in L.A. County. He said when he began working, only 30 cities in L.A. contracted with the county and when he retired approximately 60 cities were contracting their fire protection service with L.A. County.
At last week’s council meeting, Roberts noted that Station 12 only has one engine and that a structure fire needs a minimum of two engines. He said that by closing the city fire station and bringing its personnel to station 12, the county station would have two engines.
“It’s a win-win situation to keep contracting with the county,” Roberts said. “This should at least come to a vote.”
When the council was asked if the the city needed a helicopter or bulldozer for wildland fires and whether the city would use CCI fire crews, Caudle responded by saying the city is looking at using the helicopter at Keene as part of a mutual aid program.
“We are not looking at CCI for mutual aid participation,” he said.
Not all questions voiced were on the side of keeping Kern County as the first responder. Carl Gehricke, Mountain Festival chairman and owner of Tehachapi Bible & Book Store, said the city is growing, but the county isn’t providing additional firefighters to keep up with that growth.
“Either we pack up our city and let the county take over like Rosamond, or we want to be a city and do it ourselves,” he said.
Gehricke would like the city fire department to take the lead in protecting the residents within the city limits.
While concerns were expressed at the meeting regarding having inmate firemen respond to emergencies, Gehricke, a retired CCI sergeant, sees no problem with inmate firefighters. He said they are a well-trained team and have good emergency equipment.
Similarly, resident Soccora Schmidt is supportive of the TFD and believes the city needs two fire stations.
While her husband is a retired Kern County fireman and she “admires the county firefighters very much,” she doesn’t think the county is keeping pace with the increased growth by increasing the amount of firefighters at station 12.
“I trust our councilmen to do what is right for the city of Tehachapi,” she said.
Furthermore, Schmidt supports a mutual aid agreement between the city and the county.
The city council meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Kern County Veterans Hall, 125 E. F St. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to participate.
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Sat May 6, 2006 14:24:14 PDT
Why post the newspaper will just delete it later. The City is going to do what the City wants to.
Sat May 6, 2006 10:46:10 PDT
to "editor" I agree with eightbravo, when we asked if you were going to publish the posts from the city vs county blog you said it was to "one sided" and here you publish this which clearly sides with the city. You might as well name the paper "Tehachapi City News". We need to keep up the fight, and show the city leaders that having the TFD go full time is not what is right for the residents, and it is not fiscally responsible either. Also I do not agree with absorbing the TFD personnel, they did not get their jpbs with TFD competitivley why should they get a job with the KCFD non competitivley. There are hundreds of individuals in this county that are more qualified than the TFD firefighters that deserve a job with the KCFD, and they will get it through a selection process, not a hire your son and his friends process.
Sat May 6, 2006 11:04:16 PDT
Well said "concerned". Also what about the lack of experience, qualifications and maturity of the TFD personnel. It is not responsible to hand it all over to a bunch of cocky arrogant kids. We all got a taste of that from McLaughlin Jr. the other night at the city council meeting. It is this arrogance and cockyness that is going to put this kids in a situation way over their heads and they won't have a clue what to do, but they will act like they do and someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed. I do not want it to be one of my family members. We need to stop this before someone gets hurt. The city is not going to stop it, they all seem to happy with the situation even though they know all of these things.
Sat May 6, 2006 11:36:47 PDT
I like how in the beginning of the artcle they say "the possibility of the city taking over full time" I thought they were going to do it, up until all of the backlash started. I guess it is just more lies spilling forth from the unending lies from Jason Caudle's mouth. The best thing that could happen is Jason Caudle resign his postion, as well as the Fire Chief and Assistant Chief, and the TFD go back to paid call as a back up to the county.
Sat May 6, 2006 11:40:03 PDT
My biggest concern is that the city will make a decision without a vote from the public. It seems to me they are demonstarting reckless disregard for the safety of the city's residents. Maybe we can get a petition drive going to force a public vote on the issue. And to everyone in Golden Hills, Sand Canyon, Alpine, Mountain Meadows, etc: Don't take a 'not my problem' attitude. The city is growing, and future annexation WILL effect you. Even if your area does not get annexed, you'll still drive a car in the city limits. You'll still shop in the city. Many emergencies happen when you're away from home, and you don't want anything but the best possible care. I strongly disagree with Mrs. Schmidt. I do NOT trust our council, as they seem to want to further the agenda of a select few, with blatant disregard for the needs/wants of the many...
Sat May 6, 2006 13:25:15 PDT
So let me get this straight. If I continue to allow this to progress. I, a city resident, will have to pay an obvious tax increase, and then if my house catches fire I WILL HAVE TO PAY for it! This is ludicrous!
Sat May 6, 2006 17:24:23 PDT
According to Councilman Smith, they aren't rushing into this, they are exploring all options. I don't believe you explore by hiring 6 full time firefighters (three according to Caudle, which is a out and out lie). They have already made up their minds. They have rushed into this. They make the point that the County hasn't expanded it's forces (the City has never asked the County to add more positions). This would make a lot more sense and they could do it without relying on nepotism. The City Council is uninformed. Caudle thinks that the County will let the City use Keene's Helicopter under mutual aid. Mutual aid means that you have like apparatus to return the favor. Maybe they are going to get a helicopter next. As far as not answering the questions, They don't need Chief Thompson's input to answer the Nepotism question or Chief Thompson's input on the question of are they going to put it to a vote. The Council and Caudle are just sandbagging.
Sun May 7, 2006 00:18:47 PDT
All I have to say is Mr. Caudle, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Dimmet, Mr. Grimes, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Teel, Mrs. Hand, Mrs, Vernon, if you push forth with the full time ciiy fire dept, I will be the thorn in your side, the monkey on your back for the rest of your political career . I will be at every council meeting with all of my crownies making your life miserable. So ask yourselves do you want to make the right choice and do what is right for the citizens of Tehachapi, which is your elected duty, or do you want to help out your family and friends and screw the community. The ball is in your court. I know all of you read this post. You will be replaced!!
