Posted by trm2105 on August 25, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't stop there, Gregorie. Call for the Mayor's replacement as well!

"Capers Barr, Riley's campaign committee chairman, declined to comment on Gregorie's statements. He said the mayor has made it clear that he will not allow the sofa store fire to become political fodder. "It's not a political issue, and he is not going to treat it as such," Barr said."

Are we to believe that the Mayor's insistence on a memorial here and a memorial there isn't "political fodder," while holding the leadership of the CFD accountable for the tragedy is?

I can't believe there isn't a mob down at the Mayor's office now demanding he leave office. What a way to go out after thirty + years.

Posted by jameschucktown5 on August 25, 2007 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gregorie is a fool. How dare he call for any action before the investigations are complete. What kind of leadership is that? He should go back to HUD where was buried for 30 years.

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 25, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jameschucktown5 - >>> Gregorie is a fool. How dare he call for any action before the investigations are complete. What kind of leadership is that? He should go back to HUD where was buried for 30 years. <<<

The investigations won't be complete until after the election, will they, city of charleston mayor riley. There is no law in your state that allows for the impeachment and then removal of a sitting mayor. Only the governor can remove him. Meanwhile he is free to run havoc, with your taxes.

Good thing you are keeping politics out of "YOUR" incompetence with dealing with improving the city of charleston fire department. Great political strategy mayor riley, having friends and political allies call for taking no action before the investigations are completed, you sly ole dog.

Posted by sjhinson on August 25, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to jump on the bandwagon! You obviously don't want to win, Not that you would anyway. Rusty Thomas has done an outstanding job. It was a tragic accident. I guess you also blamed the designers of the twin towers because the planes crashed into them!

Posted by jameschucktown5 on August 25, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why stick with the same mayor for 32 years? Well, because he is the best mayor in the country.

Posted by vesta on August 25, 2007 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good points exorcist_pencocky! The ol' Joe has been steadily campaigning since the fire. He doesn't miss a chance to mention the ISO rating! In my opinion, he carefully watched the public and media response to the fire and, when he realized things might not have been handled the way they should have been, he then convened a panel of experts, guided by a panel of retired fire personnel hand selected by Rusty and the mayor, to review the CFD and the fire. Ol' Joe wanted to be right on top of things when NIOSH and OSHA reports indicate what a sorry state of affairs the supervisors of the CFD and the city itself (please note, I did not say the ffs themselves, who are the most courageous individuals I can think of) have gotten this fire department into. Ol' Joe wants to be able to smile the smile he is so famous for and say, "We, in Charleston, have been working all along on improving our #1 ISO rating, and we have, months ago, already made many of the changes you (NIOSH and OSHA) are suggesting." All of this reads, between the lines, "We sure did ________ up, but believe me, by November 4, you will believe that nothing out of the ordinary happened on June 18. I will get back in office and begin making plans to spend more money on 'legacies' I can leave behind (like the aquarium) and you all will forget everything."

Posted by fyrmnjim on August 25, 2007 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjhinson, Wow, way to stick you head in the sand.

"Thomas has done an outstanding job". By which yardstick are you using to measure this? The CFD is 30 years behind the rest of the country in leadership, training, equipment, and it showed 6/18, big time.

"It was a tragic accident". Yes it was. It was an accident waiting to happen though. Like a chronic drunk driver that finally hits and kills a family.

"I guess you also blamed the designers of the twin towers because the planes crashed into them!" The uniquiness of the WTC design and collapse have no bearing on this fire. A fire in a large open space buisness designed with steel truss roof construction happens dozens of times a year all over the country. Mostly with no FF injuries or fatalities. This is because the fire depts that fight these fires are trained, equipped, and have competent leadership to recognize hazards and are able to take the appropriate steps to ensure their own safety.

The SSS fire was an enormous tragedy, no doubt. But, it was a preventable tragedy. Major changes are needed. This conclusion was made by the panel after only 4 days. It's something many of us "outsiders" have seen for months. These changes need to occur at the top also. Ir Riley cannot see these needs then the citizens need to replace him with someone who is able to ensure the safety of his firefighters and citizens as well.

Posted by ssm on August 25, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

link to yesterday's article

http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/aug/...

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 25, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

>>> Why stick with the same mayor for 32 years? Well, because he is the best mayor in the country. <<<

Jameschucktown5 - Can you enlighten the residents of the city of charleston, with a list of things he has done that makes him "the best mayor in the country". Details if you please, not just feelings.

