Riley had pledged that panel would operate independentlyBy Ron Menchaca (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Drafts and portions of a consultant's report on the Charleston Fire Department were provided to Mayor Joe Riley and other city officials a month before the city publicly released the final report Wednesday. And city officials were allowed to suggest changes as the final document was crafted. When Riley announced the hiring of the panel of firefighting experts in August, he pledged that the task force would operate independently and that the entire process, expected to cost taxpayers about $150,000, would be transparent. But a copy of an earlier draft of the report obtained by The Post and Courier differs from the final version released Wednesday. While the recommendations that make up the bulk of the report don't appear to have been changed substantially, the final report has a softer tone. For example, an earlier reference to "weaknesses" in the department was changed to "concerns." Another section that referred to "the need for training and education at every level of the Charleston Fire Department" was changed to indicate that the review team placed "a high priority" on training. City attorneys said they made suggestions on some of the report's wording only to ensure that the report was accurate and legally sound. Video
Mayor Joe Riley announces the findings of the six-member independent panel of experts hired to recommend improvements in the wake of the Sofa Super Store blaze Watch » Gordon Routley, who heads the six-member panel, said city officials were involved in "fine-tuning" the final report, but review team members are completely comfortable with the changes. "There is nothing we are uncomfortable with in the way it came out in the final version." "We asked them for their reactions and if there was anything in there that we might have gotten wrong factually. There was some give and take along the way. We said, 'Have we hit everything right and does it make sense to you?' It's fair to say we were all working together to say things in as neutral a way as possible." Still, some observers were troubled to learn that Riley and other city officials received drafts, and suggested that the report would have been more credible without involvement from the officials. City Councilman Henry Fishburne said he was impressed by the panel's recommendations but disappointed to learn that the process wasn't "completely hands off." Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy."That takes away from the credibility of the process, and we don't need that. This is just too important," he said. "If we are really trying to do what we need to do in the right way, we need to do it honestly and openly and with the help of disinterested third parties, with no involvement from the mayor, the fire chief or city attorneys." City officials and panel members said there was nothing wrong with sharing information and collaborating on the language used. They said this is common practice in consulting and useful for ensuring the clarity and accuracy of the final document. They said the city's input didn't change any of the substantive points and recommendations. "They decided what they wanted to say," City Attorney Susan Herdina said. "At the same time, it certainly was a collaborative effort. We had a very good working relationship with the team." Sections from a draft of the report were first shared with city officials about a month ago, and the panel began sharing full drafts with the city about two weeks ago, Routley said. Riley said that the city's involvement in crafting the final report was not unusual. "Any good management report is going to have the entity being studied responding in terms of its correctness. They are independent and they say what they feel. These are top professionals with integrity and reputations." Herdina said she spoke with the panel a few times over the past few weeks about points that needed clarification. For example, she said a draft version recommended that Thomas meet regularly with representatives of the local firefighters' union. But the city asked that this recommendation be changed from "union" to "organizations" because state right-to-work laws bar the city from engaging in collective bargaining. Another suggested change dealt with overtime pay, she said. A court order limits the city's ability to pay overtime, and the panel was unaware of that background when it made recommendations for the way firefighters should be compensated working extra hours. The report avoids direct criticism, leaving people to read between the lines in many cases to discern the problems that prompted the suggested changes. More direct references to the department were contained in earlier drafts but omitted from the panel's final report. One earlier section stated that "the Charleston Fire Department should establish a goal of developing a safety-based organizational structure." That was changed to: "The recommendations presented in this report place a strong emphasis on firefighter health and safety." Another draft section read: "Implementation of a Health and Safety Program will be a major effort requiring numerous changes throughout the Charleston Fire Department." The final report states only that "commitment" would be required. In another section, the panel trimmed a sentence that was critical of "the piecemeal fashion" in which the fire department sends additional resources to an emergency scene. Some firefighting consultants agreed Wednesday that it is not uncommon to share and discuss reports with clients before they are made public. But Chris Lamb, a communication professor at the College of Charleston, said residents are "a lot more likely to get an honest report if it doesn't go through the filter of City Hall." Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724. Reach Glenn Smith at gsmith@postandcourier.com or 937-5556. |
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Comments
This article has 72 comment(s)
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Posted by yeahright on October 18, 2007 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Any good management report is going to have the entity being studied responding in terms of its correctness."
