Following in Hebert Footsteps wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:32 PM:Union President Ray Melendrez, did no one want the job? The Firefighters should save their mad dogging time, they already have all the money, there is nothing left to give you boys.

The want San Luis Rey River Cleaned Up wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:45 PM:The Firefighters probably are tired of the Mayor promises to claen up the fire hazards in the San Luis Rey River. Thanks for watching the inaction on this issue guys.

LOL wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:06 PM:What a joke - the only thing Wood wants them interested in is his ability to pump more money into their paycheck. Wood is either a fool or blind to reality if he thinks they are simply looking to learn more. Perhaps they could watch the reruns on KOCT like most of us. As far as the union explanation of the matching shirts - I think Feller got it right the first time - these clowns think they can intimidate and bully themselves into another raise. City employees should be banned by state law from unionizing - how do we get that novel idea on the ballot as the peoples initiative? They need to learn to live on a pay for performance grading system like the rest of society.

These Firefighters deserve more wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:38 PM:How dare you challenge the firefighters! They work twice as hard as any city employee! They are always reaching into thier own pocket and time to do something good for the city and community! Oceanside Fire Fighters are the best! Slainte!

area wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:47 PM:To LOL. REALLY? Are you so out of touch that you don't realize the firefighters put everything on the line for you 24/7? I am always glad when the public takes the time to get involved and interested in the running of the city. And you should be too. Or are you "one of those" who doesn't bother to get educated, doesn't vote and complains when things don't go your way? These brave men & women work long hours and now are taking time away from their families to educate themselves on vitally important issues. To OFD, thank you for all you do on duty, and off.

Bob wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:08 PM:Twice as hard...they can sit at the firehouse for the entire shift sometimes. They only fight fires 20% of their time and the rest is responding to accidents, and medical emergencies. Twice as hard not so much.

x Hard wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:35 PM:Life on the line 24/7? They should get paid well, because they are asked to risk their lives occasionally, but when shifts can be spent sleeping, that has to be considered in the pay as well. There are not many jobs where you get paid to wash a truck, sleep, eat, and work out. Paid more than the average worker yes, but more raises no.

Novel idea wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:55 PM:If they are busting their butts 24/7 saving lives, maybe we should put them on 12 hour shifts instead of 24. That way more work gets done. They are awake the entire shift, working. No wasted down time. No need to build Taj Mahal fire stations with multiple bedrooms for each firefighter. I am sure the union would jump for joy knowing they no longer have to suffer the dreaded "wake ups" for stubbed toes.

Remember wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:58 PM:When you see those signs the union puts up touting the candidates the firefighters union supports, remember this. There is only ONE reason the union supports those candidates. They know when it comes time to renew the contract, they have a friend voting to approve it. Period.
A vote for one of those candidates equals a vote for huge raises.

Chris wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:05 PM:Area and these firefighters deserve more are the reason for the budget messes the governments are facing. They want to keep giving more and more to the Police, firefighters and whoever else. Thes firefighters make upwards of 100,000 per year and many of these firefighters and police get to retire early with very generous benefits. But people like area and these firefighters deserve more have made firefighters and police sacred cows. These sacred cows are doing quite well thank you and it is time to concider who is paying the tab and quit crying over the sacred cows.

Beautiful wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:07 PM:The red shirts are welcome anywhere, anytime. We love our Firefighters wherever they show up! Fantastic! (and now I'm not a firefighter,,,just a regular citizen who thinks they are terrific!!!!!!)

Taxpayer wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:16 PM:When a public employee union endorses a candidate it is time to watch your wallet! The Troika of Wood, Sanchez and Makin tried to give away the farm and put us on the road to Vallejo. Luckily we broke the Troika in the last election, this time we need to finish the job. Wood and Sanchez need to go in order to protect us, the taxpayers.

Need Help wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:27 PM:Wood and Sanchez have been long time union shills. I am surprised that they don’t wear red shirts to council meetings. It is time to take Oceanside back from the unions and have the people represented, VOTE WOOD AND SANCHEZ OUT!

Firefighter Worship is Alive wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:39 PM:They just want more money, lets also keep an eye on their shenanigans to catch them wallowing neck deep in the public trough again. Mayor Woods ought to stand up to them like Mayor Sanders did in San Diego, accurately pointing out that there is a huge list of people wanting to be firefighters (because it is easy money)

Im Waiting wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:10 PM:The minute the firefighters nake their endorsements I'll know exactly who to vote against!