Colour me, curious.

Posted by Neponset on August 25, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fyrmnjim
Well done. It will be interesting to see if Joe weathers this fire storm. He certainly will not get my support.

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go Gregorie....the mayor has been called out once again by candidate Gregorie...why does it take a candidate to stand up to riley when no one on council will...gallant with his recent statements has admitted to having no back bone and waits until after the evaluation team was named and made reccomendations, to come out with a statement regarding the mayor's lack of leadership in involving members of council in the process...I like what I am seeing in Gregorie..he says he is about change....we he is damn sure calling for one isn't he???

Posted by vesta on August 25, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, Amen, Harpo. Unfortunately, I belive the lawsuits will not be heard until way after the election. Suits will be filed and there will months of discovery (testimony, review of documents, etc.) prior to actually being brought into the court room, if in fact they get that far. I have strong suspicions that these suits will settle outside of court. Riley will probably say it (settling out of court) will be for the benefit of the families, but it will probably be so that on legal record, Riley, City Council, Rusty and cronies will not look like idiots.

Posted by east4 on August 25, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fyrmnjim-
Technically the panel made those recommendations in 2 days. They all got here on Tuesday. Started interviewing people Tuesday night and on Wednesday (I know they interviewed me). They went to other stations Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday they went to other stations in the morning. And the afternoon they pulled all the info, presented it to the Mayor and Rusty on Thursday night and called a press conference on Friday.
So half of Tuesday
All day Wednesday
Half of Thursday
Add it up and you get 2 whole days to see that these changes were needed ASAP. Now how can anyone out there say Rusty is doing a great job? If he was then we would have these guys come in and make these recommendations that they viewed as serious and needed to be made immediately.
Also if you noticed yesterday on channel 4 and 2 OLD Joe did not address the concerns of my Union President. He gave the politician answer instead of addressing the issues. I would like for all the voters in the city to remember this and vote joe out!!!!
That is our only chance of getting the unsafe, not caring person out of the Chief spot and getting someone from the OUTSIDE to come in and run this Dept like it is supposed to be run.
I could go on and on about the things the panel asked, and how they were astounded at the answers they were given.

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

east4 and fyrmnjim
hang in the friends

Posted by jameschucktown5 on August 25, 2007 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pencocky, just open your eyes and look around. i guess that means you need to either: remove your head from the sand or look around your blinders.

Posted by charleytowngirl on August 25, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said, Harpo. And East4, stay safe!

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

chucktown5 you need to open your eyes....
riley has done a magnificent job making living conditions in the city so unaffordable for longtime residents that whites and blacks have made the exodus to north charleston...the middle class has been and is being effectively squeezed out as the luxurious condos are springing up all over downtown...it would be nice if riley had brought jobs, and not tourist to the city so much so that the tourist have now relocated to the peninsula and took it over...if coble in columbia had the power there as riley has here he would run circles around joe...joe has done what his plan was intended to do...drive real estate prices up and get rich in the process...

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Capers Barr is mum on this one....

wait a minute...is this Barr related to the Barr fellow who voted in riley's favor on the sullivan island land sale deal????

Hmmmm.....

Posted by charleytowngirl on August 25, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does Riley still own Riley & Associates? Used to be insurance and real estate.....

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well porkbreath...

the what do you have the voters of charleston do? porkbreath

vote for a cop who has been a pfc for 12 years? porkbreath..

or vote for cpw guy who was part of the reason as well as joe that the connection fees were so high that businesses like the sofa store couldn't afford them...porkbreath...

or continue to condone the tyranically control city hall as we now do?

porkbreath.....

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

charleytown...
I hear he is a silent partner of the beach company

Posted by vesta on August 25, 2007 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jameschucktown5: Riley is not only an excellent mayor, (said with tongue in cheek), but would make an excellent replacement for the current fire chief. Riley has some excellent ideas about various fire department procedures, including incident command as he states in an article (7-02-97 P&C):

"Still, union officials have said the city needs to improve its incident command structure, its pre-planning for structures with known fire hazards and its procedures for deciding whether to fight a fire offensively or defensively. They have questioned Thomas' department policy stating that the highest-ranking officer is automatically in charge of a fire scene and that the officer can engage in firefighting and rescue operations. Everyone in the department, including Thomas, is expected to pitch in.

