A firefighter driving a huge truck at top speed through the streets of this town putting citizens in jeopardy after having no sleep is a very dangerous situation. When a rescue worker needs to make quick life saving decisions with lives of our family members after having little to no sleep, it is a very dangerous situation again. For the time being we are all safe. Let us hope level heads prevail.

lets hope both sides can come together and work out a much deserved contract !!!

Public safety, public safety, public safety, save the taxpayers by removing the public safety noose!

Central Falls, East Providence, Providence, West Warwick, Pawtucket, Cranston, Woonsocket.................NEXT!

NKRI if you are refering to the meeting when the ordinance was passed then i believe the firefighters you are refering to are the firefighters who live in the town of North Kingstown but work for different departments.

probably cause they are taxpayers in this town. they have every right to be there and to get up and speak at a public meeting. what difference does it make if they lived in the town and worked in private sector, public sector, or didnt work at all ?

To NKRI Transparency, I think you just like to read your name in these posts, regardless of the subject. You say people seclectively rspond to questions, but I asked you two simple questions weeks ago, and you did the bob and weave yourself, as you seem to do pretty often. I usually read these blogs trying to pick up a little info, but your useless sarcasm just never ends. That is why nobody takes you seriously and probably never will

In my humble opinion if you want to be taken seriously by anybody, you should start by practice what you preach. The only thing you are doing in my eyes is picking fights for the sake of fighting. In this case for instance you attack the firemen non-stop, and have yet to back up a single point. Even they don't bother with you any more. How embarrassing. Even your posts on other subjects are more of the same.

Sorry to sound off a bit, but I just have little tolerance for people that are self-righteous even though they offer no facts have nothing to base their opinions on. Maybe try a less condescending approach you might be surprised at the results you get, thats all. After all were all only human. TY

NKRI, You have over posted so much on the topic of firefighters on the North Kingstown Patch that your credibility is absolutely worthless. You obviously sit at your computer waiting for the word firefighter to appear and you must drool over your keyboard as you bang away foolishness on the keys. Did you notice that it seems like you, and perhaps 3 other people are the only ones out of 27,000 residents in town that post, and post, and post your antisemitics. Some people get high smoking crack. Others get high doing meth. You get high typing "anti" statements 20 times a day. You must go through some serious withdrawals every time the power goes out. I know several 12 step programs that can help you. My advice, stop coming on NK Patch and harassing every hard working NK Town employee that you would like to see in the poor house and take a walk. Preferably a long one off the town dock. I'm sure you don't live that far away from it.

Transparency.....Do you really think any of the answers you seek are going to appear on a blog where almost everyone uses a screen name? Please tell me you are not charting your course in life on the questions answered by strangers. Are you? I hope not. The only REAL answers in this debate can be found by contacting either the Fire Chief, Town Council or the Union President. May your quest for answers lie not in the hands of the beholder but in the wisdom of those in charge. Thank you and have a wonderful life......see you at Jitters.

My two questions were what did the fireman want that was so costly, and what exactly are they suing for? Not out in the open, as you say. I just cant find it anywhere. Thats all. Since you say it is in the open, can you just how did you put it: educate the masses? I'm not trying to disrespect anybody. just looking for a little info, and now I'm underhanded. You make no sense.

I just don't get it. More of the same from you, NKRI. Thank you for making my point. So much for a less-condescending apprach i guess.

NKRI Transparency,

Please ignore the Blog Trolls. They don't realize your questions are an attempt to get people to do some individual research; to critically analyze a problem instead of just offering their opinion. Others seek to silence views different from theirs, perhaps forgetting this is America. Blog on, please....and ignore the trolls.

Mike you and NKRI are the biggest Trolls on here ... You two were clearly the ones spending time inside of your lockers in school ! Nobody cares what you to have to say about unions or firefighters or public safety .... I blame your parents and the lack of passing a firefighter test for being so bitter !! Enjoy the week cause I know ill enjoy my 4 days off being a Union thug !!! This will be my last post good day

Lol .... Mike and NKRI are probably sitting side my side with bagel bites getting all frazzled with the comments NKRI the big joke is on you ! Your the first one to complain about the fire department and you'll be the first one crying when they don't get there quick enough .... And mike will be crying cause the couch he was sleeping on went up with the trailer you live in NKRI your the one who has not done any of the searching when it comes to facts and mike throws out the word "studies" that have nothing to do with north kingstown or studies north kingstown has paid for !!!! You two are keyboard cowboys and probably can't wait to respond back to these comments !!!! Have at it and prove my point hahahha

As usual all union posters disappear when it is town paid employee quitting time. No posting when individuals are on their (personal) time.

Carol, Carol, Carol......

NkRi Transparency, 

1. Nobody here is obligated to answer your foolish questions. Find your own answers, you obviously know nothing.
2. I am a FF in another town, I also own a home in NK. This gives me the right to voice my opinion at a town council meeting. I do this because I have a valid concern, and care for the well being of my fellow FFs. It's important to me as a local  tax paying resident that they are treated fairly. If you don't agree with me, I don't care.
You are a spineless, ignorant, loudmouth blogger. Please find yourself a hobby other than PATCH.

Oh yea Chhissssssy, I forgot to ask you pal - since you are offering opinions. do you have an one for the "Right to Work" proposals being discussed? Can't wait to hear this.