Are you guys for Real wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:13 PM:When Office Bessant was shot and lay bleeding and the bullets were still coming three firemen were working on him--possibly in the line of fire. They were honored with medals of valor were putting their lives at risk. When did any of you risk your lives at work? And, they are not a union, they are an employee's association. It might be educational for you to know that every employee--even managment--are in an employee bargaining group. With California's collective bargaining laws it is necessary. You wouldn't know a real union if one was right in front of you. City Employees need bargaining units because of politicians that would sell them down the river to have more money for trips and extravegant meals and hotels not to mention their developer buddies who would like to violate every code in the city. Wake up and smell the coffee. We are being led down a garden path by KFC and their buddies. They cannot stand city employees because the employees know the truth about what they are doing. Don't be so dense? One day you will wake up and instead of paramedics, firefighters and cops you will get minimum wage public safety hirelings and see if you like losing loved ones to keep KFC happy and fat.

JOhn wrote on Aug 31, 2008 12:15 AM:Much ado about nothing. When citizens mob the place with banners and buttons, it is great participation. What's the fuss over red shirts? Why paint firefighters union with a brush against all unions. They are not paid enough for what they do.
PS I am not a firefighter. Why is Feller intimidated?

oside mom wrote on Aug 31, 2008 1:51 AM:That's why the city firefighter sown the street has the Jim Wood and Esther Sanchez signs on his front lawn already.... I more than appreciate the job our firefighters do, but in hard budget times, EVERYONE needs to bite the bullet. No more city handouts to those who make the most noise, or those who contribute the most $$ to a campaign.

duh wrote on Aug 31, 2008 2:13 AM:no oceanside units sleep all day- trust me on this one- some of the stations run upwards of 15 calls a day- each call takes about an hour (including transport to the hospital if needed) Shame on all of you- it's amazing to me- during the crazy wildfires, you all LOVE the firefighters... as soon as it's over, you complain about the pay/benefits/retirement. You can't have it both ways. They work hard, certainly harder than the average joe citizen in an office. Get a clue- go spend the day with a local FD unit before you open your mouth

OMG wrote on Aug 31, 2008 3:53 AM:I have noticed that all of the votes have been 5-0, so apparently those that were not endorsed also agreed with those who were endorsed. So the public safety asssociations are not an issue. What are issues are the fact that the troika of KFC is DESTROYING the character of our neighborhoods. Chavez wants to put a concrete plant on every corner, and Feller wants every developer to be able to build a tower of Babel, complete with nonsensical talk! Kern is just mean, calling citizens names. It IS time for a change ... vote the bad boys who spend $1/2 million on fireworks OUT!

Gimea Break wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:07 AM:They are overglorified city workers looking to gouge the taxpayer to buy more fancy water tank trucks and build five star fire stations. They work hard sleeping, eating cookies, unrolling and rolling hoses, polishing ladders, waxing trucks, tornado disaster training and watching TV all while waiting for a two bicycle pileup call that an expensive fire engine shouldn't be on. 'Work' two days and off to the river for five. Corrupt union buying a corrupt politician, same old politics. Vote Howdy-Doody Jim Wood out of office.

Lloyd wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:02 AM:Boy a lot of cynical people on here comenting.

If being a firefighter is so great then try out fo it. They are hiring, Vista just hired 20 of them. Of course you have to work nights, hoildays, shift work, be away from home for days on end (when forest fires happen), be exposed to disease from people you are helping, and a plethora of other dangers. I know I know people are going to say "But they knew that when they signed up!!!". Well they also expected to be compensated for it too.

San Diego County, in comparison to the rest of California, under pays it's fire and police employees as a whole.

mt wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:04 AM:All cities have employee associations, stop the bashing of firefighters. The meetings are public and most firefighters can't afford to live in Oceanside so they have to sit through the meetings. I say welcome!!! Let's stop this divisive talk and work together. Residents want a Council that works together, rather than competing against each other.

Tired and Worn Out wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:40 AM:I'm so tired and worn out hearing these fire and police union people promoting their self interest by touting their alleged heroism. How many times are they going to go back to the trough? The people of Oceanside need to understand this is a union play for money.

Truth wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:48 AM:"It's not a political move on our part," Melendrez said. "It's a move for us to educate ourselves."... this is hilarious! Could you lie any more? I hope you’re not related to Pinocchio, you would grow a redwood on your face…. I think they should stop all other projects in Oceanside and give the 110 firefighters all the money for their retirement program.

Oceanside Politician to Firefighters wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:49 AM:You suppport me financially and I will return the favor 100 times over.