Sun May 7, 2006 00:35:29 PDT
FREEDOM!!! FREEDOM TO THE RESIDENTS OF TEHACHAPI!!!!FREEDOM FROM THE DICTATORS THAT ARE RUNNING THE CITY!!!!IT IS TIME WE STAND UP AN FIGHT, FIGHT THE EVIL THAT HOLDS COURT IN TEHACHAPI CITY HALL, THE EVIL THAT INFECTS ALL OF THE CITY LEADERS!!!IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED!!!! TIME FOR US TO TAKE BACK OUT CITY AND WHAT IS RIGHT FOR OUT RESIDENTS!!!
Sun May 7, 2006 01:02:13 PDT
I guess I'm one of the bad guys... I'm getting my posts deleted. I'm not really sure why, as I have not attacked anyone on these forums, or in any way been inappropriate. Apparently someone doesn't like when people ask these questions. Let's keep it up. WHY IS THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF AREA RESIDENTS SO LOW ON THE PRIORITY LIST??? Special interest agendas are the primary problem here -- not people expressing opinions on the matter. Editor: please don't delete the posts on these boards (or the boards themselves) because you don't agree with what's being said. As long as nothing libelous/vulgar comes up, the posts should remain.
Sun May 7, 2006 06:59:29 PDT
To the editor: Why have you removed the last weeks article. Was it because you weren't proud of it? Either you made mistakes or Caudle lied to you and was hiding the number of full-time firefighters that the city had already hired. The Californian (for what it's worth) wouldn't bow to pressure and close blogs and remove articles. You need to stand up for what's right and quit bowing to pressure. These posts and blogs are a good way to get the message out to the citizens of Tehachapi. Yes they are one sided, but the other side will try and answer and all they can do is tell lies. Please keep this available to the public and return the other article.
Sun May 7, 2006 15:28:24 PDT
http://tehachapiunderground... Where your posts are safe! LOL!!! Why is the city afraid of open discourse about this? I agree, it is time for the community to vote on this. I also believe we should actively oppose the members of the city council that favor it during their next election.
Sun May 7, 2006 18:52:52 PDT
I too have had my posts deleated. I never threatened anyone, only stated the facts. Mangement like this would get someone fired in just about any business I can think of. Caudle's lies are inexcuseable. The city council should be ashamed of their lack of knowledge after years of "study". I am convinced a team of circus monkeys could run this town better than they have. GET INVOLVED PEOPLE! The room has to be filled at the next meeting. No excuses, just be there. Drag your friends neighbors and family.
Mon May 8, 2006 08:00:00 PDT
Well..I haven't lived in my hometown in over ten years, but it doesn't sound like much has changed in all that time. I remember when I knew every person on the council. I liked them all, but they made lousy decisions back then and it seems that trend has been passed down to the recent decision makers. Tehachapi HAD it's own Police dept. into the 80s, but couldn't handle that. I don't see that anything has changed enough to lead me to believe they could manage a new Police AND fire dept.
Mon May 8, 2006 12:05:35 PDT
It's obvious why the City controllers want to drag this out as long as possible, they are preparing to approve their new budget which includes spending for the Fire Department. Once they get it approved there will be nothing anyone will be able to do to stop the trainwreak. Not to mention the other City departments that are currently floundering with issues (i.e., Airport, Treatment plant,Code enforcement). This is a wake up call people. Don't sit idly by while someone else dictates to you and makes all the decissions. For those of you that do not live in the city limits, show your support by shopping elsewhere. There are plenty of good resturants out of town and gas stations. Save this City from financial ruin and stop the madness.
Mon May 8, 2006 13:05:16 PDT
It's interesting to note that the News has an article here on the page which prominently features Mr. Caudle's children. Is it a coincidence then that the News has taken a decidedly pro-City stance on the public safety issue? Editor: A bias in the articles is one thing, but why do you continue to censor posts which are in no way threatening? This should be an open forum where all viewpoints can be presented. If Jason Caudle doesn't like what he reads, too bad. If Chief McLaughlin doesn't like what he reads, too bad. If Harvey Hall doesn't like what he reads, too bad. If anyone else doesn't like it, too bad. Let us voice our opinions!
Mon May 8, 2006 20:20:15 PDT
Editor- please explain on here why you are deleting posts and why the last article with comments was deleted and then returned.
Mon May 8, 2006 21:01:53 PDT
go to page 3. the article is still there with most of the original posts. As to why the editor would delete any comments, I don't know. I would hate to think that there is some bias on the part of the editor, but it has been hard to make that call with the slant on this particular story. To the editor: Tell the residents of Tehachapi about the city council's rejection of a plan to double the amount of fire protection in the Tehachapi Valley.
Mon May 8, 2006 21:19:05 PDT
Anyone who has some sort of question about this issue. Should meet across the strret from the hitiching post at 9:00am this Wensday 5/10/2006. There is going to be a public information walk regarding some serious concerns on this issue. Show your support and lets make the city a better place.
Mon May 8, 2006 22:25:19 PDT
Just to clarify, my last post was not intended to be an attack on Mr. Caudle's family... The picture was taken on the 29th, just as the public safety debate was heating up, and I think the timing is too convenient to be a coincidence... While fire and police protection are huge issues right now, we still aren't hearing any answers about our ambulance situation. I first heard that we only had one ambulance a couple weeks ago, and I havent felt too safe up here. I hear sirens all the time, and I know there's almost always an ambulance at the hospital. WHY IS ONE AMBULANCE CONSIDERED ENOUGH? As far as Ive been able to find out, the city does not have a contract with Halls ambulance, so why can't we shop around for a more qualified provider, or at least someone who will provide adequate service? At the very least, if we all call Halls and ask why we don't have more ambulances, maybe something will change. Lets make positive changes in our community. Call Halls and tell them what you think. The customer is always supposed to be right, and if enough customers call them I bet we will see a change. Halls Ambulance - 322-8741. Stand up and unite! Let's make Tehachapi better!