My name is Raymond Furtado, and I am the President of the North Kingstown Fire Fighters Local 1651. Unlike many that post on this blog, I have nothing to hide. I am responsible and accountable for the comments that I post here on the NK Patch. Regardless of whether people agree with my position or comments that I make, I offer this disclosure in the name of true transparency. I am hopeful that even my detractors will respect my honesty in this regard, and accept the fact that even though we may have to agree to disagree, we must maintain a measure of civility in our correspondence. Absent that, this blog will continue to be the useless exercise that it has unfortunately become.

I was informed of the direction some of these comments have taken, and would like to offer a few thoughts to the discussion. I will not engage in dialogue that is riddled with unwarranted personal attacks or accusations; there seems to be enough of that already without my involvement. I am writing simply to address the gross misrepresentations that are being made by a select few on these pages.
NKRI Transparency is at the forefront of this nonsense, stating that “this is getting better” and that exchanges must be from “higher on the totem union pole”(?). The further insinuation is then made by NKRI that they may be an “elected official”. Either this is a manifestation of self-delusional pseudo-grandeur, or even worse it is true. In either case, the content of most of the NKRI posts is inflammatory, inaccurate, and inconsistent with the type of comments that we should expect from our elected leaders.

NKRI Transparency, I am authorizing Sam Turner to release my phone number to you so that we can have a meaningful discussion on the issues, if that is what you truly want. I will also continue a dialogue with you on these pages if you embrace your namesake and reveal your identity. If you are willing to put your reputation at stake as I have since day one, then we have a foundation for hopefully constructive discussion. Otherwise, you will just have to keep posing questions to yourself. Maybe that is what you want; we will all know soon enough.

As a final point of clarity on this specific issue, you should know that I personally don’t care if you ever reveal yourself or not.

And no, I am not at work.

I would like to close by saying that throughout this debacle, my fellow firefighters and I have endured more than our share of unwarranted attacks. Despite the understandable confusion related to this complex issue, the public misrepresentations of the Town Council majority, and the useless the venom that regularly becomes prevalent on this blog, our organization has once again taken the high road. Contrary to the cheap shots that a select few tend to spew, our numerous offers to the Town to would provide significant financial relief to our residents, while averting the disaster that the pursuit and implementation of a 56-hour work week will undoubtedly cause. At the end of the day when all of the facts are revealed, I am certain that this will be clear to all.

NKRI tranny -

" Oh yea, and thanks for supporting suing the residents of NK as town lawyers were looking for work"

This shows again, how very very little u know. NKFD is not suing the town. They are going to court to have that illegal ordinance Blocked, as they should. There's a big difference. But you wouldn't know, and that's ok.

it obviously bothers you that ffs are united. We will always support each other. Nk ffs could have had every ff in the state not working at that meeting last month if they wanted. All they had to do was make a few phone calls.

I understand your upset you don't have that bond with your fellow coworkers; but that's no reason to be so sour.

But I guess haters are gonna hate!

Nkri transparency = Forever Alone!

Clutch127: I am appreciative of your openness and the mostly constructive nature of your comment. I am not so open to give my personal info as one of your colleagues has previously threatened me by various means. To be honest I came close to taking up one those offers with my wife persuading (as wives can) me to refrain. The years have not dampened the fight in me such that I will not back down from anything or anyone. I also have personal knowledge of misleading and deceptive practices that could affect me directly and indirectly. For the sake of civility I will not respond to you attacks except to say that it strange that you attempt to punch me in the gut as you offer an olive branch. Without asking you to comment I will ask that you understand without acknowledging or denying. Mostly it is unfortunate that the actions of a few give many a bad name. I will also add that I know several NK firefighters and without hesitation I will say they are good people which most likely holds true for most if not all.
To make a long story short, I originally entered this fray as I do not want to see additional tax increases as I am sure you are aware that many residents cannot afford additional burdens. My comments resulted in attacks that I responded to in kind. This point also takes into consideration that there is less state aid to go around. With this in mind, will your proposals result in increased taxes to the residents of NK.

Nobody attacked you NKRI ... Your clearly a little mouse to scared to come out of your hole ! ... Your a coward a keyboard cowboy who is now put on blast and won't be a man and take Mr. Furtardo up on his request

Rhodeyresident0303: Nope, nadda - not interested Rhodey baby. Wow, I would have never guessed you a FF. Wow, I would have never guessed you support "the others". Wow, I would have never thought you could string together mote than 5 words in a sentence. Congratulations.....good boy!

Rhodeyresident0303: Time to go back to your crevice as I am waiting for his response. Oh yea, looks like you couldn't fight your own battles......can imagine your tearey eyes exclaiming "I'm telling" . Tell me, do you do any work other than surfin the net while getting paid????

By the way, I'm looking forward to the town hiring private profesional FF's as lord only knows what residents can expect with the so called professionals we and othet towns now have. Say good-bye! Bu-Bye.

Doesn't matter I do with my time has no concern to you !!! I'm also not at work.. Are you threatening me with a battle ? Is that a threat ? Looks like your the coward .... Maybe your "wife" should take away your computer for the night that way you can come back tomorrow with even more useless comments as you waste the oxygen the important people around you deserve !

I don’t understand why you view my comments as attacks; in fairness to you, I took some time to review some of your posts. In addition, I recall our dialogue from months ago when this issue first garnered public attention, and we were initially civil. Since then, the commentary rapidly decelerated into a veritable shouting match, and the productive dialogue perished as a result. That, and for no other reason, is why I stopped responding. You must however admit that you have continued to rail against my firefighters and I incessantly on these pages, much of which seems ideologically driven. I don’t begrudge you voicing your opinion, but on the same token, two wrongs don’t make a right….

