Their attitude seemed to be one of “don’t confuse me with facts, my mind is already made up.” Several people in the audience, disgusted by their behavior, left. When some people in the audience tried to get them to act sensibly, they were told to be quiet. That was a real sign of democracy in action, wasn’t it?

Mr. Johnson’s slate must feel very desperate to resort to this type of tactic in order to persuade the taxpayers to vote for them. It’s obvious to many of us within the District that this seems to be the only alternative left to someone used to having his way on everything, including manipulating people around. When his slate resorts to stealing and spray painting campaign signs from the opposition, (verbally) attacking the Chief and his professional staff, preventing others from speaking out at a community meeting, it gives the rest of us a very good idea of the type of slate they represent!

In addition, it was also interesting that at the DORR Candidate Forum held on October 5, 2010 Mr. Blauert , commenting about the SFD fire association, was quoted as saying ” The union has destroyed this country.” A large number of employees within our district are members of a variety of unions (hospital workers, supermarket employees, teachers, police, sheriff deputies, fire, etc). What would they be earning if it weren’t for the unions watching out for their wages and benefits? Have we all forgotten why they began in the first place? Doesn’t Mr. Blauert remember his days starting out in the construction industry? Since when is it a crime to be a union member and get decent comparable wages and benefits? . It is suggested that those in this District who are members of any union think twice before seriously considering voting for such a slate.

It was also interesting to note that while he introduced himself at this Candidate Forum Mr. Blauert, stated several times that “there would be no Posse Ground if it wasn’t for Dave Blauert”. Actually, Posse Ground was in existence well before his involvement. In addition, he mentioned that he was instrumental in getting the first ambulance in 1963. According to historical archives Sedona’s first ambulance(also known as “Big Bertha”) was donated by the Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) of Sedona in March 1963. Why is he taking credit for what many hard working volunteers devoted many hours to work on these very worthy causes?

Mr. Demme, is telling the people of Sedona that he doesn’t want to “slash” and “destroy” the District’s budget. What Joe Q. Public doesn’t realize is that through his hidden agenda, he really means to do some slashing and destroying to an outstanding fire district with employees who do an exemplary job. He and the rest of his slate have made some slanderous remarks filled with misinformation that is meant to put doubts in the minds of some of the gullible SFD voters.

Mrs Erick was quoted in the RRN that her only concern is to cut the budget, not the quality of work by firefighters and and EMS. In addition, Mrs. Erick and Mr. Demme have reversed their strong opinions about NOT building a Fire Station at the Chapel and FOR privatization of ambulance/EMS service, once it was no longer popular to do so.
Are these the type of individuals we want to elect to the SFD Governing Board? Think very carefully before you cast your ballot!

Sedona is comprised of people with common sense, who are intelligent and accomplished people. These type of people want facts, figures and proof about all of the false allegations that are being made. They also want to have the best fire and EMS services available that we can afford.

SFD taxpayers reading this should seriously consider and vote the slate of Fishel, Fitzpatrick and Montgomery. We have three highly educated and accomplished men who are logical, broad-minded, fair, and very sensible people who will get the job done professionally without any mudslinging and misinformation. We will finally have transparency, fiscal accountability and no more back room politics!

Tom Longo
Sedona, AZ

The Fire Chief and Executive Team of Sedona Fire District closely monitor earnings for all staff. The following individual earnings categories are independent of each other and would never be combined as individual’s earnings. These categories are very different and are projected and budgeted as independent line items for cost accounting management. Some of the items are of no cost to the tax payers, such as the non- district overtime and reimbursement for taxable expenses. The misleading document circulating does not show the breakdown of every line item as described below.

Base Wages
Salary schedules are developed based on industry comparables with other like fire service agencies.

Administration Overtime
This overtime includes: special projects, meeting deadlines, and emergency repairs for apparatus and communication infrastructure, etc. The Fire Chief, the Executive Team, and the Division Managers are exempt from overtime.

Backfill Overtime
This overtime is to maintain our mandatory minimum staffing. We have a maximum operational daily staffing of 24 firefighters and a minimum of 20 operational firefighters. If the number drops below 20, there is an automated call back system that will allow us to bring the number back up to 20. We maintain a certain number of time-off, per day, to minimize callbacks.
If you look at any agency that provides a 24/7/365 operation with mandatory minimum staffing requirements, such as police departments, sheriff offices, hospitals, etc. they will have overtime budgets.

Discretionary Overtime
This overtime includes mandatory recertification for our Emergency Medical Services, Wild land Firefighting, Technical Rescue, etc. This also allows for discretionary overtime related to special projects and training. This overtime is only approved based on the Fire District’s needs and if the training cannot be accomplished while on duty.

Non-District Overtime
The overtime is 100% reimbursement to the Fire District for personnel sent to fight out-of-district wild land fires and /or coverage for those out-of-district wild land assignments. This includes a Contractual agreement between Sedona Fire District and the Arizona State Land Department, which governs our participation in this regional response effort. This regional resource would also assist the 168 square miles of the Sedona Fire District, if requested.

Benefit Earnings
This includes longevity pay, vacation leave, or sick leave payouts (for over the cap payouts at separation or annual requests for leave buy back – all paid at current hourly base rate).

Reimbursable Taxable Expenses
This is taxable income to reimburse certain employees for cell phone bills, lunch per diems at non-SFD sponsored training, uniform allowance for required protective gear or standard uniforms.

We cannot ignore or remove the risks associated with the fire service; however, we certainly can be prepared and proactive in managing and being fiscally responsible to the Sedona Fire District and the community we serve. For the facts, please contact the Sedona Fire District at 928-282-6800 and don’t be misinformed about your fire district.

Rebroadcast: Sedona Fire and School Board Debates at DORR on Oct 5, 2010
http://sedona.biz/

Make sure that you are an informed voter!

Found on the Yavapai County web site. Surely this is an important factor in determining credibility?