Joe Riley has completely lost touch with reality.
Posted by nitelite on October 18, 2007 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this is a bunch of bull... Nov 6th can't come soon enough!!!
Posted by beespencer on October 18, 2007 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well people don't have to worry about a lack of voters this year on Novemeber 6th...
Posted by nitelite on October 18, 2007 at 1:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The bottom line is this...
There are two reports issued thus far, citing over 200 deficiencies and weaknesses in the CFD.
and a reccomendation in a change in leadership and culture...
ALL BUT SAYING GET RID OF RUSTY!!!!
but maybe that too was fine tuned out of the report...
either way joe has made it clear that he is STILL supporting Greenburg, I mean Rusty.
So the people of the city must NOV 6th a referendum on RILEY and RUSTY.
Since joe can't take care of business the PEOPLE will speak for the NINE!!!!
youtube.com/watch?v=umfO8upIIBo
Posted by jeffyoung007 on October 18, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Heil, Riley!
Posted by exorcist_pencocky on October 18, 2007 at 6:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
>>> the_white_owl -> after seeing what is in the report, issued today, a person would have to be a real idiot or a jackass to try to defend Riley or Rusty now. <<<
The only thing left for the city of charleston mayor, joseph p. riley, jr. and his lapdog fire chief rusty, is to "RESIGN IMMEDIATELY".
Posted by jeffyoung007 on October 18, 2007 at 6:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Silly puppets! Your strings only stretch so far!
Posted by mac0cm4 on October 18, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's amusing that the City thought that their modifications would not be leaked out. Outstanding for the P&C to pull the rug out from underneath them just when they thought they could pull a quick one.
Posted by Neponset on October 18, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I too find the fact that Joe got to review and dictate changes to the final report troubling and suggests that the panel was not truely independant. But it must be remembered that if the panel members come down too hard in a particular investigation, they would find it differcult to get any future work.
Too bad Fishburne is leaving city council - he was one the few to speak out.
Posted by concerned_NC on October 18, 2007 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The citizens of the City of Charleston have been taxed all these years, to fund a #1 fire Department. I wonder where all that tax money went to?
Maybe someone needs to go to City Hall and check under the rugs, behind the curtains or up in the attic.
Posted by draftdot on October 18, 2007 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sounds like a Bush Administration move to me.
Power corrupts-the goal becomes to stay in power-not to achieve what's best for the public...
Posted by concerned_NC on October 18, 2007 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Riley, after listening to the things you have told the citizens of Charleston, I have to admit that your grasp of reality is troubleing.
Perhaps the strain of politics is getting to you. A nice loooong vacation may be in order. It will do wonders ......... for the City of Charleston.
I will even come to the airport, in the City of North Charleston, to see you off.
We can even hold a going away party at the very large convention center, in the City of North Charleston.
Posted by trm2105 on October 18, 2007 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
why the hell doesn't this make national news? It should! There's been nothing since the fire. Seems Joe is keeping a tight lid on it for fear it would tarnish his national image. Maybe he's thinking of running for president in 2012.
Posted by Neponset on October 18, 2007 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
concerned
Good idea - in the latest photos, Joe does not look good or happy - a vacation would be good for his health.
Posted by n4dhs on October 18, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
why must people keep harping on Bush for? - I am NOT a fan of RILEY but do remember "Draft" - my husband would love that one being both a Vietnam AND First Gulf War vet - that your beloved Mayor is really a DEMOCRAT!! - get it now?