The plain reality is that these on-line arguments bring additional emotion and tension to a situation that already has too much of both. To the credit of my members, they have exercised incredible restraint and poise considering the adverse conditions and uncertainty they face. Regardless of the opinion of some, our job is incredibly difficult and demanding enough. It transcends call volume, sleep deprivation, and the physiological stressors of the job in ways that cannot be expressed in writing. That is the truth; I sincerely hope you believe that for what it is and not dismiss it “union rhetoric”. In fact, the sole reason many of us are able to persevere because we have some sense of reliability and security on the home front. That is the same security that the Town Council is threatening to take away; the method that have chosen to employ on the heels of previous failures is the truly horrible aspect of this whole situation.

I have responded to you because your comment contained an air of civility. I hope you respect the fact that I am having this conversation with you despite you unwillingness to reveal your identity. I once again extend the offer of contacting me off of these pages for an open conversation. Short of personal ownership of your position, I must ask all readers to give your unattributed commentary the credibility it deserves. This will be my last correspondence tonight; time to read to my girls. I hope you understand.

Cluth127: curious as to if you are seing the comments of other FF's here? Do you feel their comments arer appropriate?

Ill be the cowardly lion and you are clearly are the tin man WITH NO BRAIN !! With 7 years in the USMC, earning a bachelors degree from a college as well as 10 years of experience working as a firefighter I have forgotten more than you will ever learn.... Your childish remarks and quick comments are more laughable then your poor excuse for being here.. This will be my last comment ... Good luck to the brave men and women of NKFD IAFF Local 1561 keep up the fight ... UNION PROUD UNION STRONG

** NKFD IAFF LOCAL 1651**

I saw your new inflammatory comments after my last post. Now you attack the professionalism of my fellow NK firefighters and firefighters throughout the state? You are incorrigible, and have no idea what you are talking about. In fact, you exemplify exactly the kind of defeatist, uninformed mentality that landed us here to begin with.

At least people can see you for what you really are. If nothing else, I know why you won't reveal your identity; I would be woefully ashamed as well.

Clutch127: it was obvious from the get go that you were looking for a crutch aka clutch. Your unprofessional attitude explains much showing many what the real issue is. As an upper management executive I would never let people under me behave as such. Then again, this is you as the union. Curious as to if you testified at the pension hearings? I will have to re-visit my dvr as I saved the recording(s). I would like to put a face with comments. Like I said, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. See ya in court sonny as there should be a law against a minority of 60 holding a whole town hostage. Like I heard a long time ago, the truth always prevails.

Hey Chrissssssssssy and Rhodeyresident0303, feeling bad for you I did a search that obviously interest you for after work - http://www.yelp.com/biz/dark-lady-providence ......enjoy boys.

No comments? Good night to all and to all a good night....enjoy.

NKRI Transparency...... You are all over the place. Based on your statements i can tell your a female. No man i know uses the words pal and boys over and over again. You also mention you might be on the council? You assume people are at work when they might not be and even put down a member of the Military??? You say your management.... I highly doubt it!!!!!! I will make an assumption as you like to do....... You are a member of the Council and putting them in bad light and based on your computer usage times are not very active and therefore overweight.... I'm tired of your jealous derogatory statements. You offer no solutions!!!! Just insults!!!

To All..... i invite all to leave nkri transparency alone and discredit all she has said and not humor her anymore.
Respectfully,
Me

wickchevy: How are ya pal? It is an honor to be corresponding with you as obviously you are the man that knows everything aka the fool on the hill. With that being written let me set you straight. First, I have the highest respect for the military. Never said I was on the council swami. Possibly you have met me if you have had opportunity to be on the hill. I did make reference to management which is apparently something you can only dream about. My desire continues to be finding the truth about NK FF. Seems that all is good until one gets closer to the truth leading to individuals like yourself running away. I know how about we compare the truth to a burning building.

Concerned residents about these and other topics can contact me directly to engage regarding this topic. I am always available for honest and direct dialog.

Wishing the NKFD and the Town Council the very best in their quest to make the best decisions for the Town of NK and the Firefighters. Civil discussion should be just that: Civil. My suggestion to all is to avoid making negative or disparaging comments, and ignore them when they are made--no matter how much you are tempted to respond. Responding in kind is degrading to all. Peace.

You 2 GOONS have nothing better to do with your lives? Seriously, "You" are the problem with our society! You are angry, uninformed, ignorant individuals who thrive on your own egos. NKRI Transparency you do not have a clue as to what we do. You can make you comments about our night shift all you want. The mere fact is you do not know!

Our job is to protect the great people of our town. We do a damn good job at it too.! You obliously are one of the lucky residents who has not had to use our services for EMS or Fire related calls. I invite you to join us for a shift. Come and live the life we live. Yeah, it is not always go, go, go 24/7, but when the bell strikes we are there no matter what dangers we may face! So sign the waiver and join us. I can guarentee you this...when you leave you will have some knowledge and finally give us the respect we deserve!

Just an observation. It appears that @NKRI Transparency and @Mike have a bit of a problem keeping a balanced approach to posting levels. What really strikes me is the vieled hints made that there is a possibility they are someone in a power seat. It might be in the best interest of our community if town officials and council members to be made aware of this. They might want to clear the air and express for all to see that they are in fact NOT one of these two. But until that happens, I would suggest that folks just simply not reply or respond in any way to their continued attempts to bait and cause unproductive debate on The Patch.