Fire Departments Dont Deliver - Drain Budgets wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:54 AM:The Fire Department drains the City's budget and rarely fights a fire. Though political power and lack of courage by City Council's, Fire Departments in all of North County have become a huge negative. While the Police are also overpaid they actual do something - ask the Police (in private), they feel this way. Replacing one-half the Fire Department personnel with Police would be a great improvement.

ways to buy an election wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:19 AM:I find this story of the Red Shirts very disturbing - I have seen them for myself, sitting in a row, looking tough, almost surly. I respect and support our police and firefighters but intensely dislike tactics like this, surely meant to intimdate. Childish even. I will watch for how much of this money makes it's way into Wood's, Sanchez's and now Lowerey's campaigns as it has the potential to bring our city to financial ruin if they vote even more money into pension and retirement funds.

Oh My Goodness wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:36 AM:f course we can question the firefighters. Also, we should question the Mayor's fear mongering when he switched the ambulance drivers from EMT's to Firefighter-paramedics. There has always been a paramedic on the fire truck for first response. This little move got the non-union boys out of the fire house at an ongoing cost of over $600,000 a year. Why not make the police paramedics, they are the real first responders anyway.

Lets get real wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:38 AM:Oceanside's excellent fire fighters are paid well and earn their remuneration. However, the concept that we need to support them at the same pay after retirement is flawed. Who was the first government agency to cave into that concept. This could never happen in the private sector. The real goal should be to strip new hires of the atrocious retirement pay program. If the current employees don't like it, let them strike or leave. At least we would no longer have to set aside major portions of tax receipts in the future.
110 members come up will $117,000? Where do you think they got that money? Tax dollars of course!! It's time to give the unions a dose of medicine for their cancerous programs.

Dude wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:46 AM:The firefighters are socialists commies who would like it if we raised taxes just so they can pad their own wallets. They don't believe in free enterprise and if they had any talent they would be working in the private sector instead of working for the government. We should go back to the days of volunteer firefighters and give these crybabys their walking papers!!!

Mike wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:51 AM:Let's Face it the Fireman have it easy compared to the cops... They only spend about 3% of their time fighting fires the rest are calls for medical aides, they should really be called EMT's not firemen... I also agree that we should put fireman on 12 hour shifts and do away with the sleeping on duty... Even then there would be lots of downtime with plenty of time for working out...Maybe we could even task fireman with clean up duties within the city or something so they don't have so much downtime...

Chuckles wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:59 AM:So it's a little bit like, you know, the Mob keeping its eye on things, while keeping its "associates" in line. What's the problem with that?

Hey Beautiful wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:01 AM:We all love the firefighters, but that doesn't mean we should go broke paying them what the union wants. A bunch of guys sitting in the back row, arms folded, shoulder to shoulder, all wearing red shirts, is meant to do just one thing. Intimidate people.

Unions Destroy wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:30 AM:Look at Escondido. The public employees run the City for their own benefit. Unions destroy whatever they touch.

Curious wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:40 AM:When I see lists put together of the most dangerous jobs, is firefighter anywhere on the list? I don't recall seeing it. When was the last time a firefighter in Oceanside was killed or critically injured on the job? Please enlighten us if anyone knows. There are a lot of dangerous jobs out there, but I know more carpenters with major injuries (bad backs, missing fingers, etc.) than firefighters. The firefighters I know are great guys. They like what they do because it pays great, and they get days off at a time to spend with family, camping, fishing, etc. Sorry, but I've never once heard any of them complain about how dangerous it is, or how they are overworked.

KFC Lives wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:42 AM:We think all the firefighters should be laid off immediately. Apparently few if any people in Oceanside actually use their emergency, life-saving services so let's cut them out of the budget altogether. Just think, with all the money we save, we can wine and dine our developer buddies and turn Oceanside into Long Beach South. That's our idea of a perfect city, belching smoke, smog, hideous traffic congestion (what the heck, no firefighters can get to your home anyway)and a massive dumping ground for asphalt and concrete plants. We may as well throw in a smelt or two also. Think of the glee you will see on our faces when we finally ruin this town.

RD wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:45 AM:Firefighters YES, Bullying Unions Absolutely NO!

Artsyrat wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:30 AM:Geeze, what a bunch of cynical bloggers. How many of you really know what you speak of? Do any of you sit at the fire station for 48 hours to observe what these folks are doing? I commend the red shirts for attending the CC meetings, it's their American right and freedom to do this.

So, alot of people would like to be a fire fighter but only the best and most qualified are hired. The process of becoming a qualified candidate for this job is extensive, gruling and commpetitive. Not just any 'Joe/Joanne' will succeed in the requirements of getting hired. It's a profession that deserves to get paid well and they deserve our respect.