Posted by Rongodzilla on October 18, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley sucks!! Riley sucks!! Riley sucks!! Riley sucks!! Riley sucks!! It's time to vote this piece of sh&t out of office. If he is re elected this city will continue to go sh&t.
Posted by mspm47 on October 18, 2007 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this is the other problem. WE, the taxpayer is paying for this. We have to pay for these studies, we have to pay for the new equipment, we have to pay for the training and we will have to pay for the upcoming lawsuits.
There is already talk about Joe raising taxes.
Enough is enough people.
GO JOE GO...and take Rusty with you.
Posted by eyfigueroa on October 18, 2007 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i just pray that us citizens in other parts of the tri-county area, namely berkeley and dorchester counties will never elect people like this for municipal posts.
Posted by Reader on October 18, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Susan Herdina (City lawyer) is a mouthpiece for Joe Riley who has no independent legal opinions. Changes like the one from "union" to "organization" make no legal sense at all.
Some of these wording changes clearly have no purpose other than to avoid "soundbite" type excerpts in the newspaper.
The City should have accepted the independent report and then released a reply to clarify any mistakes it thought were in it. There is no way, by definition, that you can have an independent panel which collaborates in writing the report. You have to wonder how much worse this would have been for the City is Riley had not had a hand in writing it.
Posted by singleroni on October 18, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no much difference between Riley and Keith Sumney.
Posted by notfooled on October 18, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This report is thorough and lenghtly to say the least. If a business was reviewed in this same manner and the list of corrective actions necessary were half as long, the CEO and staff would be fired because they weren't doing their job to ensure the safety and health of their employees as well as protecting the company from legal actions due to negligence.
This published report contains problems that have been known for years to be ineffective, inefficient and problematic. Areas such as Training, fireground tactics and Incident Management have been deficient for too long.
The CFD managers have been making jokes about the way other area Fire Departments have been training and fighting fire for years. It took 9 Firefighters and an independant panel of experts to tell the Mayor and Fire Chief that these other departments have been going in the right direction.
This is 2007 not 1800, fire departments have to change the way they operate constantly to keep up with building construction changes, state of the art fire equipment, better structural firefighting gear and the list goes on and on.
I hope that the necessary changes are implemented before another tragedy occurs.
Posted by whycantitbebetterhere on October 18, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you see anyone running who is smart enough to run the City? I don't. It will take 'em four years to figure out how everything works....
Posted by forester on October 18, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is there a viable candidate for Mayor of Charleston? Omar Brown is not it! He has anger management problems. Joe needs to go!!
Posted by Reader on October 18, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our current mayor apparently doesn't know how to run the City either, so that is not really a problem.
Posted by Magpie on October 18, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems to me the main reason Riley keeps getting re-elected is that no one of consequence has run against him.
I can understand giving the city a copy of the report before it was made public but I was appalled that Joe and his puppets were allowed to "tweak" a draft report.
Joe Must Go! People of Charleston, wake up and vote in someone new (they can't be any worse). If you don't, the City of Charleston is just as backward as it's fire department.
Posted by Neponset on October 18, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
why
I have a friend, who is big in the Republican party, that assures me that Joe will win, in spite of this mess. I don't know if Gregorie is packing the goods or not, but I am going to vote for him as a protest vote and I suggest that others do the same thing. Keep in mind, Joe was once young and inexperienced.
Posted by exorcist_pencocky on October 18, 2007 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How qualified was joseph p. riley, on his first day in office as mayor of the city of charleston.
Sorry, trying to use straw dogs to distract, will no longer work.
The only solution to the problem, created by riley and rusty, is for both to leave office. NOW.
Posted by n4dhs on October 18, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Arthur Ravenel couldn't beat him - Arthur may have some opponents but he has a lot more supporters.....