Chris Beattie: When you and others get defensive dragging people to below acceptable levels you are offended when responded to in kind. Do you turn a blind eye to the comments of fellow FF's? Unfortunately you just don't seem to get it.
The second part of your comment is constructive but again, unfortunately it is not the issue as you and other FF's do and are very important part of NK. Just as you are offering someone an opportunity to walk a mile in your shoes, possibly you will consider walking a mile in someone’s shoes that cannot afford any additional tax increases. Just as most if not all NK FF’s are good people, so are residents going through difficult times having to decide between medicine, heat, food etc.

If you look back on previous articles written on this subject, you will see the IAFF 1651 change their arguement. At first they want us to believe it was working additional hours with no pay and of course public safety. Now that it has been learned that they will receive a 10% pay increase with this new work schedule (who on here has received a 10% raise this year?), they talk about their spouses becoming "single parents" on out of 3 days. Big deal. A large % of people in the private sector travel for business and are away from home more that once every three days. Their arguement changes like the weather. If working conditions change and it no longer fits your lifestyle, find a line of work that better fits your personal requirements. Do not expect the taxpayers to support it.

I think we've established the people that hate unions and public safety in general.
Tired of NK antics
NKRI Transparency
And of course Good old MIKE
We all get the fact that you think the fire fighters are lazy and over paid.
We get that you think all they do is sleep and play on the computer.
We get the fact that you can't afford higher taxes.
Can we please move on already?
If you have any questions, Mr. Furtado has offered for you to call him and ask him. I don't think it gets any easier than that?
Oh and by the way Mr. Tired Of NK antics, -33% plus 20%= -10% Reread all of the posts. How many of us have taken a 10% pay reduction this year when our employer had a surplus of 400k?

OK, for me, I dont 'hate' unions, or public union members. After all they arrest our criminals, put out our fires, save lives, and teach our kids. But they are also the biggest cost by far driving the tax bill. Our country, its states, cities, and towns are broke. There is only one way to get this back in balance because more taxes is no longer possible. They have to work cheaper. That said, the WAY this was done by this crooked town council who will permit hideous windmills and defy the public in favor of donor-developers, was heavy handed and appears to have sought a fight because they also like to pad the couple law firms the town hired. This town council (except probably Brennan) are low-rent with a high price tag.

NKtaxPAyerAlso you are obviously a union member or a union sympathizer, so your comments on this matter are deeply discounted as to be near worthless. I never said ff were lazy. I do feel they have been overcompensated. I do think that unions have ruined entire U.S. industries (steel), decimated others (auto) and are now bankrupting states, cities and towns.
What happened in previous years is irrelevant. The fact remains this work schedule includes a 10% salary increase with 17 full weekends off each year and at least one weekend day off each week. Earlier in the negoitaion process the ff union argues it was more work and same pay, now it is time from home. No consistency in their position. If this is not acceptable, they can opt to find other employment, the same option those in the private sector have.

In these hard times, the town is looking to save where ever it can. Governor Gump has stated over and over that it everyone must "share the sacrafice" to get through this. It seems that it doesn't necessarily apply to the unions. Well, it does, so quit whining and suck it up.

Ill try to be civil in this debate. As a taxpayer I am totally for saving money because just like private sector employees and retired folk I am maxed out. But to blame the firefighter union is wrong ! .... The 10% increase that is floating around is in fact not a increase and does not pay for the total hours worked. The firefighters are not to blame for the tax dollars and the people who put the blame on these firefighters clearly have not done any research on the subject. In every single post "mike" and "nkri" has blamed the firefighters for this and is trying to get uniformed taxpayers to believe what they are saying. The president of the NKFD has stepped up to the plate and offered on numerous times to talk directly to these people but like the cowards they are they insist on spewing ant firefighter and anti union remarks ...... Even calling some former military and current firefighters unprofessional homosexuals !!! Its people like MIKE and NKRI who vote people in on november who feel its better to waste your tax dollars on lawyer fees and increase taxes.. If any individuals have any problems with this debate please contact the union rep or your town council instead of listening to this garbage on this debate!

NKRI has posted studied done by the Huffington post and also has posted comments that have no fact or basis on North Kingstown. Many people have offered answers to the questions and even offered phone numbers and ride alongs. The end result from NKRI is to back in the corner and become a coward. I ask all of the people on this thread to re-read NKRI and MIKES posts on here and see for yourself the hate against the firefighters in this town. If you go to the town website you can see the town recordings for the meeting and NKFFA.ORG and see the ordinance for this current subject. Though this topic has gotten out of hand I hope the town council and the fire department can come to a agreement for the sake of public safety. And as you will see NKRI will comment with further questions and comments about firefighters and unions saying statements are false and firefighters are thugs and MIKE will call firefighters trolls and thugs... Please all do yourself a favor and research the subject for yourself ! Thank you and goodnight

Was following NKRI Transparency until the "Dark Lady" reference. WTF?
Care to clarify?

I agree too. Every post she cant help herself from showing her jealousy and hatred towards Firefighters in every post. (under the guise of TAXES of course).

@wickchevy what NKRI isnt telling you is that he or she was offered the chance to sit down with the president of the NK firefighter union (clutch127) and have all of the questions asked. In other articles and threads every town council members phone numbers were displayed for NKRI to call them and ask those questions. Instead NKRI turns those comments left by others into attacks and then bashes anyone who thinks differently than NKRI. I urge you to click on NKRI's profile and re-read all of the posts left and you will clearly see the hatred and the degrogatory comments left by he or she !