Knowledge or Power wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:34 AM:The NCTs should look at the top paid City employees, I'll bet with overtime the Firefighters represent 15 or more of the top 25 paid City Employees, and all earn well over $115,000 per year. The courts require Cities to supply names, title and compensation paid. Lets see a little effort NCTs, show us the reality of this power show by the Fire Union.

Jake wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:41 AM:Look, the bottom line is this: firefighters and police risk their lives serving. Pure and simple. Every day they strap on that badge could be their last. They are shot at, spit at and cursed at. They walk free handed into hazardous situations the rest of us watch on the 9 oclock news. These guys are amercicas heros, and it is a disgrace that they are criticised in this forum or any other.

I Stand Corrected wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:45 AM:I thought that Feller etc. were actually honest about their "beliefs." I looked up the vote for the retirement benefits, the 3% at 50 that the City of Oceanside gave public safety, the last city to do so in the county. Feller voted FOR it. Feller is dishonest. He will support the projects and people that will give him money, and demonize anyone who dares to have a difference of opinion. It is time that Mr. Feller retired from the council, so that he can go out and get an honest job. He has turned city hall into welfare for the developer, and he is destroying my city!

Do the math Jertho. wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:02 AM:As an employer, it costs me a lot less to RETAIN rather than TRAIN new employees. It takes the whole community to pay for and support our firefighters (and police), and we get what we pay for. We are paying good wages and benefits to our first responders, and I know that they would rather get in there and fight a fire than simply think about what to do. They knew what they were getting involved with when they applied for the job, and we...the citizens...support their decision. Look at it this way: everyone is so used to everything being cheap (IE:made in China, sold in Wal-Mart)that we have no reference point for what things really cost. YES, firefighters are expensive. YES, my home is valuable. YES, my family is valuable. And YES, I'm willing to pay for that protection.

Joan wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:06 AM:Many of the firefighters don't even live in the city. They just want to back their union political puppets, Jim Wood and Ester Sanchez so they can get the big pay raises like they have in the past. Unions have gone beyond their purpose and become self serving bullies.

Oh MY wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:20 AM:So Jack Feller is 'intimidated' when he sees a firefighter? Wonder how he feels about the Police Chief being at almost every meeting too? Scary when your public servants fails to recognize the fine work of our safety personnel. I'm disgusted with Feller and his idiocy. It's time to vote Jack off the Council!

Gambino wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:22 AM:I like to think of Oceanside City Hall as North County's own little Cosa Nostra.

Feller Follies wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:23 AM:More drama from the KFC Camp! What a joke! Intimitating you Mr Feller is really funny! These negative bloggers would have us send all the Firemen out the door and develop a Seniors Only force to come to your aid. All volunteers of course and all with short term memory loss. Most of you bloggers complaining have never had to call for help, YET! You are also probably the ones who yell your head off about not enough public safety! The Fire Fighters are watching millions go down the drain at City Hall Council Meetings. Surf Museum, Welcome Center, Main Street Oceanside all receiving close to 2 million in the last month! And none of these groups are going to try to get to your house or your wrecked car to safe your rears! I see RED at every Council meeting!

esteban wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:32 AM:How dare public servants attend city meetings! How dare they get involved with what's going on in the community!!! Imagine if cops were to attend meetings en mass. People would go nuts with negative comments.

The Firefighters are always traiing if they arent rersponding to a call wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:56 AM:They are training, for medical calls that treat your child jit by a car or a fall from a tree, they are responding to your grandparent who fell or is in distraess. They respond to chemical spilss, industry mishaps, that can hurt and kill others in a community of not contained quickly. They repsonded to hundreds of wildfires in the county, to include handling and coordinating the fire fights in the San Luis River beds, Protecting your homes. When they weren't fighting fires they were out and about looking at ways to prevent fires, like old homes, business, etc. They work everyday! They respond to calls where officers are being shot at, they risked thier lives to come to the aid of officers in shootings, they stand in traffic fighting to save a life in a highway collision in the rain, at night as many of your speed by them at 60 pmh or better! They suffer from long term illness as a result of breathing in hazardous air, even with so called great equipment! So don't tell me about they do not work! Close your pie hole and get informed! Also they have a right to aregue for better wages for thier families and themselves! Stop all the welfare programs in Oceanside, bring in big business and start building up our coast line so we can support these much needed services!!! So stuff it, or come up with a solution! By the way, when there is s child burn victim, these fire fighters are the first to to donate their off time to stand at the corner with a boot and help needy families! How dare you all slander these real life heroes! Pathetic! I also want my firefighter to spend tme at the station working out to be strong! So they can be strong to carry my body out of a buring fire! We strong motivated fire fighters! End of story!