But federal guidelines recommend that incident commanders remain outside of burning structures and that the passage of command be handed off formally so that the incoming commander can be briefed on overall conditions and the whereabouts of all firefighters.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley scoffed at the recommendation, saying it makes no sense to keep an experienced commander away from the action. "The somewhat bureaucratic notion that a fire incident commander is not to be engaged, to me, is foolhardy." "

Yeah, Joe, let EVERYONE go in and then you could have destroyed the ENTIRE fire department, idiot!! Yeah, jameschuck5, doesn't he have some great ideas??? Oh, yeah, he also built an aquarium and ballpark.

What is foolhardy, Joe Riley, is having you as a mayor!

Posted by fyrmnjim on August 25, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

east4, I never could add....you should see my checkbook...lol.

The only numbers I truly know are 150 & 350.

Pump at 150, cook at 350, the only numbers a fireman really needs.

Posted by charleytowngirl on August 25, 2007 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am amazed that anyone that has followed this story, via P&C, newscasts and these message boards would still defend the mayor. Jeez, people, wake up and smell the "smoke"! Jameschucktown5, did you just get here? Go back and read the stories starting immediately after this tragic fire. Listen to what your mayor has said in the paper, on the news. He obviously doesn't have his eyes wide open to the situation with the leadership of the fire department. I don't think his head is stuck in the "sand". I think it's stuck somewhere else!

Posted by yeahright on August 25, 2007 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm no Riley fan but to ignore his leadership after the closure of the Naval Base and after Hugo destroyed Charleston proves most of you posters are either new here or have selective memories. Riley has helped this city thrive. New leadership would probably bring new, fresh ideas. But standing behind the fire chief after this tragedy was ABSOLUTELY the right thing to do. And using it as political fodder 2 months later is disgusting. I'm all for new leadership. But not from this sleazeball.

Posted by charleytowngirl on August 25, 2007 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you are right, Riley did a good job after Hugo, but that was 18 years ago! What's he gonna do now about this tragedy? Standing behind the chief is the right thing to do? Why is that?

Posted by aconcernedcitizen on August 25, 2007 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel sorry for the citizens of Charleston. The mayor is a tyrant, and his only real competitor is an opportunist. Taking advantage of a tragedy in to get elected is disrespect and dishonor of the highest order! A write-in vote for M. Mouse would be a better use of your vote.

Posted by charleytowngirl on August 25, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you're absolutely right, concernedcitizen.....Not much to choose from, sadly.

Posted by preachlove on August 25, 2007 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Porkbreath: What facts to do you have that Gregorie is a "low-life, opportunistic, parasite". Please enlighten me. What has Joe Riley done for anyone, other than make real estate developers richer?

Posted by charleytowngirl on August 25, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

and himself richer in the process??

Posted by preachlove on August 25, 2007 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Never mind Porkbreath, "aconcernedcitizen" enlighted me.

Posted by nickiegarbeil on August 25, 2007 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More citizens need to come to a City Council meeting...last one was several HOURS of kissing a$$ to each other and patting each others backs over good accomplishments in personal lives...Not that this is bad, but SEVERAL hours of atta boys and how long on the FF tragedy????

Yeah, great leadership...top priorities...nice...

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 25, 2007 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

>>> exorcist_pencocky - Jameschucktown5, Can you enlighten the residents of the city of charleston, with a list of things he has done that makes him "the best mayor in the country". Details if you please, not just feelings. <<<

>>> jameschucktown5 - pencocky, just open your eyes and look around. i guess that means you need to either: remove your head from the sand or look around your blinders. <<<

So your answer is that "you can not" list the things he has done to make you think he is "the best mayor in the country". You just get a warm and fussy feeling when you see him.

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

porkbreath...So what is wrong with a "cop who has been a pfc for 12 years" ?

should at least be a corporal or sarge by now....
it's like a pfc in the army jumping ahead of the troops and saying set aside general, I'll take it from here....
they would have have him evaluated and shipped to levenworth for impersonating an officer,......

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yearight....

I'll tell you what a sleazeball is....

someone who shows up to your father, son, brother, or fellow firemen's funeral and praise the man who's ignorance led them to their demise and continues to stand behind him rather than do the right thing and hold him accountable for his errors in judgement. Riley is not only doing a dishonor to himself but now he dishonors the memory of the nine by not doing the right thing and is more concerned about the political backlash of his decision or lack of one....there is your political fodder you people speak of....

Posted by trm2105 on August 25, 2007 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What would be the opinion of Gregorie if he kept silent on this matter? Anyone? Everyone, including all on this post, is making conclusions and stating opinions. Why shouldn't Gregorie challenge the ruling leadership? Isn't that what opponents are suppose to do?