Tue May 9, 2006 16:02:47 PDT
Here is some info for you all. All three of the TFD captains took the entry level firefighter test for the KCFD and they all three failed it. The Fire Chief even took the KCFD test back in the day and failed it. What does that have to say for the TFD. Go figure, they couldn't pass a test that tests the most basic skills, but they did pass a harder, more in depth captains test for the city. And now they are magically captains and chiefs. I wonder what kind of questions were on that test. "What color are our fire engines". "What is your name". What a joke, competitive testing, yea right, three of them took the test and three of them passed the test. Even when McLaughlin was hired as chief, he was competing with individuals that had more experience and qualifications than he did, but he got the job. Something really fishy going on here. I guess the city doesn't go by the most qualified individual for the job, we have examples of that in the TFD, Fire Chief, Asst. Chief and 3 Captains.
Tue May 9, 2006 21:21:35 PDT
Ok I am back! I deleted my old profile and blogs, so don't be hating the newspaper over it! Speaking of the paper lets lay off of them and lets see what happens. Got my phone call today, still no answers but we seemed to open a link to communicate that we did not have before. If you read my blogs you know what I am talking about. See you guys at 9am sharp..........
Wed May 10, 2006 14:59:21 PDT
Well even with the incident in Bakersfield and the two family emergencies we got a small group together and we hit 4 neighborhoods. We only handed out about 20% of the fliers and the rest will be going out the next two weeks. If you want fliers to hand out in your neighborhood let me know. Two of our volunteers expressed concern that City employees were driving around the meeting location and left. They were able to meet up with us later and it all worked out.(I knew this was going to happen that's why we had the back up place and time) We will be planing more walking days soon. Most people we ran into were very shocked, some wanted to talk about Police, code enforcement and everything else the city is up to. We informed them not to get mad but to call the City and let them know. The group walked to about noon then others broke up and hit some smaller locations before going home. We will plan the next one on a weekend, most of the volunteers stated it was easier to talk to people who were out in their yards working. We will win this! If not now in the fall when we get to vote!
Wed May 10, 2006 15:20:55 PDT
Nice work handing out those flyers. I heard Ed Grimes and Jason Caudle were cruising the meeting spot. I hope they were not there to intimidate anyone. Maybe they finally realized the idiocy of their plan and decided to help us get the word out.
Wed May 10, 2006 15:48:03 PDT
Yea, good job to those who went out today. What were Caudle and Grimes doing cruisin around, trying to intimidate people. Who would be intimidated by those two? I sure wouldn't be.
Wed May 10, 2006 18:56:25 PDT
All of this is so ridiculous. Passing out fliers? You can't prove that the county should take over all by yourselves, you need fliers to prove it. Give me a break. Everyone I know is for the city not the county. All I see in these posts is childish acts. Calling peoples houses, calling the bakersfield california. I can say that the chief and his son for the city are fabulous firefighters and if anyone of you would like to prove how great you are then bring it on. Grow up people and act like adults, if that's what you claim to be.
Wed May 10, 2006 19:15:01 PDT
Allforcity, No one is saying that anyone who works for the city is bad. To your comment about bring it on, that's what I would like to see, have an open forum to compare the city f.d. to the county f.d. make it public about equipment, experience, call volume and all of the other issues people have concerns about. That is really it! Just make shure you know which way the wind is blowing, before you walk into the storm.
Wed May 10, 2006 19:56:45 PDT
All for the city- It's not hard to figure who you are if all of your friends are for the city. You must be one of the city firefighters or spouses or girlfriends or mothers. That's about all that I've heard that is for the city. We have to get the word out and the fliers is a good media. You can't get answers from the city manager or the council. You can't believe what they tell the newspaper (they either will lie or forget to tell the whole story). So by handing out the fliers, the citizens at least will be able to see that they are not being told the truth. We will keep this up until the City Council comes to their senses or requires a vote of the people.
Wed May 10, 2006 20:20:23 PDT
Welcome back "upset" aka allforcity, happy to have you back! LOL If the city would have answered some very simple questions, the fliers would have been unnecessary. Speaking of the newspaper they want to interview someone from today, any volunteers? Fliers will be handed out tomorrow in two more neighbourhoods. We will be planing a big weekend soon, not this weekend but the next Saturday is shaping up. 'upset' thanks for the help you are getting me volunteers I would have never gotten before! Keep up the good work! Just to let everyone know that a more open dialog seems to be starting up. We will have to see what comes of it. More to fallow this time tomorrow!
Wed May 10, 2006 20:21:10 PDT
Allforcity: Don't embarrass yourself any further. This debate has nothing to do with the intentions of the members of the TFD. I know that they just want to do a good job for their community. I understand their frustration in all of this. I too would be upset knowing that my employer bargained with a plan that could mean I might lose my job. I am sure that both Chief and Cptn. Mclaughlin are good people. Unfortunately the city hired them in direct conflict eith rules set forth by the civil-service commission. The city made that mistake not them. If this becomes an issue in the future, (multiple complaints have been made to both the civil service commission and the grand jury) it sounds to me like the city would be liable for any damages. These memebers of the TFD could end up victims of the city's negligence. As far as passing out flyers, it just a way for people to be informed on the truth the city is not willing to tell them. The flyers do not attack the TFD personnel in any way. If the flyers offend you in any way, I guess it is because the city is about to waste boatloads of your money on a department that is not needed in a full time capacity. By the way, plenty of KC firefighters have been phoned and harassed about this matter. It is ridiculous
Wed May 10, 2006 20:51:44 PDT
I got to see the fliers today. Nice looking just a little wordy. I got a letter from the grand jury saying they will be investigating. I did not make the last meeting due to being on dialysis. Sorry
Wed May 10, 2006 21:17:42 PDT
allforcity - if you are looking for someone to bring it on then you found it, I'm your huckleberry(Tombstone). If you want to get on here and call all of us out you better have your facts straight, just by your comments we know you must be related to the someone who works for the city, or someone who works for the TFD. If I had to guess I would say you were one of the captains. In regards to your comment "bring it on" I say to you anytime anywhere.