To any and all: possibly someone else could ask the golden question to find if you have more luck receiving an answer.

All you have to do is call me. It's just that simple.

Until then, I think everyone can see quite clearly that your comments simply have no credibility.

I also never asked for a phone number or an address. More garbage; I simply offered you the opportunity to obtain mine. As I said before, I really could care less who you are; I just won't exchange in a useless debate on these pages unless you are willing to take personal ownership of your position as I am. Otherwise, just pick up the phone. How may choices do you need?

It couldn't be any less complicated; given your previous comments however, I'm sure everyone sees why you want maintain anonymity.

More useless garbage, NKRI. Call me.

10:27 on Sunday March 4: "for some reason they want my name, for some reason they want my phone number and for some reason they want my address"

11:07 on Sunday March 4: "Now let’s talk credibility - did I ever indicate that you asked for my personal info?"

The answer was apparent.
Clutch127, thank you for not engaging in this, and for not becoming defensive. Your occasional comments that you are still available for dialog are greatly appreciated. I have also noticed that with one notable exception, the tone of the last several comments have become somewhat more respectable. Not responding in kind raises the bar in civil discussions.

For the sake of the rest of the readers of this blog, I would remind everyone that there is a pretty delicate situation involving the union and the Town Council. If I were the union president, I would not answer questions involving negotiations on a blog such as this, as it would compromise the very nature of negotiation. It would be inappropriate for a union president to comment publicly on the cost to the town or the concessions being made in the middle of negotiations. I applaud both the Town Council and Ray (aka Clutch) for not commenting publicly at this time.

I have been clear as to why I won't answer you. Call me or stop wasting everyone's time.

It's really very simple. The town wants to save money in these troubled times and seeks efficiencies. The TC looks to other communities and see's that they have instituted changes that provide adequate levels of safety at a reduced cost, e.g., 24 hour shifts.

The entrenched bureacracy, in this case many of the firefighters, prefer the staus quo. It's understandable--they have good pay and benefits, a lot of time off, and can retire in 20 years. I'd want to keep that too. However, times are changing.

Frankly, what I don't get is who these people think they are to set the terms and conditions of their employment to the people of NK? To sue us to maintain the expensive and unneccesary status quo? To hurl vitriol at those that ask these simple questions? The teachers tell us "it's for the kids." The FF's tell us "it's for your safety." Not so--what motivates these people to maintain the status quo is self-indulgent self interest.

If you don't like the employment terms the town offers, you have the freedom to find another job. It's that simple.

PeacefulOne: How about you asking the question or if you are already aware - share the wealth via an answer? Are you curious to as if demands will affect if resident taxes??

Just a quick thought, Maybe if you put as much effort into you "High Level Management position" lol as you do on your consent posting on the Patch and updating your Facebook page, you could afford your taxes.
BTW raising dogs doesn't count as a real job!

Mike, I agree with you on the point that people who do not like working conditions are free to leave. In the case of public service, most are negotiated. Unfortunately, painful situations are extant all over the state right now and it probably will not become easier. Can we agree that there are situations within those negotiations which affect safety in the case of public safety, and education in the case of teachers? Of course there are issues of salary and benefits, but in my experience in both the private and public sector there are issues negotiated aside from those which truly affect the quality of job performance. Hopefully these issues can be separated in the minds of people directly involved and the final result is the ability to do an excellent job and live at a reasonable standard of living.

If and when the situation is resolved, I would hope that the taxpayers will be the beneficiaries--the very best fire department at a reasonable cost.

Let me get this straight: NK taxpayers this year are paying 1.2 million dollars to WATER THE GRASS ON A GOLF COURSE, and we're going war with our own firefighters over 800K, by Mr. Embury's estimate?

http://www.ricentral.com/content/audit-results-show-nk-good-financial-position

The world is upside-down.

JB: from what I understand the golf course is profitable requiring updating in order to maintain the grounds for golf. My understanding is that the golf course will pay its own way.......if not kept up it will die a slow death reaching the point of requiring tax dollars to maintain at a low level.
If my understandings are incorrect then that should also be addressed eliminating taxpayer subsidy.

A golf course is a luxury, while public safety is a necessity, wouldn't you agree? If it is so profitable, why wasn't there a plan in place to pay for irrigation out of its proceeds. How much profit does the golf course provide to the town, anyway.

I just think that we need better prioritization on how we spend our tax dollars. The fire department issue is really irrelevant. Substitute any big dollar item. What about a school roof? Can't find the money for that either, but at least the grass at the golf course is green.

Enough is enough already.

Woonsocket Municipal Fire Contract 2011-2014
http://www.muni-info.ri.gov/documents/municipal%20contracts/Woonsocket/Woonsocket-Fire%202011-2014.pdf

North Kingstown Municipal Contract 2007-2010 (current contract expired)
http://www.muni-info.ri.gov/documents/contracts/North%20Kingstown/North%20Kingstown-Fire%20Fighters%202007-2010.pdf

North Kingstown Town Council proposed Ordinance change
http://www.nkffa.org/ordinace_change.pdf

if you open and read the links posted above you can see where i got my information on the 2 previous posts that i made.

