WTOL Vice President and General Manager Bob ChirdonIt looks like Mayor Finkbeiner is sending the firefighter's union a message. He wants to remove a hook and ladder truck from Engine House 25 in the Old Orchard area of West Toledo.
The Mayor thinks the neighborhood will be just fine without the truck. And this saves the City money because the guys from the canceled truck can work out of other fire houses and reduce overtime.
Councilman Tom Waniewski doesn't like his district losing a fire truck. Instead of taking away the truck, he suggests cutting $1.4 million by reducing some non-essential services.
Councilman Waniewski also strongly favors starting a new firefighter's class. He thinks people will be safer and the city will still save money if the fire department is expanded.
That's a budget matter that should be debated in city council. I just hope the mayor has his facts right about the fire coverage risk.
I'll bet the Old Orchard residents feel this decision is about a lot more than money.
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