Fire vs. Police Blood Drive Today!

After reading this flyer, you may want to get your eyes checked too.

Tim Eyman's latest venture to bankrupt Spokane - Initiative 1033

Initiative 1033 would further bankrupt Spokane. They tried this in Colorado and it took them years to undo, and not until communities teetered on the verge of destruction.

Hey, Don't forget that Mike Fagan is running for city council. He is Tim Eyman's right hand man. I am sure Mr. Eyman will be happy to have an inside guy in city hall. Can you imagine the phone calls between those two, if Fagan were elected? Fagan can report firsthand Spokane's destruction to his buddy, Tim.

Fagan's opponent is Amber Waldref. If she is in your district, please consider voting for her. Here is her site.

The union is endorsing Amber and is joining the WSCFF to ask for your vote AGAINST Intitiative 1033.

Local 29 is also endorsing Jon Snyder for city council. I've hung out with Jon lately. He's a smart guy. Here's his website.

If you are in Karen Kearney's district, the union is supporting her as well. Here is her website.
She has been a friend to public safety in Spokane for a very long time.

Latest Eyman Initiative has Governments Worried (9/7)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/09/07/breaking_news/doc4aa52d415f8f3018631955.txt

Backers of revenue cap initiative lose bid to change ballot wording (9/12)
http://www.theolympian.com/elections/story/968267.html

This Woman Came All the Way From Colorado to Tell Us Not to Vote for Tim Eyman's Initiative (9/15)
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2009/09/while_eyman_sues_the_state_thi.php

Richland council reviews how Initiative 1033 could hit home (9/16)
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/718864.html

Hutchison, Constantine slam Eyman spending initiative (9/16)
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/179446.asp

Hutchison calls Eyman initiative "a disaster"
http://www.seattlepostglobe.org/2009/09/17/hutchison-calls-eyman-initiative-a-disaster

Hutchison slams Eyman initiative (9/17)
http://publicola.net/?p=14286

I-1033 will penalize Federal Way (9/22)
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/opinion/60302387.html

The Argument Against Permanent Recession-Level Spending (9/22)
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2009-09-23/news/the-argument-against-permanent-recession-level-spending/

Kirkland City Council opposes Initiative 1033 (9/22)
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/kir/news/60411887.html

King County Executive Candidates Prevent Eyman proposal from Distracting Serious Budget Debate (9/22)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2009921619_edit23county.html

Realtors come out against I-1033 (9/23)
http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2009/09/23/realtors-come-out-against-i-1033/

Muni League Slams Eyman Initiative (9/23)
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/09/23/muni-league-slams-eyman-initiative

Puyallup budget update turns to talk of a State Initiative (9/23)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/889040.html

Finance directors attempt to calculate impact of property tax initiative (9/23)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/09/24/area_news/doc4abac7489f892879187838.txt

The True Cost of Wash. Initiative I-1033 (9/24)
http://whitmanpioneer.com/opinion/columnists/2009/09/24/the-true-cost-of-wash-initiative-i-1033/

Coalition launches effort to defeat I-1033 (9/24)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009936843_webinitiative24m.html

Timmy knows best (9/25)
http://horsesass.org/?p=20638

King5 Upfront (9/27)
http://blogs.king5.com/upfront/archives/2009/09/initiative-1033.html

fire press release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1847 E. Marshall
CITY: Spokane
STATE: wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: This evening, September 25, 2009 at 16:15 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 7 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 1847 E. Marshall.

Engine 7 responding from the Fire Station 7 located at 1st and Magnolia, was the first apparatus to arrive. Acting Lieutenant Jeremy Morash reported that he had a four unit apartment complex with heavy smoke and fire showing from one of the upper floor apartments. He quickly made assignments for the other responding fire companies while he and his crew made an immediate attack on the upper floor fire.

Incoming fire companies performed a rapid primary search of the building, extended additional hose lines into the apartment and provided ventilation to assist firefighters working inside. An aggressive attack by initial crews knocked the main body of the fire down within five minutes of Engine 7's arrival. Crews were on the scene a total of 2 ½ hours making sure the fire was out.

There were no injuries at this fire. Two adults living in the apartment were not home when the fire started. The fire caused significant damage to the one unit, and the two adults who are now displaced are being assisted by the local Red Cross.