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on August 25, 2007 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

trm2105...

thanks for expressing some true common sense in all of this

Posted by nickiegarbeil on August 25, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TRM,

ABSOLUTELY!! well stated...if he DIDN'T question people would say he isn't in tune with the issues, now they bash him for whatever comes to mind...

Posted by hebthree on August 25, 2007 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

trm

you wrote "Why shouldn't Gregorie challenge the ruling leadership? "

.
.
.
.
Its hard to challenge the leadership of whom you have yet to meet.

So he says he wants to replace all the Chiefs. My question is - how many of them has he met?

I know the answer.. do any of you?

Posted by nickiegarbeil on August 25, 2007 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hebthree,

I see your point, however, I have only met a couple myself and I would like to see most, if not all of them replaced...not for evil purposes, but because the men need to feel confident in their workplace again, that they need to know they aren't being back stabbed, ratted out for their concerns, etc.

I think in this situation the complete change in upper management might be exactly what they fine men and women need to get back on track...

I mean, after all...the Mayor met them too, and he didn't see or acknowledge the failures in the system, now did he?

Respectfully

Posted by hebthree on August 25, 2007 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nickie - how could you say you would like to see most if not all replaced?

You probably can't name all the Chiefs. There are several that I respect very much.

Posted by nickiegarbeil on August 25, 2007 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It isn't that I disrespect them at all...I explained my view...these men are very upset by the prospect of most of these men moving up from within..they are worried it will be another "more of the same". They want to be sure that the new policies and procedures will be implemented. It is not personal...this is a professional thought...what is in the best interests of the Firefighters?

Posted by hebthree on August 25, 2007 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But you can't just say replace all the Chiefs. You don't even know them so how could you say that would be in the FFers best interest?

That's my point.

I know you mean no disrespect but there is a difference in saying changes need to be made versus - "Replace all the Chiefs"

Posted by trm2105 on August 25, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hebthree,

I didn't see anywhere in the article that Gregorie wants to remove all the chiefs, nor do I think he would do so if given the opportunity. Other than those involved in the incident, I can't imagine every commander being replaced. This isn't an issue of who Gregorie knows. It seems that sort of approach to things is what led to the current situation; that is the definition of good ole boy politicing. I doubt most citizens know the fire chiefs, but that doesn't exclude them from voicing their desire that the CFD be managed by the most qualified individuals, for the sake of the city, as well as the firefighters themselves. Citizens entrust and expect so much from our public servants. When reasonable expectations are not met (forget exceeding any expectations at this point), those public servants should be held accountable. I speak of the mayor and the chief, not those that serve under their leadership, or lack there of.

Posted by nickiegarbeil on August 25, 2007 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hebthree, I said MOST, if not ALL...their training and certifications need to be reviewed, and the overall view of them by the men they will be leading..if they are overwhelmingly supported, keep them..otherwise, they should go...

The CFd has not had a fair policy of promotions..let's face it...level the playing field is all I am saying..

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 25, 2007 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe the big problem is the form of government, the city of charleston has in place. The current form of government allows too much control by one person, the mayor. The council can just float along and not really do anything, getting the money without really getting involved.

The two other forms of government allowed by South Carolina law would force the council to be involved and be responsible. In the last 50 years the city of charleston has been led by two mayors.

Posted by hebthree on August 25, 2007 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TRM -

in the first paragraph it says "replacing Fire Chief Rusty Thomas and his commanders"

It doesn't say some it says his commanders. I didn't want to speculate or assume but to me that sounds like all.

nickie -

That isn't what you initially said. You may have been thinking that but your original post leaned on the other side. I do know what you're saying though and totally agree.

Posted by nickiegarbeil on August 25, 2007 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Absolutely...I heard the other day that when Joe ran in the beginning, he ran on the platform of limits for Mayor...that "no mayor should be in office that long"...what happened????

Posted by nickiegarbeil on August 25, 2007 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hebthree,

My original is what I said it is....I said most, if not all...I just didn't elaborate...but I should have...my concern is for the men and women in the trenches...what THEY need, not what may or may not hurt someone else's feelings(brass).

"I have only met a couple myself and I would like to see most, if not all of them replaced"

:)

Posted by aconcernedcitizen on August 25, 2007 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We have a council manager form of government up here in the midlands. It's no better. The council does little to nothing, and the manager becomes a tyrant in his own right. Our mayor is a joke, and the city manager is power hungry and thinks he is god. Fire chief up here is an A+ administrator, it's the police chief that has run amok.