Over Paid Cry Babies wrote on Aug 31, 2008 12:55 PM:This is the best job in the United State. Nowhere, except as a Firefighter, can you rise to the position of Fire Chief without a formal education. Oceanside dropped its educational requirements for the Battalion Chiefs job so the Mr. Hebert and his Union buddies could qualify. I hope they pick a winner this time, because on more losing candidate like George M. and they may be wondering why they took the political route in the first place.

Publish Their Pay wrote on Aug 31, 2008 1:28 PM:I like the idea of putting the highest compensated City employees names, positions and salaries in the newspaper.

Reardon wrote on Aug 31, 2008 3:00 PM:If this is a risk equals reward system, as we like to think, a Marine Sgt. in Iraq would be making what a fireman makes and a fireman would be making what a Sears tire-changer makes.

Sal wrote on Aug 31, 2008 4:57 PM:I agree with Publish their Pay. Show the salaries but dig in deeper. Disclose how many hours it took to make their pay, break it down even more, compare it to other like cities in the state with the same size, population, call volume, etc. Oceanside firefighters are protecting the city with the same amount of personnel as they did in early 1990s. Yes, there are more stations but the personnel are spread out to reduce response times. Lots of city growth but no increase in manning. They run a very lean operation. As a former critic of the OFA, I've learned to respect our firefighters viewpoint and opinion, they, as well as our police officers see the city all hours of the day, every day, year after year. I believe they have a clue to what’s going on in Oceanside and their biggest concern is not about pay. I'm proud of you guys being in the council chambers and being involved. The city is a much better place because of it.

How About the Marines wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:55 PM:By the logic many spout hear, we should pay each and every Marine $100K a year because they put their life on the line, way more than the firefighters do.

It used to be called public service, which meant you did it because you wanted to give back to society. Now they do it so they can by a second house, a boat, an RV, or whatever else they want.

Public employee unions are different from regular union because their salary and benefits are made by politicians and paid by taxpayers, not for-profit companies like other unions. And the state of California is going broke, along with many of the cities, just to pay their salaries and benefits.

Something is going to have to change. The taxpayers are already tired of paying more and more every year. The question is how far will they continue to be gauged.

WoW wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:30 PM:Why is it always about the money... you hate your pay... get another job!work 24 hours like the firefighters do. You want retirement start saving in a 401k!! you think they sit around all day, they don't! Nobody knows what they go through.. Who do you call when your child is choking in the middle of breakfast... who do you call when your son breaks his arm at football practice... who do you call when you see your house up in flames... who do you call when your spouse is having trouble breathing who do you call when your son has fallen on his skateboard and hit his head really hard and he isnt breathing!.... who is called at 2am 3am 4am when you or a loved one is hit by a drunk driver... yea all of the answers would be the firefights.... this could take up your day!! We need our ff/parm.I'm greatful to have those men just a phone call away.

OK with me wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:48 PM:It's OK with me if they want to promote their childish union image. They should be aware however, that whomever they endorse will NOT get my vote.

AWSOME wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:09 PM:Its awsome to see the firefighters getting even hotter into the community! After all firefighters have the up-most respect out of all City groups!

It also shows just how much they care, for the right of balance.....

Now then, what in the heck is Feller saying...just another moment of WHY any resident in oceanside should see/read we need Feller OUT of OFFICE. I am embarrassed that he represents our city. Hence why I am following the firefighters choices, they are men & women to be Honored!

I am voting for Charles Lower, Jim Wood, & of course Esther, by the way is a public defender...now that is a group we need on our city council.
Former Officer, Public Defendent, and Family & Small Business Owner Charles Lowery!

ALittleEducation wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:15 PM:Are Firefighters over paid? In comparison to other professions that require a high school diploma most definatley NOT! Lets look at some other jobs that offer you $90,000+ a year. Elevator repair men, no college coarses required, an electrician, no college required, a real estate agent a couple classes and you make as much as you are motivated to make. And just think no one complains about these people who make just as much if not more than Firefighters. And they do it with out ever putting themselves in harms way. Are medical aid calls dangerous? You better believe it. How many of you would like to be exposed to people with HIV Hepititis, TB, scabies, MRSA and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens that can kill you slowly over time. Not to mention possibly bringing it home to your loved ones. Then there is cancer and heart attacks the two leading causes of death to these professionals. And i have not even mentioned the dangers of fires. The average life span of a firefighter after retiring is 10-15 years! And you say they are over paid and underworked. And If it is that easy of a job then go to college for a minimum of 2-3 years and try to get hired. Or stop complaining.