Rhodey: I cannot fathom why you won't respond to my important question while picking and choosing as per your apparent advantage. I ask you, do you know the answer.....if not just say so. As a concerned resident I would not being doing myself a favor if I walk away without the information that is important to me and many others.
As to your comment, the numbers are the numbers; the facts are the facts which are something I have to issue with. Consistency is a good thing just as the truth is a good thing. Am I asking or expecting too much in asking that you to please answer the question??

NKRI this is my last comment to you on this thread.....

I am a taxpayer in the town of North Kingstown, I own a home and have a beautiful family in the town of North Kingstown, I do not work for the North Kingstown Fire Department and i am not part of their union

I do not have any information on the current negotiations with the town council and the fire department so I am unable to answer any questions you have regarding the current situation.

if you feel that any questions you have are going unanswered then you should contact the town council or the fire union rep (clutch127) to have those questions answered. these people are the only ones who are aware of the current negotiations between the town council and the firefighters of North Kingstown

after you calling me a homosexual and then saying that my career choice and my fellow firefighters are unprofessional and uneducated thugs i will no longer debate with or have any contact with you again on this situation or any new articles the North Kingstown Patch displays!

as a former military soldier and current public service worker i am ashamed that i risk my life to protect your uninformed ungreatful cowardly self!

that is all and good day NKRI!

This "debate" has taken 132 posts to come to predictable clarity, so now I can sum it up:

Ray Furtado and the Firefighters Union does not want the shift change
The town will save money
Other places have implemented the change
The FF say it will make them 'tired', but honestly i dont buy that. It's a known faact of life that FF's very often have second jobs
Governments are broke, ESPECIALLY in RI
I dont profess to know the FF line of work, but everything I've read says this is not a totally unreasonable idea (to consolidate hours and cut manpower costs while maintaining coverage)
I dont hold against the FF and Furtado their advocacy for not losing ground to this change, from where they sit, that's the thing to do.
The Town Council (when under NKGOP control) has beat up on the FF's for years. This MIGHT be a good idea once everyone gets used to it, but the way it was done poisoned the atmosphere, typical for the Dolan/Hueston Halley-lovers on our council.

It is what it is people, the fiscal mess is not over, and the worst may not be over. EVERYONE needs to take the haircut.

I just disagree that THIS had to be the priority, while the town council also throws poison toward the school committee instead of truly working WITH them. We need to replace these small minded, nasty council members with true professionals who can give out the INEVITABLE haircuts as fairly as possible.

you should all be ashamed of yourselves. it is sickening to even read this. we do need new leadership in Nk, and hopefully what i hear is true. the majority will not be running again. these circus monkeys we have now are destroying our town. none of them have any clue how to do this job. hopefully someone with a little knowhow will come forward. way to go council! dig us a hole , fill it with spite and lawers fees, the leave the mess for someone else to clean up. and the retired public school teacher on the council should remember where she comes from.

"and the retired public school teacher on the council should remember where she comes from." Wow...a perfect example of the type of thinking unions often engender. And we should be ashamed?

It is apparent that few if any want to be affected negatively with residents being caught in between the proverbial rock and a hard place. It would seem that the TC would make an offer that is in the best interest of the town including safety and financial considerations. Just as in business and negotiations, the fire fights would have the choice of negotiating, countering ultimately deciding to accept or unfortunately move on.

Through these difficult times I have listened to various union reps’ make suggestions to town and state leaders as to how to alleviate money issues. These many suggestions included much from raising various taxes to giving Twin River to the unions.
As this blog seems to have many intelligent individuals from the rank and file, with consideration to these difficult times I would like to ask an opinion to the following question:
As a business experiences a downturn resulting in lower sales and revenue resulting in business losses i.e. no profit, should the business raise the price of their goods?

Quick update: lawyers for the town and fire union met in chambers with the judge yesterday regarding the temporary restraining order filed by the fire union. No real updates to report, but they will reconvene Friday morning.

it's funny how NKGOP hacks have infected this community blog. "transparency" "concerned", what hypocrit names. (another NKGOP trick from the past, lol)

some have no more husbands to beat up so it's back to beating on the town. sad. but the voters should be waking up to it right about now. we ARE turning a corner and the halley-holdouts in the bunker are getting "no answer" on more and more of their tired old calls for any kind of support.

for those who are new to NK politics, several years ago when we had a dem council (I'm not a dem just stating facts), the NKGOP wanted to build a Taj mahal fire station at the junction of RT1 and RT4, and close the Saunderstown station. But the town had closed the Slocum station by Hackaria's house and the Little League Field. Response times would have been sub-optimal for both areas, and the cost was many MILLIONS. The NKGOP was all over that one though, they LOVE those big construction projects. Result would have been MORE DEBT which we still would be paying and longer response times all the way around, plus the Fire Truck would have to enter beach traffic all summer long on RT1. but the NKGOP hacks wanted to spend the millions on this bizzarre scheme anyway.

The Dem council instead decided to look into reopening Station 5. To help make this possible, the Firefighters agreed to half manpower there. The town WAS going to take the Little league building back and use it again as Station 5, but to save the Little League, a decision was reached to build a small station next to it instead. Now someone in Slocum with 5 minutes to live wont have to wait 20 minutes for help to arrive.

The point is that the Firefighters WILL work with the town to make it work, when the right people are at the helm. I still say (my opinion) that compensation is the ONLY place to go with these budget crises. But it's HOW you approach it that counts.