Wed May 10, 2006 21:28:10 PDT
I think the flyers were supposed to be more informative than anything. I think they look good too.
Wed May 10, 2006 21:37:19 PDT
I would have to say that just by the arrogance and cockyness of allforcity I would venture to say it is Mclaughlin Jr. allforcity you need to grow up, maybe read the flyer you might learn something.
Wed May 10, 2006 21:42:26 PDT
allforcity just shows what the city has to offer. It also shows the caliber of person supporting this.
Wed May 10, 2006 21:55:46 PDT
So, I've read the posts from the county guys, who have been very upfront about who they are. I'm still a little confused about some of the other players here, though. Medicone and allforcity -- who are you? Medicone - you apparently work for Halls - is that the case? If so, can you explain why we don't have adequate ambulance coverage? allforcity - Nobody here has questioned the intentions of TFD. Maybe you just realize that Tehachapi is better served by the county, and you feel that your employment is threatened. We all know where roads paved with good intentions lead - We just want what is in the best interest of the community as a whole... Let's all stay civil here.
Wed May 10, 2006 22:10:06 PDT
Teel, Smith and Vernon you might as well kiss your council positions goodbye, you will not be re-elected. After that Caudle and McLaughlin your positions will be replaced with more qualified individuals. That is what you get for trying to do what is best for a few instead of what is best for the whole. This is the time for you to be scared, either you step up and do whatis right and stop all of the BS, or you will be replaced.
Wed May 10, 2006 22:18:41 PDT
I no longer work for Mr. Hall. You only have one ambulance up here because Mr. Hall is all about the Benjamins! If the City would pressure Mr. Hall he may put a 2nd ambulance up here. See Cal City for example. I lived 100 yards outside the city. I tryed to be a call firefighter for the City and was shot down. I had my Paramedic and F/F 1. I now live on Mill. It's your turn Bill93561
Wed May 10, 2006 22:25:56 PDT
medicone is exactly right. We have to many wusses in office up here, they are pushing the wrong things. They are looking into spending so much on a new full time dept when they should have been concentrating on a 2nd ambulance. That just goes to show the priorities of the city. The City of Tehachapi should get together with Harvey Hall because it seems like neither one of them care for the patient or the resident. Harvey cares about the almighty dollar, and the city cares about spending the almight dollar on their friends and families venture ie: TFD.
Wed May 10, 2006 22:31:04 PDT
Wow! Everyone take a beep breath, ready??? In……… Out…......................... Isn’t that better? Tehachapi city simply do what’s best for the people of Tehachapi. Just let your conscious guide you. The simple fact of the matter is that all our growing communities’ need more fire protection and better response times with E.M.S. just do it the right way. Don’t let ego and control power determine your decisions.
Wed May 10, 2006 22:35:28 PDT
Not all of the professionals working for Hall support the Hall way. Please don't judge someone because they have been stuck working for Him. Most are seeking employment elsewhere. Tehachapi Fire would have been nice, but we were not even given a chance to test.
Wed May 10, 2006 23:17:20 PDT
Medicone - Sorry if you thought I was coming after you. I was just wondering if you knew why we didn't have two ambulances up here. For a guy who you don't seem to like, it's kinda weird to use 'Him' instead of 'him'. While I don't know the man, I hardly think he's worthy of the 'Him' status, and the fact that he doesn't seem to care much about Tehachapi residents doesn't exactly make me like him too much... Now, back to the big issue...
Thu May 11, 2006 09:15:18 PDT
First things first, good morning, just got done taking my children to school. Last night I wasn’t trying to be rude. And to answer everyone’s question no I am not related to anyone who works for the TFD or KCFD. I have met the McLaughlin family at church, that’s it, therefore I am done defending myself and trying to prove I am or do not personally know them. They seemed like a very lovely couple, and my husband I have I seen them at church a few times. OK Secondly, after taking my children to school this morning I stopped at the KCFD Station 12 to ask why I haven’t received a flyer, I expressed that I live in city limits and would like the information so I could make a determining factor on this subject and if this does come to a vote I want the facts of this matter, not hear say facts, but actual true facts on paper. The man in the uniform explained I had to contact a person named “Shane” that the KCFD could not provide this informational flyer to me. So I then called the Keene station to see if I could drive their and get a flyer, but unfortunialy I got the same response. So I called a Kern County Fire Station which is located in Bakersfield inquiring about the same flyer that no one will give me, they explained the reason I have to contact “Shane” is because he himself made the flyers not the KCFD….. So now my question is why wouldn’t the KCFD Union make the flyers, why is an individual making the flyers himself? Is this because his union is not supporting his facts? Because that does not seem right if this issue is between Kern County Fire Department and Tehachapi City Fire Department than why isn’t any KCFD giving me a flyer, why do I have to call an individual to get one? So my next question is, is this a war between a few KCFD employees or is it between the whole fire department? Because my common sense tells me that if it was between the whole KCFD I should be able to get a flyer in my own community which is up here in Tehachapi. I feel like Station 12 should be able to provide me with a flyer not advising me to call someone. They were very nice and explained that “Shane” paid for the production and is getting the volunteers together to hand out the flyers. My husband belongs to the iron worker union and he has never heard of an individual doing the production of a flyer usually the union does it, thats why you pay union dues. So that’s why I now think the KCFD’s union is not supporting this topic as much as you would like us to believe, because they would be involved not just a select few. So my question is to this whole blog- Is this battle between a select few KCFD employees or your whole department? Now, to WilliamWallace, sorry you feel my comment was arrogant and cocky but that’s your opinion and you are certainly entitled to think whatever you would like. And, to Medicone, your comment was to me because you think I am related or am a TFD person, you said it shows my caliber of a person supporting this, I think you should reevaluate what you are saying because I am not the one in a Hall’s union standing proudly in front of the ambulance. If you are not working for them anymore than change your picture, and re-summit your application to the City in case they do go full time. Lastly, I will not be contributing to this website anymore because this is a blog site so the information on this site is not all factual and since I can’t get a damn flyer and have to contact “Shane” to get one, my mind is made up. I will support the City on this issue. This morning when I called City Hall I got the answers I asked for. So thank you for all the interesting reading and I hope you all take care. God Bless. P.S. sorry for the long post
Thu May 11, 2006 09:54:12 PDT
Dear "Allforcity": You stated that you received all of your answers from the city. Can you please do me a favour? My friends and I have been patiently waiting for MONTHS now waiting for answers from the city council and city manager on our questions only to be deferred back to Caudle and company. Perhaps this is where you can help me. I am still waiting to hear on the city's nepotism policy and also hiring practices....namely on how Caudle was chosen for his job, McGlaughlin was chosen for his job, McGlaughlin Jr. was chosen for his job, the other 2 TFD captains were chosen for thieir jobs, and finally, the 3 "part time" firefighters were chosen. Since you seem to have a direct line and receive all the answers that you were asking....perhaps you can make an attempt to answer mine or get them answered please.