Tenants in the building's other apartments will continue to stay on site as damage was primarily confined to the one unit. The fire is still under investigation at this time and a fire cause will be determined after all evidence and interviews have been completed and reviewed.



PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire and smoke damage to one apartment unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

fire press release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3528 East Lydia Court
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Early Thursday September 3, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 1:10 AM to 3528 East Lydia Court on a reported structure fire. The first fire crew responding to the above address upgraded the fire to a working structure fire from several blocks away as smoke and flames were visible from the multi-level 2-story, wood framed house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the back of the structure and the roof. There was heavy smoke and heat damage through out the rest of the structure. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. One firefighter was injured while pulling sheetrock down from the ceiling to expose the hidden fire in the attic. That firefighter was transported to a local hospital and was treated and release. There were no reported injuries to any civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Investigators.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was significant fire, smoke and heat damage throughout the entire structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Privatize the Fire Department?!?!

This gem sent to me by our own Bill Jackman:

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2504 East Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On the 24th of August at 1:10 AM The City of Spokane Fire Department responded six fire apparatus and two command officers to the intersection of Cook and Sprague for a reported building fire. Engine Company 7 arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke and flames coming from a 3 car garage at the rear of 2504 East Riverside. Attack leads were advanced to protect the house and extinguish the fire in the interior of the garage.
The fire was brought under control and extinguished in about 15 minutes. The interior of the garage and storage items were damaged by smoke and fire. It took fire crews about 1 hour to overhaul and remove the damaged contents. There were no reported injuries. Crews were on the scene about 2 hours.
This fire is under investigation and the cause is undetermined at this time.


PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to the contents and interior of the garage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

fire press release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 923 E. Walton
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At just before 2:00 am Friday August 21, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department was called to a house full of smoke at 923 E. Walton in Spokane, WA. Four Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Rescue Unit and two Battalion Chiefs were dispatched for a total of twenty one Firefighters. Upon arrival of Engine 2 found a single family residence with moderate smoke coming out of the front door. They advanced a 1 ¾" hose line to the front door. Inside they found a window air conditioning unit that had burned up. They reported the fire was out and all they needed was two Engine Companies and a Ladder Truck to assist with ventilating the smoke out of the residence. The air conditioner was plugged into an extension cord with other electrical items in the living room. Damage was confined to the air conditioner, a chair, some items on a desk, molding around the window, smoke throughout the house and scorched paint around the window. A neighbor assisted by helping get birds out of the house and fighting the fire with a garden hose. Both adults at home at the time as well as one of the neighbors said they had breathed some smoke but refused aid when looked at by Engine 15 a Paramedic unit. The quick actions by the neighbor most likely minimized the fire damage but it can be dangerous using a garden hose to fight a fire inside or involving a structure. Smoke inhalation, electrical shock, and the intensity of the fire being too much for the small amount of water coming from a standard garden hose are just some of the dangers faced when citizens attack a fire involving a structure using a garden hose. Smoke detectors inside the house were sounding and everyone got out safely. The air conditioning unit in this house appeared to be plugged into an extension cord. Don't use extension cords to power air conditioners as they draw too much electricity for an extension cord to handle. It can quickly lead to overheating which causes a fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental, electrical
DAMAGE EXTENT: The air conditioner, a chair, some items on a desk, molding around the window, broken glass in the window, smoke throughout the house and scorched paint around the window.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Binkoski discovers this gem...

Abolish the Nazi-Commie Nightmare of Public Firefighting

The patriots who have killed off this so-called "public option" for so-called "healthcare reform" need to learn from the mistakes the first President Bush made way back in 1991 when he chickened out and blew his chance to march all the way to Baghdad and dethrone Saddam Hussein.

Unlike Poppy Bush, today's pro-corporate, pro-capitalist warriors need to show some backbone. They need to keep marching. Because, though they are on a righteous path, they have been thinking small. Way too small.

Consider this your formal invitation to join in THE fight for the future of American freedom. I'm referring to the fight to abolish public firefighting. For too long we have endured the socialistic nightmare of tyrannical laws that incite our neighbors to call 911 and report us TO THE GOVERNMENT when our homes are on fire.

