AMR gifting and layoffs

From: Jackman, William

Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 06:25
To: Chain of command
Cc: 'billj@webband.com'
Subject: Here's a money saving idea chapter II

 
Over six months ago I submitted thru the chain of command what I thought was a legitimate money saving idea.  This came about as a result of a meeting Mayor West had with us at Station #3 that very same day. Back in May, he spoke sincerely about the dire need to come up with money saving ideas.  He later even offered to attach financial incentive to these ideas.
 
This isn't about the incentive money - I'd rather see the money used to keep people working.
 
This week, for the first time in over twenty-five years we have had to lay-off firefighters.  Chief Williams hand delivered these notices to each person involved, I'm sure that wasn't easy and it showed his sincerity.  As an organization, can we honestly say we have done everything possible for the public with respect to this crisis? 
 
I respectfully request a written reply as to why the department has ignored this simple idea to save money.
Consider the following:

1.) Local 29's attorney has reviewed the AMR contract and this issue and has offered the opinion that this practice amounts to "gifting" our EMS supplies.
2.) At my own expense, my own lawyer has reviewed the same issue and also considers the re-supply issue "gifting".
3.) Rex, the local AMR manager was also contacted about this issue and he even agrees that his company should not be accepting these supplies under most circumstances.
4.) Rustie Stewart says "we spend about $150,000/yr in EMS supplies."
 
Again, I respectfully request a reply in writing about why the department doesn't want to do anything about this issue.
 
Respectfully yours
 
Bill Jackman
14's "B" shift