Thu May 11, 2006 09:59:47 PDT
To the editor: PLEASE DO NOT DELETE this forum. It is more than apparent that you are pro city by your one sided articles that you are pushing...but please try and put the Tehachapi citizens first and foremost ahead of the good ol boy network please.
Thu May 11, 2006 10:00:24 PDT
Miss Allforcity, it's really unfortunate that after all of this dialog you still don't get it. This issue is not a KCFD vs. TCF war as you stated. This is a Tehachapi Citizens vs. the City Counsel issue. It is a fiscal responsibility issue. It is a wasted tax payer money issue. The reasoning the behind the City pushing this issue is ludicrous. Local Control? What is that really worth to you as a tax payor? 1.4 million sound good. Station 12 of the KCFD is not going anywhere regardless of what the city does, that is why it has not become a KCFD Union issue. It is truley and soley a citizen tax payor issue. It is very unfortunate a select few have made it into a firefighter vs. firefighter issue by making personal attacks on both sides. The bottom line is that this City Counsel needs to spend our money in a responsible manner. Wasting millions of dollars on a pet project is not very responsible use of our money. Miss Allforcity, if you really want the true facts get a flyer from the local citizen that has stepped foward to expose this mis-use of tax payor money, Shane- aka, the pain. I know Shane would be more than happy to drive over and personally give you a flyer. And for the record, yes I am a KCFD firefighter. I am proud to serve all the citizens of the Tehachapi Valley under the blue and white of the KCFD.
Thu May 11, 2006 10:08:13 PDT
Allforcity: The union is supprting it's members who live in the Tehachapi area by printing the flyers. THe union also mailed flyers to every household in the city, with much of the same information, several months ago. It was done so at the request of several union members who are concerned about the direction their city is taking when it comes to fire protection. There is a big difference between the KCFD and the Kern County Firefighters. Going to a station won't do you any good because firefighters are there to do a job, not promote anyone's politics. Any involvement of the KCFF Local is at the request of it's members. In fact, the Union leaders have met with the Tehachapi city council and helped explain how they were about to pursue a much more expensive fire protection plan with TFD. The response from the council was "we don't care". Contact the Kern County Firefighters Local Union in Bakersfield if you need a flyer. I am sure they will mail one to you if you want.
Thu May 11, 2006 10:13:50 PDT
To answer your question not only did I call City Hall I went there and asked to see the certificates that the firefighters have, and I must say not trying to just defined the men who are captains but the certificates they hold are quit impressive. I must add Jeff McLaughlin’s certificates impressed me the most, all though a select few of you think he might be young and cocky his impressed me the most after reviewing all of the captains qualifications. Not saying the other two, Ryan and Greg didn’t impress me but McLaughlin had a couple more classes and certificates completing. The Ladies in City Hall said some certificates take a while to get back after the class has been passed, which makes sense to me. As far as nepotism policy, the City has a “City Attorney” who would not let the dad and son work together if it is considered nepotism. I do not believe a City Attorney would let something like that just slide by. Lets all use our heads here, there is a assistant chief in additional to the chief, and as I understood from Mr. Caudle, Tim is a part-time chief and if the City goes full time he would indeed have to retire from CCI, as well as the assistant chief, so as far as McLaughlin and McLaughlin always working together I don’t see that possible they would be a different shifts and the assistant chief would be required to do McLaughlin jr.’s evolutions as I was told happens now. Now, answers from Mr. Caudle I don’t have an answer for you unfortunately. What I meet was all my answers were answered that I asked pertaining to the fire department; I didn’t ask any about Mr. Caudle. Hope this helps you, the ladies were very helpful, and please remember people all information is public, and that’s why you can see what I did. Please don’t read my answers and thought and get angry or misinterpret what I am saying, ok. Thank you again, and god bless all of you.
Thu May 11, 2006 10:20:11 PDT
Certificates huh? I got a certificate from my daughter saying I am the "worlds best dad". Certificates state someone passed a class. Where is the experience? What about the fact that the city has unfairly tested and hired their entire department. I can tell you from experience that if the city had properly broadcast it's intentions to test and hire, there would have been hundreds, if not thousands of applicants. These special few were given their jobs. That is illegal, and the city will answer for it.