Americans are so brainwashed that only a tiny, patriotic sliver of us have truly understood the fascist flood that gushes from taxpayer-funded fire hoses every day in these United States. The facts are chilling. So wake up, America!

FACT: When a neighbor reports your burning home to the government, you as the property owner are helpless. The taxpayer-funded sirens come ever closer, whether you like it or not, until finally the trucks arrive on your property. Soon your door is bashed from its hinges, your windows are in shards, your belongings are soaked with the fluoridated poison that passes for a municipal water supply.

FACT: You as the property owner get no say whatsoever as to who is sent to extinguish a blaze in your home. The government DOES NOT CARE about the sacred trust that is supposed to exist between an individual homeowner and the individual firefighter he would select to be the defender of his little piece of the American dream. No. Instead, callous government bureaucrats DECIDE FOR US which masked, helmeted strangers will be dispatched to breach our supposedly sacred homes. Breathing taxpayer-funded oxygen from taxpayer-funded tanks, these strangers even have the authority to snatch our children from their beds. Our children! FROM THEIR BEDS! Again, I say: WAKE UP, AMERICA!

FACT: Government bureaucrats decide which firefighting services will be available and which will be rationed. Under a market-based system, we would be able to contract for firefighting that is tailored to our individual needs. Instead, we get this one-size-fits-all travesty of a system. Just one example: Try calling 911 and asking for a firefighter to come blow out your birthday candles. At best, the bureaucrats will laugh at you. At worst, the bureaucrats will send straightjacket-wielding thugs to your home. All the while, it is you -- the taxpayer, the property owner -- who is paying the salaries of these jackals and hyenas.

FACT: The property owner loses all authority to decide what or whom should be saved from his burning home. The unthinking bureaucratic drones will always choose human life over an inanimate object. Heaven help you if you want the firefighters to save some precious possession and let your house guests burn alive. The bureaucrats refuse to listen.

Even if your house guests are parasites who have overstayed their welcome.

Even if your house guests are the sort of people who write satire.

Even if the precious object is a Bible.

Even if the precious object an American flag.

Even if the precious object is the original copy of the Second Amendment.

Without fail, the bureaucrats will save the parasite, save the satirist. Without fail, they will let the Bible burn, let the American flag burn, let our God-given right to bear arms go up in flames. Can there be any more clear evidence of the tyranny we are up against? NO!

Keep marching.

If we seize this moment, if we maintain this momentum, we can give our children an America free from the totalitarian, communist abomination of public firefighting.

Keep marching!

KEEP MARCHING!

Huffington Post blogger David Quigg lives in Seattle where some of his photographs will be on display through September 10.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3303 S. Inland Empire Way
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 08/19/09 at approximately 0522 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3303 S. Inland Empire Way upon report of a structure fire. First arriving units found a one and one half story, wood-frame, single family residence with smoke and fire showing from the second floor. First arriving firefighters were able to quickly determine that all occupants were out of the building and were then able to concentrate on extinguishing the blaze. Fire was evident coming from the structures 2nd floor west end, which contained sleeping areas, and from the 1st floor's east end, which was attic space. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines up the stairs to the second floor and were able to get and initial knock down of the fire within about 15 minutes. At the same time other crews used chain saws to ventilate the roof, covered the belongings of the tenants with tarps, provided first aid to one burn victim, and pull down ceilings on the first floor to gain access to fire above. A total 12 apparatus, with 33 firefighters fought this blaze. The first knock down of the fire took about 15 minutes but fire crews will continue to be on scene for some time to overhaul the scene looking for any hidden fire and to clean up areas of the residence as necessary. Fire Investigators are also on to scene to determine the fire cause.

There was one civilian burn injury at this fire. The owner of the property and one tenant advanced a garden hose to the second floor in an attempt to extinguish the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters. On scene reports indicate a portion of the burning structure fell onto them causing the burn injuries. Aid was rendered to the patient by on scene medics and he was transported to the hospital. No injuries to firefighters were reported.




PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Investigators are currently on scene and are investigating the cause of this fire. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to structure included fire damage to the entire second floor and attic space of the single story portion of the residence. Smoke and water damage was also evident on the first floor of the structure. In addition crews had to open the ceilings on the first floor in an attempt to find any hidden fire so it would not extend to other areas of the residence.