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 25, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When the city of charleston, mayor riley pushed for and got a 'monument' bridge built crossing over the Cooper River his promise at the time, "tourists will pay for this bridge, this bridge will draw tourists from everywhere to see this bridge".

Where are the millions of tourists mayor riley has told you that come to charleston to see charleston. A 4-5 hundred thousand at the most, the rest are you, the good citizens of the community. When you go out for a drink, you pay the tourist tax. When you go out for a meal, you pay the tourist tax. When you buy something from the store, you pay the tourist tax.

When all is said and done who do you think will have to pay for joe's bridge. (estimated final cost - over $1 billion, interest old boy, don't forget the interest)

The city of charlestons, mayor joe riley, "LEADERSHIP AT WORK"

Posted by carolinapanther on August 25, 2007 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All you Riley haters get used to writing your poor pathetic stories about why you dont like the best mayor in America, because you will have 4 more years to do it after he is re-elected this November! Go Riley!!

Posted by carolinapanther on August 25, 2007 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh and by the way the new cooper river bridge wasnt Riley's idea anyway, Arthur Ravenel is the one who spear headed the project, thats why the bridge is named after him so get your facts straight exorcist_pencocky!!

Posted by vesta on August 25, 2007 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I see on Firefighter Hourly, CFD is advertising for a PIO. I think that is supposed to be in tomorrow's P&C.

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Excerpts from city of charleston news medias ->
Charleston city officials want a say in what a new Cooper River bridge will look like. State transportation officials want to control costs and get a bridge built.
The two sides ran headlong into each other Friday, leaving no clear consensus in their wake. To begin in earnest a community discussion over what the bridge will look like, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. formed a design committee of local architects and city officials. They want to give the new bridge, as Riley put it: "The Charleston treatment." State transportation engineers balked, saying the department is proceeding with a bridge design that it believes to be the least costly and is preferred by the public. The city of charleston mayors plan will drive up costs.

as of 12-20-2000

State transportation officials on Tuesday showed off designs for twin, four-lane Cooper River bridges that could be built one at a time, and Charleston officials accused them of trying to sell half a bridge.
S.C. Transportation Department officials say that there is only enough money to build one four-lane bridge right now. Their proposal, outlined at simultaneous public meetings in Mount Pleasant and Charleston Tuesday evening, calls for building the foundation for two side-by-side four-lane bridges - but initially erecting only one of the two spans.
In the state's plan, the Grace Bridge would be knocked down and the Pearman would be used for northbound traffic until there is enough money to build a second new bridge.

as of 08-01-2000

Posted by trm2105 on August 26, 2007 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

carolinapanther,

not this time. are you prepared to go down with king riley?

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Arthur Ravenel chaired a state committee that created the funding mechanism to cover the cost to build the bridge. Tax papers are now paying back the loan.

>>> Bottom Line Cost

As road projects like the Cooper River Bridge incorporate amenities, pushed for by Mayor Riley, like mass transit and biking-and-pedestrian lanes -- projected costs escalate predictably.

Although the consensus opinion on the bridge is that eight lanes of motor traffic are vital to meeting the traffic demands of the next half century, aesthetics also play a role in the bridge design process. The proposed bridge will tower up to 60 stories over the Lowcountry landscape, making it the single most important architectural project of the early 21st Century. Mayors Riley and Flowers are lobbying for a landmark suspension bridge, forgoing the less-expensive center-tied and cable-stayed designs proposed by bridge contractor Sverdrup Corporation of St. Louis. <<<

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From Post and Courier
>>> Riley called for a new bridge in 1980 but resisted state efforts to get the city to pay. Stronger than anyone, Riley called the bridge replacement a state responsibility and stuck it out to the end. While Charleston County did agree to pay for a small portion of the bridge cost (if it hadn't, the ground breaking wouldn't be happening today), Riley got what he wanted and it doesn't have tolls on it.

Quote: We don't want to be a community that only half-way could get something done, blasting what he called a half-baked transportation department proposal to build a four-lane instead of an eight-lane bridge. <<<

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In April 2000, mayor joe riley leads a symbolic march from the city of charleston to Columbia to press the legislature to bring down the Confederate flag. Starting out on foot, he soon climbs on board a bus for the trip. He symbolically left the bus and walked when nearing the medias cameras.