Posted by CHRISJIII on October 18, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This situation just keeps getting worst and worst. The mayor has been proven to be a liar and cheat many times over and the fire chief is incompetent. Mr. Gregorie's candidacy is looking bigger and better all the time. Let's do ourselves a favor and get rid of Riley so that Charleston can advance. People like Riley really make the idea of term limits a very attractive notion.
Posted by whatelseisthere on October 18, 2007 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So everyone seems to want Joe to Go.....and just who is going to take his place? That trigger happy cop with anger issues? Face it, there isn't enough time to get a viable candidate ready for 11/6. Be ready next election. But I bet something else distracts you from this issue. Just think if this report had come out AFTER 11/6.....
Posted by uptown on October 18, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dudley Gregorie is a viable candidate. He has extensive administrative experience in government. He's really the first candidate against Joe Riley to have the level of experience to run the city that exceeds Riley's.
As a career HUD administrator in Washington and later a regional director out of Columbia he spearheaded some very complicated projects like the one that raised federal contributions for the new hospital on Courtenay St. Riley may have shared center stage with Dr. Greenburg for the ceremony last Friday, but it was Gregorie who made the funding for the new hospital possible.
Gregorie is a local whose education and experience has caused him to have "traveled around the block" a few more times than Riley. He's financially independent and doesn't have to be in the pockets of political cronies. He's spent his entire career under a civil service spotlight that required that his hands always be clean. He hasn't been bought which is maybe why certain local special interest groups led by Joe Darby and Dot Scott aren't supporting Gregorie.
Gregorie also understands that a healthy urban economy can't just be based on tourism. It needs skilled jobs with higher wages. This means excellent schools. Gregorie wants to fix our failing schools where Riley has only played footsie while saying it's not the city's responsibility. Gregorie knows the city is paying for school and should be taking a lead in turning them around.
I was a life long Riley supporter...but this November I'm voting for Gregorie without looking back.
Posted by whatelseisthere on October 18, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good grief uptown.....you sound like a paid advertisement. Are you? Or are you Gregorie in hiding? He sure did get great coverage with that trigger-happy anger scene. Otherwise, I don't think the voters would know his name.
Posted by nitelite on October 18, 2007 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
whatelisthere,
I think you have your candidates mixed up...
Posted by Neponset on October 18, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
whatelseisthere
I see where you signed up today and you have two comments which are anti "joe need to go" - who are you? One of Joe's hired guns?
Posted by exorcist_pencocky on October 18, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see lil joe has his overseeers out trying to keep the plantation under cotrol.
"Plese be good to us boys and girls, Massa Joe"
Posted by MoeLarryCurly on October 18, 2007 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To allow these clowns to stay in charge is a crime. JOE MUST GO ALONG WITH CHIEF THOMAS AND HIS GOOD OLD BOY BUDDYS.
VOTE FOR A CHANGE, ANYONE EXCEPT RILEY!
Do not wait till the clown kill more good men, change is needed now, let them hear your voices!
Posted by yeahright on October 18, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
whatelseisthere:
Your'e a perfect example of why Riley continues to win elections. Voter apathy. Omar Brown is the "trigger happy" cop, not Dudley Gregorie.
Uptown: Thanks for the info.
Anyone who continues to vote for Riley because "there isn't anyone better qualified" is fooling themselves. Riley's largest supporters are The Beach Company, The Daniel Island Company, and The Ginn Company, all real estate developers. See a trend? Gregorie's campaign funding is largely coming out of his own pocket.
Our current mayor is corrupt. You should vote for anyone BUT him. But we'll see how many sheep continue to follow Joe to further embarrassment.
Keep this in mind: that beautiful aquarium that you've probably been to once, and won't go back b/c it's too expensive, the one that loses money year after year and cost millions of tax dollars to build? That tax money could have been used to keep our FD up to date with equipment and training. Instead, they're already talking about raising taxes to bring the CFD into the 21st century. But Joe got his aquarium instead.