Thu May 11, 2006 10:39:38 PDT
Dear Mr. Guy- this is my point exactly on why after this response I can no longer be on this blog, is because all of you KCFD employees are seeming to get a bit defensive about this topic. My question was never answered on why if the union is supporting this topic then why cant station 12 give me a flyer, I am still not understanding what you are trying to say. Are you saying going to see my local Kern County Fire Department is not a good idea because they are not supporting this issue or is not a good idea because of what? I should be able to go I n and get the information from that station not call an individual to come and bring it to me, it should be available upon request as so should your answers to the council be answered. I am not auguring or trying to dispute what you believe in, remember this is my opinion and my take on this issue that’s it, I am only one person, I haven’t seen anyone else in defense of the TFD, I just don’t want to see fire protection leave when I see this town growing so fast, saving lives is very important, and so is the communities safety. I don’t understand why we cant have both. To answer the question about why I say it is KCFD Vs. TFD is because this is what the blog first originally said remember? Stickman- sorry you think a certificate is not much but when they are coming from the State Fire Marshall I believe that’s pretty good. Experience comes with time, just as with your job, doesn’t everyone learn at some point, didn’t the KCFD firefighters learn on the job skills also, so what’s your point about experience people are born with all experience they get it from training, and being on the job. I will not response anymore to this site anymore because I am feeling attached and feeling very angry for only voicing my opinion, sorry people don’t like what I have to say but hey you all are doing it….. so sorry I will not be responding anymore, I will leave it up to the council and the citizens. Thank you again and god bless all of you.
Thu May 11, 2006 10:55:48 PDT
allforcity: The memebrs of the Kern County Fire have little to do with this topic. I think what everyone is trying to say is that this has and will always be an issue between the residents of Tehachapi and the city council. It just so happens that several concerned citizens happen to work for KCFD (and incidently know a little more about fire protection than most people do). Firefighters on duty are not allowed to express political opinions (i.e. flyers, bumber stickers, t-shirts etc.) that is why the union is helping out. Imagine if the fire department supported one canidate for sheriff over another. It wouldn't be fair for them to put up signs or wear tshirts on duty in support of someone right? after all, the taxpayers who pay their sallary may not want to support that canidate. you see? I think the fact that although many KC firefighters may be against increasing the TFD, they still put their differences aside when they put on the uniform and manaage to work well with their counterparts with TFD. This issue is between residents and the inept Tehachapi city council. NOT KCFD vs. TFD.
Thu May 11, 2006 11:07:47 PDT
Allforcity- I am sorry you no longer will respond to this blog. I for one am glad you are here. As for your question about not recieving a flyer. I am one of the volunteers passing them out and we are doing the city in sections, so depending on where you live you wouldn't have gotten one yet. As much as we would have liked to have covered the whole city in one day it just isn't possible. On another note the reason you aren't getting a flyer from any of the county stations is because like everyone has told you this is not the KCFD vs. City. The flyers are being passed out by CITY RESIDENTS concerned with the decisions the city council's making when it comes to our saftey. Yes, some of us are connected to KCFD, but we are also city residents. Also, when it comes to certificates. My husband has a whole folder full of them, yes a whole folder. Yet he still is not qualified to try to promote to Captain. Why? Because he hasn't put in the time! All KCFF need at least 4 years on the job as a firefighter before taking a COMPETITIVE test. Also, Mr Mclaughlin is the fire chief. He is his son's direct superior. So if they have a nepotsim policy it IS being abused. Thanks!
Thu May 11, 2006 11:26:45 PDT
Ok, seriously this is the last post, so are you saying that your husband’s chief is at the station everyday to supervise him, or is a captain, or the baton chief? Because the Chief McLaughlin works at CCI part time and the City part time so how is he directly working under his father? Just a question? Because when City Hall explained it to me, his evolutions come from some man named Dave Dimmitt. I am assuming that is the Baton Chief or Assistant Chief. As far as promoting fast I believe it is because there are only 6 employees, not a large department like KC. Maybe your husband should apply or at least turn in his app with the City so it is on file, that way then City Hall can see that they maybe need to change their promoting techniques. I still feel I should be given a flyer at any KCFD because they want to take over and disband the City FD. Still rather you agree or disagree if this issue is about the City hiding information or misleading the residence and when I read the news paper it is the same KCFD employees asking the same questions than I feel it is between the two departments and KCFD should be giving out the flyers not just you citizens. Especially since if the information on the flyer gives factual information about the KCFD stating the facts against the City.
Thu May 11, 2006 11:55:05 PDT
Allforcity- You are a mother right. I ask you. Would you rather leave your childern with a 16 year old that babysits from time to time or with a SAHM with three kids? If your answer is the SAHM, I agree with you. It is with that reasoning I wouldn't want my husband working at TFD. Not to mention they would NEVER hire him. If you don't see that yet, I'm sorry. Oh, and to answer your question. Yes, my husband is always supervised by his captain. I know that there are Battalion Chief's that stop in from time to time, but they are in charge of a whole battalion not just one station.(guys help me out. my knowledge is limited here.) Also, Mr. McLaughlin works part time. OK. All that means is that he's supervising his son part time, and if he is supervising his son the nepotsim policy is being abused! Now you have me thinking. If Mr, Mclaughlin is only Fire Cheif part time who's in charge for the other part? The Assistant Chief? If so, why is he only the assistant? Isn't he doing the same job? lol I am rambling! Have a great day!
Thu May 11, 2006 12:22:03 PDT
I hope you also have a great day, I went to the TFD to see for myself who is there and you’re correct Countrygirl the Chief is there half of the time which does mean the other half is supervised by the Assistant chief. As far again as the nepotism policy why is it that the assistant chief does the evaluations not the chief? How is this working directly under each other, yes I am not disputing McLaughlin Sr. is there with McLaughlin Jr. sometimes and the other times is with other supervision. I do feel confident in their services and I am sorry you and your family do not, but like I have said before why would the City Attorney let something like this slip through his fingers. If a City Attorney is not performing correctly he can be turned into the Bar Association. I did attend UCLA and took my L-stat (which is a test you must take before you can apply for law school). City Attorneys have many responsibilities and I looked the City Attorney up at the Bar Association website and reviewed his resume, he is a very intelligent man and do not think he would put his job on the line for a father and son to work together…. Again nice talking with you Countrygirl you also seem passionate about this topic and wish you and your husband the best of luck.
Thu May 11, 2006 12:51:45 PDT
For Allforcity: May I ask, how long have you lived here? You obviously don't get the picture.