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coastal Conservation League - Fall 2005

>>> Civic leaders like charleston mayor joe riley and then Mt.
Pleasant Mayor Cheryl Woods-Flowers soon championed the bikeway and eventually the SCDOT agreed, in spite of the additional $25 million cost. <<<

carolinapanther, exactly what facts do I need to get straight.

Posted by castleton1 on August 26, 2007 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

.

Wasn't this thread about mayoral candidate Gregorie's thoughts on replacing Fire Chief Thomas.

The answer: Yes.

With that in mind, the tenor of Chief Thomas' remarks during the public memorial service reflect his " I'm the head of the plantation " mentality.

.

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

>>> castle1 - Wasn't this thread about mayoral candidate Gregorie's thoughts on replacing Fire Chief Thomas. <<<

The 'head of the plantation', fire chief rusty, retains power solely because the city of charleston, mayor riley keeps him there. The mayor and fire chief kept the fire fighters without the leadership and training they needed and deserved. They are now attacking anyone coming up against the riley kingdom.

For the good of the city of charleston, mayor riley and fire chief rusty, should 'RESIGN' today!

What do you think on the matter - castle1?

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry that should have read - castleton1

Posted by lyfe1999 on August 26, 2007 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow!!! Good discussion. The bottom line is Joe must go, and then clean house of not only Rusty but every other crony he has working for him. I agree that the form of Government needs to change. The Mayor has too much power. He heads the legislative branch (council), and heads the executive branch (mayor). There is no Checks and Balances in this City what ever. Only 20,000 folks vote out of a potential 80,000. That too is the problem. Gregorie is no opportunist. He is running for the top position in the City. His position and what he would do in this matter should be heard by those of considering our options for leadership. The opportunist here is the Mayor. It was stated earlier but I will say it again. Mayor Riley has been on the horn ever since this tragedy started. Example the new West Ashley park off Bees Ferry Road having a memorial was purely opportunistic. Can anyone argue? Gregorie is the only serious candidate we have. He has the management experience, and he has the guts to stand up against King Riley head to head and toe to toe. Go Gregorie!!!

Posted by vesta on August 26, 2007 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Only 20,000 vote out of 80,000??? Wow, I did not know that. Perhaps instead of spending too much time petitioning council, we ought to try to hit the other 60,000 voters and start them thinking about the CFD and what could be done for these ffs.

The mayor is dragging his feet. He has convened a panel who have come up with some excellent ideas, but then the key positions the panel suggested were filled from within, which makes no sense. If something is lagging behind standards (the supervisors), don't enact the Peter Principle and promote them to the next level. I am sure the mayor is saying, "These things take time to change..." (read, it will be after November 4, and then, maybe everyone will have forgotten about it).

I have noticed that the ffs haven't said anything that would lead me to believe they are thrilled with what is going on. Of course, they may still be under orders not to speak/post/etc. I have also noticed that we haven't heard from the chief in the press....do you reckon' he is under orders not to speak??

I am not a pessimist but I still see the scenario that up to November 4, Joe's response to what is happening at the CFD will be "we are making changes, but these things just take time." His response after November 4 (when he is re-elected) and when the NIOSH and OSHA reports come out will be, "We are well aware of deficiencies in the CFD through our own panel and we are making changes, but these things just take time."

Posted by exorcist_pencocky on August 26, 2007 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes its a good possibility it will turn that way, Harpo. He stalls for time, hoping to sweep this under the city hall rug. Though, if the people changed the form of government, for the city of charleston, it would make him and any who would dream of emulating him a mute point, wouldn't it.

Posted by vesta on August 26, 2007 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Harpo: Do you see something in the fact that the chief is still there? I see one of two things: (1) Riley has absolutely no clue as to what has gone on/what is going on in the CFD and really does think the chief is doing a good job or (2) there is something hidden under all this and if he was fired, the chief might reveal what that is. I agree with a great many on previous boards who think that Thomas should have been put on administrative leave until the facts all came out. For Riley NOT to do that was not a very smart political move. It wasn't thought out very well. Had the panel, NIOSH and OSHA all said things were handled correctly, Riley could have merely said that giving Rusty a temporary leave was a formality in this type of situation. However, the panel has already found some major areas of the CFD that need improved and NIOSH and OSHA reports haven't even come out yet and Rusty is still at the helm. Seems a little odd and it also seems like political suicide for Mayor Riley.

Posted by vesta on August 27, 2007 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought that ISO required TWO engines be sent to every alarm. How did the CFD manage to get around that to get their #1 rating???