DOLLAR LOSS: 90,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 33
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Local 29 members approve change of insurance plan to help city's finances...

Stand by for immense coverage from Spokesman-Review. Well, you may want to sit down.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3724 N Cook
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and fire fighting crews to 3724 N Cook at 2:15 in the afternoon of Thursday, Aug 13th, for a reported structure fire. Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer was first on the scene and reported heavy black smoke issuing from a ground floor apartment in a 2 story wood/frame multi- building apartment complex. Under the direction of Chief Schaeffer the arriving crews of fire fighters were given assignments that, when carried out, led to a rapid extinguishment of this fire and their aggressive tactics kept the fire contained to the room of origin. All tenants of this particular building in the complex had successfully exited their apartments before fire fighters arrived on scene. As always the fire fighters did a thorough search of the entire building to insure that everyone was safely outside. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to any of the escaping civilians. The fire damage was confined to the apartment of origin with the majority of the fire damage contained to the room of origin. Smoke damage was also contained to the apartment of origin because the fire fighters were able to get to the seat of the fire very quickly. The involved apartment will be untenable until repairs can be made and it was learned that the displaced tenant will be staying with friends until such time as the apartment can be repaired. A cause for this fire is still being investigated by the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to one room that was being used as an office, smoke damage to most of the remainder of the apartment along with some minor water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

VOTE!

Don't forget to vote on how you feel about the proposed insurance plan. The meeting on Tuesday answered a lot of questions (including what happens if this doesn't pass). If you weren't able to go to that meeting or the one today, ask around. A lot of people were there and can answer your questions. Plus, all the worksheets and documents were mailed out to everybody who has registered on the local 29 account. The union has some hard copies too.

If you forgot your user name or password (like me) to vote, it can be emailed to your account through the local's website.

Find out what the facts are, think it over, and vote as soon as you can! You have until 08/19/2009 08:00:00.

Be careful out there... Man hides 9mm handgun and two clips in his rolls of fat.

Click to read this timely tale.

Fumes from rotting seaweed on France's northern beaches could kill

Probably something we should be aware of on the Spokane River.

Hopefully cell phone speed dialers will not read this article and add this to their list of potential 9-1-1 calls, along with bicycle-near-the-river and abandoned-raft-floating-down-the-river.

"Engine Four cell phone caller states that he saw some seaweed like growth washed up in People's Park. Check and advise."

If this story hits FOX News, you know we're going to get the call!

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: West 4930 Princeton Pl.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: This evening, August 4, 2009 at 4:46 pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched Engine 16 under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee to West 4930 Princeton Pl. E16 was sent to investigate smoke coming from a chimney in a home. Engine 16 arrived on the scene within two minutes of being dispatched and found a home that not only had smoke coming from the chimney, but also had smoke coming from the back side of the home.

Captain McNamee established Princeton Command and activated a normal fire response which dispatched 4 additional fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to the location. E16s crew masked up, stretched hose lines, and determined that the main body of fire was in the home's basement.

As the additional companies arrived, an aggressive fire attack was made into the structure and down the stairs into the basement to attack the fire. Firefighters from Station's 3 and 13 searched the first floor of the home for occupants. The searching firefighters located a large unconscious dog that had succumbed to the heavy smoke inside the home.

The unconscious dog was rescued from the burning home while crews extinguished the fire in the basement. The dog was treated and revived by Medic Bill Gonzalez and his crew from Station 13. Medic Gonzalez worked on the family pet for about 20 minutes. The family (who had returned home during the firefighting operations), transported the revived dog to their Veterinarian where it will be evaluated and treated. The family did lose one cat in the fire.

The fire in the home was knocked down within twenty minutes, with the majority of the fire damage confined to the basement. Smoke damage was sustained throughout the home. No injuries were incurred by Firefighters at this incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time and the official pronouncement will be made by Investigators after all the evidence had been reviewed.



PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1423 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 2:55 am the Spokane Fire was called to 1423 E. Sanson in the Northeast part of the city to a kitchen fire. This was in a duplex that has 6 adults and 4 children living in one apartment. There was no working smoke detector and the cause of the fire appears to be an unattended pan of grease being heated on the stove. The pan of grease ignited catching the cabinets on fire. Upon arrival Engine 15 found the residents out of the structure and the fire growing in intensity in the kitchen. A quick fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line knocked the fire down. At the same time a search of the apartment was made while ventilating the smoke out. The ceiling above the kitchen stove was opened up to make sure there was no extension of fire into the structure and there was not. Red Cross was called to assist the residents as the kitchen was damaged and electrical power shut off to the apartment. One civilian injury was reported caused by smoke inhalation. She was looked at by Fire Department Paramedics but not transported at her request. Damage was confined to fire damage in the kitchen with smoke damage on the main floor. There were no injuries to Firefighters on scene and crews began to be released about 15 minutes after the arrival of the first crew. In all 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of working smoke detectors. Fortunately these people got out. Do not count on smoke waking you up; a working smoke detector will sound giving you time to evacuate yourself from the structure. Secondly, cooking fires like this happen quite often and can be prevented by not leaving the kitchen while cooking. When using any type of heating or cooking appliance your vigilance is required to stay safe.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended pan of grease
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the kitchen and smoke throughout the main floor of the apartment
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Budget cuts, the news media and the Spokesman-Review opinion article.

As predicted here, Phase Two of the SR's push to form public opinion around the city's budget happened today in a piece by their editorial board. I am pretty sure I know what Phase Three is going to look like (sound like?). If you want to hear my prediction, email me. If I know you, I will tell you.

Before I get started here, I would like to thank Chiefs Schaeffer and Williams for not sugar-coating it for the media yesterday. The cuts, if they come to fruition, will mean 15 firefighters and the closure of one station. Thanks for telling it like it is.

Now then, this morning's editorial. It is basically a rehashing of the Journal of Business' editorial which I addressed here. No wonder, the Journal is an arm of the Cowles Publishing Co. Here is a more complete picture of the Cowles Publishing Co. It is easy to see how the information is controlled in Spokane and that the formation of public opinion is almost like a lab experiment where all the input is planned for a desired result.

The tone of the editorial this morning is that we are all one community and that many in our community are hurting financially and that city workers have good compensation, better than most of our citizens. There is a funding gap and we should chip in to help. Fair enough. I hate to sound like a broken record, but here we go again:

1. How will the community ever know when we give up compensation and benefits when the Spokesman-Review won't tell them? Why won't they tell the citizens? Please refer again to the Wikipedia article. The Cowles have not been a friend to organized labor or government employment. To squash positive stories of city workers is a "two-fer," in that city employees are both government employees and organized labor.

2. Yes, we are one community. In fact, we are the second largest city in the state. Interestingly, we are the only major city in the state without a B and O tax. Why is that? Who would stand to lose from a B and O tax? I know who would stand to gain - those of us who shop in the city and pay a whopping sales tax, those of us who live in the city and pay property taxes, cable TV taxes and other surcharges that go a long way to offset Spokane's bizarre lack of a B and O tax. Hey Journal of Business and Spokesman-Review, show us what community supporters you are by proposing a B and O tax. I've told you what we could do in response.

OK this is old news and my old opinion. Don't ever expect to see it in print. That's fine, the way things are going, probably just as many are reading this blog as are reading the paper.

Here is something new to chew on. Yes, the community is hurting. Foreclosures are up. The ranks of the uninsured are swelling. Medical assistance to the mentally ill is dwindling. Guess who takes care of these folks? Guess who stops the insurance arson fire from spreading from the building next door into your abode or business? That's right. And these are the folks you are going to cut. It's like being in the middle of a war set to escalate and you want to cut troop levels and troop compensation. Except this war is not in some far-off land. It's right here and right now. And those who get the most benefit from those fighting it are the ones least willing to pay for it.

Some things never change.

Health Insurance Insider Tells How the Insurance Industry Works to Form Public Opinion and Influence Legislators Against Reform

Probably there is no national issue which will affect our benefits, the financial health of Spokane, our patients' health, the type of calls we go on as much as health care reform. It is important to know that because of their deep pockets, and consequently the influence that the health insurance industry exerts upon our legislators and the media, we will have to dig hard to get to the truth of the issue.

Wendell Potter is an insider who has been at the helm of influencing public opinion and legislators for the insurance industry. This first clip is an introduction. To watch the whole thing, with a transcript click here.