Truth wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:27 PM:No fireman/EMT making 100k would like in oceanside. They see all the carnage during their EMT calls. They all live in Encinitas.

Feller is Bullish wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:31 PM:Anyone who has ever seen a bull fight understands the use of the RED Cape! I think from now on we all should wear RED jackets until the election is over! I love an educated firefighter. There is so much to learn at City Council meetings for the negotiation process! GO RED!

As Far as wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:12 PM:posting the salaries of the top paid employees in Oceanside, go ahead. Of course the NCT will probably forget to post the number of hours that those people worked. Take into account that firefighters work a 56 hour work week. Remember that when somebody takes a sick day or vacation they don't get to take 8 hours off, they take 24. 5 days of vacation and 6 sick days per year, same as the public sector and other city workers. Somebody has to fill that persons duty (i.e paramedic on an ambulance) unless you think they should take the ambulance out of service. Fires up north, yes they go. The state pays for that, not the city. Unless you don't want cities from northern california helping us when there is a major fire. Maybe we should keep them here. A few posts would like to see the job as a 12 hour shift. Do you think that would save money? It does the opposite. More retirement money and benefits to be paid out.

Maybe wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:09 PM:Maybe the firefighters know more about what is going on in this city than you do. I know they are more informed than I am. Maybe they are there for the money, maybe not. Hopefully they want what is best for the citizens and are trying to make a well informed decision as to who they will endorse. why do people bash them for showing up. You should be glad that they are taking an intrest.

OSide Resident wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:20 PM:The people bashing the firefighter's and police about salaries and benefits and just sitting around the fire station, need to do a ride along and see what exactly they do. You sit in your air conditioned offices by day and SLEEP in your nice warm bed everynight. You don't see the firefighters running calls at 2, 3, 4, and 5 AM with no sleep in between these calls. Oh yeah, when you call 911 on Christmas or New Years Day, or any holday, who shows up!
Stop complaining and be thankful for the level of service you get. Move to a town with a volunteer fire department and see what level of service you get and how long it takes a fire unit to get to you.

jvc wrote on Sep 1, 2008 3:34 AM:One of the great tragedies of public union employees is that their elegance and loyalty is to their unions and not to the public entity that signs their paycheck!And it is very clear that the firefighters presence at the council is in support of Wood over Chavez!

Simon Says wrote on Sep 1, 2008 6:57 AM:The Fire Union President has never had an original thought in his life. In prior election cycles the Fire union representatives all thought the right thing to do was to mad-dog the Council. If they did summersaults on Main Street, Ray and the boys would be doing the same thing right now. The Fire Union should spend their off time volunteering and doing off duty good for the community. At least they build some good will and respect for the love of community instead of love of money.

Oceansider wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:48 AM:Sure is a lot of hatred toward firefighters. I remember to the day when we used to call these guys heroes.

That day was September 11, 2001.

How quickly an ungrateful public forgets.

Reardon wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:08 AM:Wow! A 56 hour week for $100K and a little danger.

I guess a Marine Sgt. in Fallujah must make, say, $500K?

The Fallujah Sgt. only prays for a 56 hour week and a little danger, not to mention $35K!

Firefighting is the best paying, low-skill, low education job in the Western world -- attained not through performance but union political skill and political ineptness.

All politicians are more generous with other people’s money than with their own money.

Jean wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:29 AM:Union mentatality once again!! If they were truly interested in the city operations - they would arrive as the rest of us do in regular clothing. The union is a bunch of sheep - need to be led around and follow just one voice!!!

Please help me wrote on Sep 1, 2008 9:32 AM:Can you negative people who don't appreciate our firefighters please send me your name and address so they don't both making emergency calls to you? The rest of us sure would appreciate it as it will improve our already great response times.

Reardon wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:06 AM:Talk about faulty logic!

Let me see if we can help you, Please Help Me, because you need help.

It is possible to love the work Firefighters do, and NOT support them making $1 million a year! (Or $100K)

It is possible to love the Padres and believe that paying a baseball player $15 million a year is obscene!

Get it?

(No, I didn't think so.)

Ninety-nine Cent Rearview wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:57 AM:I agree with Reardon's "....I didn't think..." comment. It's obvious that we place a lower value on the firefighters than we do on our SUVs. We place an even lower value on our troops, many of whom risk their lives every day. If our troops were right here at home, fighting a real enemy, we would definitely be willing to pay them a lot more. THAT is the reason we pay the firefighters like we do: they are right here, and we know what they are doing and where the money is going. AND who is the enemy, in this case? Your choice of any or all of the following: hubris, ignorance, greed, bribery, KFC, or anyone who lacks the ability to think for themselves.