Fast forward to the retaking of the council by the Dolan faction who have a lot of Springer fans who think the intensely rude and classless Dolan was a 'hero' for beating up her cheating husband (Halleys lawyer) with kids in the picture and making all the papers. Well ladies, think past your nose and consider actual morals in the town leaders. How about someone who solves domestic problems in a ladylike fashion, with dignity, and in a way that avoids BEING ARRESTED AND DETAINED BY THE NKPD. Hueston rubber stamped everything halley did, and when he was thrown out after doing lots of stuff but actually nailed for diverting hundreds of thousands in special needs funds, Hueston tried to start some company with Halley. Dolan and Hueston voted for Halley to be party secretary of the NK Republicans. And there is Stamm. Smart enough not to make an ass out of himself, nonetheless, never cared to fix these issues or ever criticize Halley or all that problem. Put up a huge bill board, and then his donation to the senior center was publicized just before the election. When people like Stamm move in here and buy their way into politics, then do NOTHING and say NOTHING when the town is suffering corruption and other issues, do we really need a self-serving old fart like that, or do we need a real man with real ethics to DELIVER real leadership, and get real results? That about covers the Town Council majority (except their drooling chihuahua Mice Bestwick who is not worth mentioning).

We're coming to an election, candidates have to decide in the next couple months. If you are intelligent, ETHICAL, and have some extra time, be an Ed Cooney, or a Larry Ceresi, or even a Doreen Costa - a very honest public servant - if your on that end of the spectrum, and sign up to run. Dont let the NKGOP pick their own nasty rodents again, and get more developers favored, windmills approved, and fights picked with our public safety heroes. It's time in NK for a fresh start.

In my opinion, the elected TC is doing a great job in these tough times and isn’t getting the credit for it. They've managed to accrue a reserve of $9M dollars (Towns/cities are expected to have reserves ~10% of their annual budget (~$90M for NK) to be financially stable), they zero-base budget to plan efficiently, are working hard against special interests to make town services more efficient (Fire Fighter scheduling), and are broadening the tax base by promoting business--all efforts designed to keep taxes from continuously increasing as they have in the past. TC composition: three Republicans, two Democrats.

The School Council/School Department: Don’t require a zero-base budget, assume a maximum tax increase (4% this year) around which they “plan” their budget, don’t maintain the school buildings as required by law (The DMS roof has been leaking for years—now it’s a crisis). Additionally, didn’t privatize the unionized cafeteria/custodial services as every other school district in RI, thus spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year more than required, negotiated a teacher’s contract that provides pay raises when the federal gov't and other towns and cities froze raises and/or actually cut salaries. Then there is the $6.4M upcoming bond issue, which is yet another boondoggle to be discussed later.

In short, the SC presides over an inefficient, closed organization that consumes a greater percentage of the town’s budget every year—despite a decreasing student population. The composition of the SC: Democrat majority—the same party that has led RI to the poor financial state we find ourselves today. To be honest, many SC’s are worse—reference the Woonsocket School Department fiasco.

Bottom line: the NK TC is looking out for the taxpayer, attempting, despite special interest pressure, to keep services efficient and keep taxes low. Can they make everyone happy? No, but if the objective is to provide good service at a good price, they are off to a good start. The NK SC, on the other hand…well, you get the point.

Rumor is some of the Democrat SC members are planning to run for TC this November. Do these individuals really think the majority of NK voters want to put pro-tax and spend, special interest captured politicians in charge of our town? To have our town run like they ran the schools?

taxpayer thug: Grow up! Be constructive or be gone.

Very true Mike, Avanzato and Welsh are planning to run for town council. As taxpayers, that's all we need; two puppets of the superintendent sitting on the town council.

For any interested there is an interesting article titled "Another Pension Tsunami" in the Opinion section of the Independent newspaper.

Saturday moning reading with your coffee:
http://www.golocalprov.com/politics/travis-rowley7/

wow look at this everybody, just what I've been saying. no need to slash and burn pay and benefits, but they do need to be adjusted downward across the board.

http://www.golocalprov.com/politics/travis-rowley7/

From the article:
"Here’s what Democratic politicians don’t want you to realize: High property taxes are due to the fact that your town spends a lot of money – mostly on its unionized government employees and their depleted pension funds. And union-Democrats, from atop Smith Hill, are the ones forcing your town to undergo those expenses."

Stay informed: http://www.necn.com/03/09/12/RI-lawmakers-revive-binding-arbitration-/landing_politics.html?&apID=492d86ce30b54961afa9b66159b1e411

stay informed: http://www.golocalprov.com/politics/pacs1/

STAY INFORMED !! http://news.yahoo.com/gop-plans-sink-economy-084500021.html

Stay Informed !! http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/03/12/conservative-billionaire-says-the-rich-need-more-influence-over-american-politics/

taxparer thug: for the obvious and ease, from this day forward you will be known as thug. Here is a quote for you and NKPAA to ponder.....I wonder if this is the only issue RI has??
Simon Elliot, a pension fund manager for the state of Rhode Island now retired and living in Fort Myers, said the reason pension plans are headed toward financial disaster is simple. "Ever-expanding public-sector unions have flexed their political muscle and larded up with lavish benefits to be paid out decades from now," he explained.
"In a properly run, private-sector business, future retirement benefits are paid for using present-day contributions. This is not the case when lawmakers have the power to boost public-employee benefit packages while using accounting gimmicks to conceal and pass on the debt to future generations.
"I'm grateful we now have leaders in Florida who recognize what is happening," Elliot told Sunshine State News on Friday. "Leaders who want to put the brakes on public-employee perks and cut the number of government employees.

