2004 AGN JUN 01 Misc 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The success of Measure W hinged on the participation of Colton Firefighters. Our members gave generously of their time, money and leadership to pass Measure W. Our efforts are estimated to generate 3 million dollars annually for the next seven years and have significantly eased the burden of developing a balanced budget on City administrators and Council members. Likewise, our efforts have secured other City services and the jobs of many City employees who may have faced elimination without the passage of Measure W. The City of Colton has had a policy of Constant Staffing for over 10 years. Constant Staffing provides a stable, consistent level of service that assures prompt responses and an adequate number of firefighters at the scene of an emergency. Within this same 10 - year period, the Fire Department has been at the top of every Public Opinion Poll taken amongst Colton residents. Measure W's recent passage even indicates the willingness of Colton citizens to tax themselves based on the expressed promise that this would protect Fire Department service levels. Clearly, the residents of Colton are happy with the level of service they are receiving from their Fire Department and all of the issues responsible for the excessive overtime usage have been resolved. Therefore, I respectfully request that the City withdraw the proposed staffing reduction and continue to provide the Fire Department service level promised to the citizens of Colton with the passage of Measure W (See Attachment C.) Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Srtc" , /0 � Z// - Doug Blinkinsop Colton Representative San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters' Association Local 935 Home Phone 909-783-1635 Cell Phone 909-285-6301 Email fireblink@sbcglobal.net Cc: Deirdre Bennett, Mayor Ramon Hernandez, Councilmember Richard DeLaRosa, Councilmember Kelly Chastain, Councilmember Helen Ramos, Councilmember John Mitchell, Councilmember Sarah Zamora, Councilmember Al Holliman, Assistant City Manager Tom Hendrix, Fire Chief Dilu di Alwis, Finance Director Anthony Arroyo, Human Resources Analyst 4