Start up wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:42 AM:Start wearing red shirts to show your suppor for our emergency personnel. ... I love our men and women firefighters and support them 100%.

To area from LOL wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:43 AM:You must be OFD or a family memeber! To answer your blog (not that you deserve it) I am an MBA, President of a successful company, work 12 hour days and travel extensively. As the son of a firefighter who perished on the east coast durind ON DUTY, I understand a great deal. I understand a city employee should not be able to lobby government officials undocumented. i understand that firefighter DO NOT place everything on the life 24/7. I understand that their time from the family is no different than an LA commuter. I understand they get food, gyms and many luxuries other citizens do not. I understand that you do not understand the reality of economic influences on our city, the sham appearances of firefighters at city hall and the unreal rewards they reap for their services. However, on the outside you are right (which I doubt) I expect to see alot more community service from our firefighters. It truly would be nice to see them give even a small portion of what they receive.

Volunteer wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:07 PM:Some of you ask, "Why don't the firefighters donate their time off duty?" Well, we do. We recently volunteered at the Casa de Ampara facility to refurbish the interior so it would pass a code inspection and not get shut down...by our own fire department. We volunteer at CERT workshops and help train the public for emergency disaster response. We volunteer our time to stand on the street corners collecting money for burn victims or the MDA. We volunteer our time at the burn institute events to help raise money and awareness for burn victims. We volunteer our time with our Honor Guard at schools, city events, public appearances. We volunteer our time to put on charity events such as the surf contest and golf tournament. Yes, we get to participate, but there are hours of VOLUNTEER time that go into putting those events on, which result in thousands of dollars given to local charities. We volunteer our time to teach CPR classes to the public. Is that not enough? Maybe, just maybe we are at the city council meetings to educate ourselves regarding what is going on in the city because we truly care about the city. Maybe our intentions are actually good. Yes, we are paid well, but yes we work hard for our money. But we aren't the greedy, money grubbing union we are portrayed by this paper and some of the bloggers on this site. We do give back to the community, we do volunteer our time and we do appreciate our jobs and our ability to serve those around us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve and we will continue to do our best to make you proud of your Oceanside Firefighters.

Your father would be embarrassed wrote on Sep 1, 2008 9:39 PM:Mr. I'm s son of a firefighter who perished on the east coast durind ON DUTY! Your father is a hero! I'm from the East Coast as well and a family of firefighters and police officers. I am stillon the job myself! You are pathetic using your dad as a prove source! Pathetic!!! Mr MBA!

No one believe this line wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:27 AM:Maybe, just maybe we are at the city council meetings to educate ourselves regarding what is going on in the city because we truly care about the city. Yes, and maybe, just maybe pigs can fly.

Rick K wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:59 PM:I have the upmost respect for firefighters. They were reponsible for saving my fathers life several times and were always there in a timely fashion for the numerous times my mom and dad had to go to the emergency room. Rather than bad mouthing our city employees we need to get to the root of the problem. That problem is campaign finance reform. As I have mentioned before Oceanside campaign financing has no control, no limits. We saw that in the last election when Chavez and Kern's buddies spent all their money on the last minute $100,000 hit peices on Shari Mackin. We need campaign finance reform to eliminate this problem of unions, and special interests dictating the results of our elections through the use of their seemingly unlimited finacing for candidates. So lay off the attack on firefighters and fix the problem. Limit the amount of money PACs, unions, and special interests can donate . Sure there are loopholes but at least try something. It is utterly ridiculous that mayors and council are spending upwards of 100 K on elections. They only make $35,000 -$40,000 a year. Leon will say he will sue if we come up with reforms but his own county has campaign finance reform. Why not sue the county you work for Leon and leave us alone.

KFC come out and play... wrote on Sep 2, 2008 5:50 PM:It should be obvious to everyone reading this that the smearing of firefighters and their families is being done by our own city officals. Our current council majority (KFC)is making decisions that could ruin the cities future for years to come. Shifting millions of dollars to redevelopment, capital improvement and selling out to developers in a declining market is outragous. We have to best fire department in San Diego county who get paid fair salaries for willing to lay down their life for a complete stranger on any day, at any time. Some fool questioned weather an Oceanside Firefighter was ever killed in the line of duty? Fire Captain Kurt Krebbs died in the line of duty two years ago and a memorial was proudly displayed on Ladder Truck 7, paid for by the firefighters...not the city. This group of employees is second to none. I support all that you do!