Thu May 11, 2006 13:22:27 PDT
Allforcity- Thank you. Hopefully, you will be getting your flyer soon. To be honest you may be disappointed. It will have nothing on there I'm sure you already don't know. It is all about numbers. You will see no bashing of TFD or nepotism policies. No, comparison of credentials. Just simply the facts about what the city council wants to do with your money. Also, I would like to add that while I do not know all of TFD personnel I do know a few and they are very nice guys. I just think that they are in over their heads.
Thu May 11, 2006 13:37:07 PDT
allforcity - I don't think you are understanding the supervison thing. Even thought the Fire Chief is only there part time he is still responsible for his employees 24/7. He is in charge of the whole department, he is the supervisor over the whole department, which means he is his son's supervisor. In a large department the Battalion Chief is the direct supervisor over the Captains in his battalion, but the Fire Chief is still the supervisor over all of the employees. It is even worse in the TFD they do not have Battalion Chiefs so the Fire Chief is an even closer supervisor the Captains. Even though the Asst Chief may do the evaluations for the Captains, the Fire Chief still has to look at it and approve it and make recommendations. Also I do not think you understand the difference between the KCFD and the firefighters union.
Thu May 11, 2006 14:18:52 PDT
WOW! Does anyone else see that "allforcity" is just trying to argue too get you to make personal attacks? She is not getting it because she doesn't want to. She wants you to look like your all whining. Forget her and keep the information and the FACTS coming. The rest of the citizens need to hear and see this information. I don't live in the city but I do care about small government making huge mistakes that benefit a chosen few. Keep up the good fight!!!!!
Thu May 11, 2006 14:38:55 PDT
I keep saying this is the last post but this really is, I am too busy too keep reading the posts and responding to them. Countrygirl- I live in the new KB homes, and have lived in Tehachapi for approx. 12 years. My husband I had to move here after he left his job and was in the iron workers union, now he works for Edwards Air Force Base. So please make it to my neighbor when possible, I would love to see numbers so I then can study them. Before we moved here I worked for the LA County Superior Court, I hold my master degree in Criminal Justice and work from home for the District Attorney for LA County. Just a little background, so I am not really that familiar with Firefighters. Fightforwhatsright- Why do you each bringing up the nepotism if this is strictly about the money the City is wasting. I can tell you seem frustrated and annoyed that a son and dad work together but honestly I really don’t see the big deal. As I have read in the blog that I can not access anymore there is sons who work with their dad as well. Please do not take this the wrong way but I need to ask, are you mad you don’t receive the same benefits or the same pay because if this whole issue is really over wasting City dollars than why do people care if someone works with their father. This is only my opinion now so please don’t get offensive with me, but I really honestly don’t see a big deal with that. I got my job from knowing a big wig, my mother used to be an Attorney in San Diego and helped me get the job… although I graduated top of my class and have my masters I still needed help, not saying that McLaughlin, Jr. had help, but people we live in a new era and I don’t feel after seeing McLaughlin Jr.’s qualifications that he shouldn’t have gotten the job. He has all the qualifications, this afternoon I also called some place called Olive Drive were they went to the academy and they indeed go to that academy, it is in Bakersfield. A previous post (that we can’t view any longer) said TFD doesn’t send there guys through a professional academy, but they did. I guess what I am saying is that if this is about money issue, wasting our cities money, then ok I want some numbers otherwise I don’t have a problem with their ages, qualifications or competitive testing issues. I also called other departments throughout Southern California to find out how they promote and 4 out of 10 stations said they promote in house. thank you and really I will not be responding anymore due to my heavy work load. thank you
Thu May 11, 2006 15:08:29 PDT
They did not go to a professional academy. They went to a Firefighter 1 academy, it is for college students who want to be firefighters to go and learn the basic skills and be certified. A professional academy is when you have been hired by a dept and they give you in depth training on how they do things. Only 2 of the TFD firefighters have gone to a professional academy and they are the ones who are going through it right now. As for certificates and classes, those things are all fine and dandy but you can not learn everything from a book. You have to have real experiences in situations to tie it all together, something that the TFD firefighters do not have. Firefighters from other departments are put on a crew with an engineer and a captain, guys who have been around and have vast knowledge and experience. They help to guide the firefighter and expose him to various incidents but they are always there and have the knowledge and experience not to let the firefighter get in over his head. So by the time the firefighter competiively promotes to a captain he has gained the necessary knowledge and experience to be proficient as a captain. The city captains do not have this knowledge and experience, so how are they going to guide these firefighters that are working for them. They can't. These captains have never been in real fire or certain emergency sitiuations themselves, so what are they going to do wing it, at the expense of the patient. They are going to get someone hurt, whether it is a TFD firefighter, KCFD firefighter or city resident. I am not willing to risk my family on there inexperience. As for the TFD going full time being a money issue it is and I think the residents should be concerned. But I am concerned about their lack of training and experience, their lack of maturity, their cockyness and their arrogance. I am completley against the TFD, because I am completely against incompetence. I do not mind standing alone in saying that I am against them because of that. I think that the TFD going full time is dangerous. I do not have confidence in their skills, because of the way they were selected for their jobs, I do not have confidence in their skills and experience period. It is an extremely dangerous combonation when you combine lack of experience with arrogance and lack of maturity.
Thu May 11, 2006 17:04:50 PDT
all for city, Greetings, I have read the back and forth and can offer you a no barbs attached answer to a question (nepotism) The way the civil service commision views this is, if the head of the pyramid, the cheif is a relative of a person further down the chain of command he can exert influence to any person supervising said employee. eg. captain X gets a write up disciplinary action etc, by assistant chief, then assistant chief gets bad eval on next evaluation or (special 1 on 1 closed door meeting). If the captains "father" or other relation was a battalion chief in another battalion and could not exert control over the captains supervisor (another battalion chief and peer) then he would not be in the controversial position. In close the biggest problem is when the related parties are department head (chief) and other employee down the food chain.