Stay informed - perfect solution and relief for the taxpayer in having pension dollars fund the pension programs.
http://wrnipoliticsblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/chafee-bill-allows-struggling-cities-and-towns-to-suspend-local-pension-colas/

Should we adjust already retired Warwick School Teachers pensions?

Concerned Resident.... I am happy you are trying to help out on this blog. Be it known that it appears that many NK Firefighters will not debate here with NKRI Transp. any longer because of her constant disrespect, hatred and jealousy. She/He will say its because they only blog at work while getting paid etc.. She/He cant even resist being upset when they go to their local Daves for food. When i saw them last year at Daves i joked with them about all the food they had and i learned that they collected money among themselves to buy food for a Family that needed it after going to a call at their residence.(true story) But they wont tell everyone that or the other ways they help people because people who help people don't boast about it. They don't boast how they've help build numerous wheel chair ramps on their own time. Raise money for local Charities, jogged for Special Olympics shave their heads for cancer cures and maybe more i'm not aware of because i'm not a NK Fireman. Its apparent NKRI Transp. has a personal vendetta with Fireman for some reason?
Dont take my word for it review her posts.

I Think Fireman are a good part of the fabric of this community not the problem with it. From the Fireman i know they are not rich overpaid people to me. Do some work 2 jobs just for fun or to make ends meet?

Wickchevey: amazing that individuals such as you seem to know all putting words in others mouth. No vendetta here at all as FF's do a lot of good. You seem to want to point out the good of FF's side without mentioning the good done by many residents. You seem to want others to review my posts without also making mention of yours and the like posts and the resultant reactions. Individuals such as yourself seem to want to accuse and respond when it you feel it is to your benefit....maybe you can mention to others to review yours and other FF’s past posts. I never made mention of the food purchased at Dave's. It is unfortunate that individuals such as yourself waste much effort in attempting to cover the truth. I find your comment that you "THINK" Fireman are a good fabric .............rather than you” know”. Seems you are wavering as history has shown that the truth does and will prevail. You might want to try working on the side of honesty and integrity as it feels good. For the record, I know Fireman are an important part of this and other towns.

NKRI Transparency
11:09 am on Sunday, March 4, 2012
By the way Clutch127, I need to step out to do some grocery shopping at Dave's market.....is it possible for me to use one of your fire trucks for this errand?

You say on March 2nd 3:05 "i never complained about nkfd"
Go have a beer on my tax dollar.... go wax your truck or watch tv.....You must be 2nd shift workers surfing the net... tell me do you do any other work other than surfing the net while getting paid....im guessing you are at work in time of need to watch tv before sleeping on taxpayers dime, nighty night.....
NKRI Transpar. did someone hack your computer or did you write these things??

I THINK people can judge for themselves why the Firefighters on here including the Union President who gave their real names will not respond to your hatred and jealousy anymore

You say how do you know im not an elected official?? why do you want to mislead and not be truthful??

Umm...What??? When someone doesn't respond within an hr that doesn't mean they are hiding? How am i hiding its been 2 hrs. since my last comment? Some people do things to help make the world go around and cant sit at the computer constantly. Sometimes people don't respond because you don't make any sense and commenting with you is the definition of insanity= doing the same thing but expecting different results....

Wick: so defensive. Wow, what a surprise - more answering of questions with questions. Guessing you are again writing to me as opposed to your earlier post that you're not....you think....not sure.....
You mentioned that "some" people do things.......does that include you?
Seems you have lost track of your point. Possibly you can respond to previous posts......then again.

More FF hate from NKRI Tranny......

I told the troll I owned a home in NK. I get this...

"Congratulations on owning a home in NK paid for by fellow taxpayers. "

" Maybe you should go wax your fire truck or watch TV....whatever you do while hangin out at the station including surfin the net"

" I'm looking forward to the town hiring private profesional FF's as lord only knows what residents can expect with the so called professionals we and othet towns now have"

Nothing but hate..... And he/she wonders why ffs won't dialogue with.

NKRI, you asked me how I feel about right to work states. My answer to you is I could care less. In fact, when I was hired on the respective department I work for, I was given the option to opt out of the union. So nobody is forced into a union, which from what I understand is the premises behind right to work. If I'm not informed, or wrong about this please let me know, thanks.

By the way NKRI, judging from your continuos posting, its clear to me that your the only one here posting from work. Your name account for 3/4 of the post here. Find a hobby.

Chris: appreciate the response. Is RI or NK still the same in that there is a choice for all whether in or out of the union?

Nk, I only have 1 account on here. I'm not interested in rumor spreading. you have been accused of being a tc member (which I don't think you are), and having miltiple names(which you probably don't). Let's not keep down this road.
When all is said in done the DLT regulates employment. I served in the USMC for 4 years, then held 2 union jobs(including My present job). Both those union jobs I had the opportunity to opt out. So i could only assume that anyone in the state could do the same. But who knows, I've been wrong before. Again, I don't work for nk so i couldn't tell you with certainty.

OK now we are talking! If there was only an easy solution.. Electric Boat is helping, the new sports complex will help.. If we can tweak services and think of more revenue generation.. Maybe more art festivals to bring people in town etc.... I hate to complain without a solution but i admit its over my head.....
Take care for now...

NKRI "Transparency" is way out of line and she should resign from the Town Council at once.

The rest of us should remember that we all have to live with each other in this town after this Firefighter schedule controversy comes to resolution.