Click here to watch the entire interview with transcript.

This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. The industry influences both parties.

A response to yesterday's S-R article on city unions...

Yesterday’s Spokesman-Review article by Jonathan Brunt was pretty typical and not a big surprise. When it comes to our wages and the city budget, I guess there are some key items that will never be mentioned in the Spokesman-Review:

1. The 48 hours that each of us worked for free to help the city in its last budget crisis. We never received a media mention when we did it. And it won’t ever be noted in an article concerning the budget crisis de jour.

2. The fact that Spokane is the only city in the state without a B and O tax. The budget continues to be balanced on the backs of home and property owners, cable subscribers, shoppers and visitors. Hmmm, who would be effected by a B and O tax? Perhaps that is why it never gets mentioned.

3. Spokane’s firefighters respond to more emergencies with less people for about a fourth (I think) less funding than our comparables. Quite a good deal for the taxpayer. Don’t expect to ever see that in print.

4. Insurance company’s premiums continue to escalate, even while their bank accounts swell. Actually there was a mention of this in an opinion article yesterday but there was no connection to Brunt’s article. Insurance companies generate a lot of advertising revenue.

It will be interesting to see if Sunday’s article is the beginning of the predictable pattern the newspaper uses to form public opinion in Spokane. We’ll see if Phase Two manifests itself, as scheduled, tomorrow.

I have to admit that Mr. Brunt’s article, while definitely slanted, wasn’t completely lopsided. Maybe he didn’t get the memo about how this is supposed to work.

Here’s what I would propose Local 29 put forward to help the city budget. After reading this, you probably will be glad I’m not calling the shots.

1. We would be willing to give up a commensurate percentage of our next cost-of-living wage for every percentage the city is willing to tax businesses. The Journal of Business talks a good game about how we are all in this together. Let’s see them put up or shut up.

2. Forget about giving up any of our upcoming raises. Let’s have a business and occupation tax for anyone or any entity that makes money in Spokane - including firefighters, cops, plumbers, newspaper reporters, businesses - everyone who makes money off the infrastructure (including fire protection) Spokane provides.

3. How about a gasoline tax to pay for the emergency calls that automobiles generate? Beside car fires and MVAs, you can throw heart disease, diabetes and obesity-related calls into the mix. Along those lines, a tax on “high gravity” beer might make the imbibers of such pay for the detox service they periodically enjoy.

4. This is my favorite idea. Every percentage that an insurance company raises its rates on city-provided plans, there is a commensurate tax on the revenues they receive for providing insurance to Spokane citizens and companies. They raise their rates 10%, we slap them with a 10% tax. Next year, if they raise their rates another 10%, it’s now a 20% tax. I think they would get the message. There is no free market competition for health insurance companies. Never has been. This might help.

All to say, the Spokesman-Review has, from its earliest days, despised organized labor and the ability of working men and women to come together and effect change. It threatens the oligarchy of inherited wealth and power. Whenever there is a chance to put the blame in the lap of labor, they will make sure it happens. The continued news blackout of our previous concessions just makes this more obvious.

Whatever decision we make in regard to concessions, or medical insurance reform, we need to make sure we do it because it’s the right thing to do and be prepared that not one of our citizens will ever hear about it from the Spokesman-Review.

John

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1904 E. Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At just after 2pm Saturday afternoon July 11, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1904 E. Gordon in the Northeast part of the city. Due to the fast action of the homeowner by calling the Fire Department and a quick coordinated fire attack from below the attic fire and ventilating the roof with a chainsaw the fire was kept to a minimum. Upon arrival of the first fire crew, smoke could be seen coming from every opening in the roof. A search of the house was made to make sure all occupants had gotten out. Simultaneously a hole was cut in the roof to ventilate the hot gasses out of the attic and a 1 ¾" fire hose was pulled to the upstairs and used to extinguish the fire. The utilities to the house were shut off for safety and an investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Fire crews had a knockdown of the fire about 15 minutes after arrival. There are no reports of injuries to either the homeowner or the fire crews. 4 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, a Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded to the fire but crews began to be put back in service about 45 minutes after the fire attack began.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation but first look by responding crews it appears to be electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling on the second floor, roof decking and some smoke/water damage on the second floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE