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If you're curious about the mayor's proposed fire department changes in Stamford, you should attend a municipal meeting later this month that will address the issue.
Mayor Michael Pavia is scheduled to make a presentation before the Board of Representatives' Public Safety & Health Committee when it meets Jan. 27. The mayor is expected to provide additional details of his proposal to consolidate the city's volunteer fire departments into one volunteer entity, the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department.
Under the mayor's plan, the merged volunteer department would coexist with Stamford's professional firefighting organization, Stamford Fire & Rescue. It would be funded through a special service taxing district.
"The mayor and his staff will be talking about the numbers that came through OPM," or the Office of Policy and Management," said city Rep. Scott Mirkin, R-13, co-chair of the Public Safety & Health Committee. "They'll answer whatever questions come up" by committee members. Specifics such as a proposed mill rate and departmental structure will be discussed, Mirkin said.
"It's an excellent opportunity. It gives the opportunity for all parties [to dispel] a lot of misinformation," said Mirkin. "I think it's a solid plan. A lot of thought and effort went into it.
Firefighters have criticized the mayor's plan, saying it would result in inadequate fire protection. Last week, Brendan Keatley, president of the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association, released a letter criticizing the mayor. Among Keatley's concerns were cost and what he said would be understaffing if the plan were implemented.
What are your thoughts on the mayor's fire protection plan? Do you have questions or comments? Felicia can be reached at fhunter@mainstreetconnect.us.
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