Thu May 11, 2006 18:43:02 PDT
All for city- I guess you know you are one of the big dollar supporters of the TFD. By buying a new house in the city, you had to pay an assessment of over $2000. This is how the city hopes to pay for their department. Soon the housing starts will stop and then where will they get the money? They will have to raise taxes or cut back other city services. Most of the postees here agree that the young firefighters that city has employed are a good bunch, but one of the concerns is their lack of experience. This to most of us isn't about the firefighters but the politics involved with the City. Several have gone to the council and asked questions that the city council or the city manager should easily answer- like is there going to be a vote? is there going to be a study? They know they have decided that there isn't going to be, so why not end that by being honest about it. Another question was asked if there is a nepotism policy. This one is easy to answer as it is in their personnel manual. So why don't they answer that? They delay and hide the answers hoping that they will go away, but as you can see there is enough concerned citizens that these questions will not go away. Were you aware that the city changed their mission statement and now aren't concerned about fiscal responsibility? If you don't believe this go into to the city hall and ask those nice ladies you talked to earlier to see last years statement and then compare it to this years. I think the more you learn about this the clearer things will be and why we continue with this fight.
Thu May 11, 2006 21:56:28 PDT
Hey it's me "Shane" lol. Well the fliers are going quick. We are down to about 40%. If you want a flier contact me on this site and I will have one to your home before the end of the day. I want to make it very clear, I am NOT the man running this! I am just helping out like everyone else. * Just a quick note, The fliers have never ever been in any county building!
Thu May 11, 2006 22:07:42 PDT
I have made contact! I have been talking with a few city leaders and have been discussing things with them. Out of respect for them I will not post what was discussed. If you want to know what was discussed you can contact me on this site. I have called the key players and I am waiting to see what they want to do. Please for now keep up the good work. Please do not attack anyone by name or respond to silly people on this site. We MAY be making progress. Now is not the time to blow it. Be nice and love your neighbor! Don't get to happy, it looks good but we will have to see! ****We still need to keep up what we are doing, as they show they are willing to work on this, we will slowly back off. The more they do the less we do! Get it!
Thu May 11, 2006 23:29:33 PDT
I have lived in the City most all my life. I don't support a City fire department. I am not a Fireman for any department nor have I been. I will contact thepain and see what has been talked about. If it's answers to our questions I want to know.
Fri May 12, 2006 22:34:04 PDT
Man its been a quiet day on the blog. Here is a question, How come anytime there is an article in the Tehachapi News that relates to fire services, fire safe council or other fire related things the phone number always given is the city fire dept number. How come the county number is not put in there also?
Fri May 12, 2006 22:43:17 PDT
Another thing, lets not be so quick to buy into what the city council is promising, lets not forget all of the shady things that have been done in the past, and how the city fire dept would have gone full time without the residents knowing if we would have not stood up to them. Elections are coming up and the three current city council memebers need to be replaced. Who's to say that they aren't going to tell us one thing and once they are re elected they won't go back to there original agenda once they have secured there positions again. We need to continue the fight, we all know how dishonest the city council and city leaders have been, lets not be blind to this since they are acting like they care now. I guarentee that once they are re elected, and if we back off they will continue on their original plan. Remember what we called for in the beginning: replacement of city council members, replacement of the city manager, replacement of the fire chief and asst chief, resolution to the violation of the city nepotism policy. The KCFD remaining the provider for our protection. PEOPLE WE NEED TO KEEP UP THE FIGHT, WE NEED TO MAKE THE LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND INCOMPETENCE!!!!!!!!!
Fri May 12, 2006 23:04:04 PDT
We are not quiting. We are talking and as long as that happens, I am for the Slow down. If they renege on anything it's "Game on". Lets see if they keep their word before any other action is taken. We have the manpower and the resources to jump right back in if we have to. All I am asking is 'a wait and see' until I get back from my trip. If things have gone bad, there will be plenty of time to act. If they do us bad, how hard will it be to pull off a recall? Hell there are 58 of us, not counting family and friends! We have time, Aug. 11th is some time away. And to your question about the county name/number being left out on everything City, I have felt the same way! What about P-6 and all the work he did on the new Hotel, then going to the grand opening and seeing the City thanked and no one saying anything about what he did, that really sucks. There are a lot of emotions involved here and hopefully with communication we can fix this thing. I hope you guys know, I feel the same as you! I signed up to be back on that other blog, see you there.
Mon May 15, 2006 06:34:08 PDT
I agree with whatsright. The city council may realize now that their bad idea is not going to work, but the fact is that they have still committed down this path with out knowing the facts, OR the will of their constituents. We need to find and elect some officials who understand that they represent the citizens of Tehachapi. We do not need a council that serves it's own interests. Even after all of the questions comments and concerns brought forth by hundreds of posts in several different blogs, there has still been no official word from the council. Is it just me or is it a little ironic that they ask for things to cool down right now, right before the deadline to file to run for city council? If they are nervous about losing their jobs, they should be.
Mon May 15, 2006 19:17:39 PDT
I agree with most of you, The change that is needed is within the city council and the city manager. They all need to be removed and replaced with people who are willing to serve the City of Tehachapi instead for themselves. I think that Tehachapi's biggest problem is not the debate on the KCFD vs the TFD but How Jason Caudle does his job or his lack of doing his job. I think that it is time that the city stop blowing smoke in the public view and answer questions and be the representatives they were asked and voted to do. And for Jason, he needs to man up and do the right thing. The city Fire department needs to remain a on call department as it has been in the pass to help back up the County fire department, the CFD just don't have the resources to do what is needed if there were major incenidents within the city limits. And as far as having certificates, well I have many in my field as a teacher but that does not mean that I can be a Fireman. It takes training, education, and experience to be a damn good fireman, and our county firemen have those qualifcations, and just because you earn certificates does not mean you are qualified to be a captain of the department. I hold certificates, that doesn't mean I can be the principle of a school. Good job County firemen, I support you all the way!!!!!!I think that everyone who supports the KCFD needs to concentrate on getting rid of the trask within the city council, that is your main problem, you have idiots running the joint!!!
Mon May 15, 2006 22:36:03 PDT
This has been moved to the MT. PARK story editors picks section.