Union leader hero.... wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:05 PM:A few years back...Union leader, Ray Melendrez was shot in the line of duty while leading operations on a brush fire. Captain Melendrez caught a bullet while in the middle of a drive bye shooting protecting our citizens. Don't question his leadership style when his service and dedication to the community has been proven. What has Feller proven? that he knows how to run a sandwich shop into the ground and can't put two sentences together?

More KFC nonsense wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:47 PM:I can't believe the attacks on our firefighters. We blast them in the media because they take an interest in our city government, but the minute we need their help we hail them as heroes. You can't have it both ways. I applaud their efforts to keep a watchful eye out on our current city council. KFC recently tried to push a proposed study through to see if private ambulance service would be good for the city. This would allow the city to cut 24 firefighters, or 8 per day. We already run dangerously short and can't afford any more cuts in this vital city service. The firefighters do great work and are always willing to go the extra mile to help a citizen. I know some of you will hail privitization, but let me warn you...you get what you pay for. Have you seen the private ambulance workers? The city may save a buck but at what cost? This interest in the city council meetings is great. Keep an eye on KFC firefighters and please don't let them destroy our city to fill their own vendettas and egos!

Seeing Red wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:27 PM:All I see is a lot of KFC hostilities here. Perhaps if the FIrefighter took and interest in government off election season we could buy into their every two year renewed interest in good governance. Perhaps the red shirts are to show support for the Ohio State Buckeyes Football Team, I hear the Buckeyes are also interested in winning campiagns.

KFC wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:52 AM:KFC and add Gibson. Then you have a foursome of like-minded,military-style, male, Republicans who don't give a darn about the citizens just their lobbyist and special interest pals. That is a scary thought. What happened to independent council persons not just ones who march in lockstep. The Colonel and the captain will fight to see who is in control. Jack will pray that the citizens just submit to the power of the blessed 4.

esteban wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:32 AM:Wow, some people just hate public servants I guess. So I guess we now have people hating on the fire guys!??!? The antihoses, if you will. Just as bad, and just as know it all as the anticops.

Come one come all wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:56 AM:Yes Esteban, if we elect KFC+ Gibson we can no longer use the moniker TROIKA. We will just call them the Military Junta. Bunch of retired military who still want to control us all. That is their Republican trademark- cut government. It worked real well under the Bush regime. Lets see Czar of Homeland Security, Czar of this and Czar of that. Is that less government? Tell all the city employees, friends, relatives and anyone who will listen. These guys are bad news. Just say no to Feller, Chavez and Gibson.

VOTE FELLER OFF wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:20 PM:All he does is Jibber-Jabber, he is a liar, and tells me the only reason he ran for city council was because God told him too? I am sorry I thought we are to leave that talk out of politics??

Anyhow...Feller is out of touch with representing our City...

Instead of putting monies into developers, lets put it tordes Educational programs, police and fire-fighters....

What is the problem there Mr. Feller, Kern or Chavez (who makes me sick)-barf when I see signs for Rocky for Mayor - Please!

Kicked off CDF Fire wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:50 PM:The Fire Union is not the Fire Department. This mad-dogging the Council is just a tactic of the Fire Union during the election season; we do not see them any other time. As for the Fire Union leadership, in an unprecedented action last year it was the Fire Union President that got his crew kick off a CDF assignment.

Hey CDF know it all wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:37 PM:Your statement about never seeing the Firefighters until election time is silly. I see them active in the communty on their own time for several non-profit organizations. As a matter of fact this weekend there is a surf contest that will raise money for Casa de Amparo, The California Surf Museum and the San Diego Burn Institute. The only thing unprecedented, is your lack of knowledge and respect for your own fire department and how good of a job they do for the community everyday.

You Missed my point wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:31 PM:The Fire Union is not the Fire Department. I love the Fire Department, but the Union is another matter entirely.

Kicked off CFD Fire wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:19 PM:Well at least you did not dispute the facts with your pointed insult. The Union is not the Fire Department, and yes, I respect the Fire Fighters; but I believe they have made a poor leadership choice. And this bi-annaul mad-dogging of the Council looks a silly as it sounds.

now see wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:50 AM:Now see if the Republicans and Democrats and Oceansides pro-developer council and neighborhood protecting council could get along like the above two writers wouldn't the world be a better place.
Rather than fighting each other for control do the best for the citizen. It is called communication- talking and listening. But you can't listen if you have already made up your mind. Ring a bell Rocky, Jack and Jerry. Plus don't call us liars or tell us to get out of town. What horse did you ride in on?

What next wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:27 PM:It must be the pave it over KFC group who is responsible for this latest fiasco. Just give them a little space and the next thing you know there is a problem like this. What next, I hope the do not take up in projects in my neighborhood.