Posted by exorcist_pencocky on October 18, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Send joe an email, he says he wants to hear from you.
http://www.rileyformayor.com/ask-joe.asp...
Posted by mustang on October 18, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So was this an independent investigative team hired to get to the bottom of the issues in our fire department or a attempt to further B.S. the citizens of charleston with a top notch panel of investigators carefully monitored by the mayor and his p.r. reps? I look forward to seeing some real reports that city hall has not paid for. I wonder how much our taxes will go up to pay for editing rights in those?
Posted by n4dhs on October 18, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My employer has had some recent dealings with the city and we had asked them who made the final decision on certain items (not earth shattering ones) and guess what they said???? - "THE MAYOR" - talk about micro managing! - this guy needs to MANAGE the city in general and be able to trust the people he has hired - and if he doesn't trust them - kick them to the curb.....
Posted by juniemoon1957 on October 18, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I am not from Charleston and I am not a firefighter. BUT, I am for THE RIGHT THING to do and I think THE RIGHT thing would have been for the the FIRE DEPARTMENT to have taken the report as IS without any input from ANYONE. Perhaps if so many firefighters had not died I would feel differently.
Posted by charleytowngirl on October 18, 2007 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you think Riley's spin on this Phase I report was something, just imagine what it will be on Phase II and the final report.
He'll have himself and the chief smelling like roses!
I'm shocked that the panel let the city SOFTBALL the report. Gosh, was Mayor Rumplestiltzkin afraid Rusty's feeling would get hurt?!? Tough! Suck it up!
Posted by whatelseisthere on October 18, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Face it folks. Joe is going to win on 11/6....and contrary to what yeahright and neposet think, I am NOT a Joe groupie. I do, however, deal in reality. There is a way to promote a real and viable candidate, but Joe has outfoxed you this time. There just isn't enough time before the election. My bet is that he doesn't run after this term. So who is REALLY out there who can do this job?
Posted by yeahright on October 18, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
w.e.i.t.--I didn't claim you were a Joe groupie. You thought Dudley Gregorie was in a shootout in N. Charleston. I simply accused you of being an apathetic voter, and certainly not the only one in Charleston.
You're absolutely right, though. Joe has outfoxed an entire city for way too long.
Posted by sleeper04 on October 18, 2007 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's really sad that the incompetence of the mayor and his band of puppets has continued for so long and that it took the lives of 9 dedicated and brave men to bring this to a lot of your attentions. When was the last time you voted?
There is a very good candidate out there that is actually qualified to run this city today and has been a persistent critic of this corrupt administration for years. Take the time to quit bitching and review the candidates.
Posted by whatelseisthere on October 18, 2007 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pray tell....who?
Posted by sleeper04 on October 18, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Look at the candidate Marc Knapp.
Posted by sleeper04 on October 18, 2007 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are a major part of the problem if you haven't taken the time to really research the candidates.
Posted by whatelseisthere on October 18, 2007 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I did, they don't impress AT ALL, sad really. There are probably plenty of qualified people who could do a good job as mayor. But none are dumb enough to take on the Riley machine. When he retires, then the real candidates will come out. Hopefully, this will be the last 4 years of him. The question is....who is watching and waiting in the wings. This election is already over my friend. That's why no-one really pays attention to this election. It's ho-hum. If Molony and this fire won't unseat Joe....Marc Knapp certainly won't either.
Posted by FiddlerCrab7 on October 18, 2007 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The number of issues begs the question of budget priorities. Why hasn't more been spent over the years on fire safety, considering the growth in revenues from tourism, commerce, and rising property values, especially with so many homes valued over a million dollars? There are also more residents and tourists to protect.
It's enlightening to scan the city's budget documents, such as its expenditures. An example is this paragraph about City Hall renovations: "The operating transfers out include $385,000 to the Capital Improvement Fund for the renovation of City Hall." The project included marble upgrades and a carved seal, according to a news article. The expenditures document lists other projects that shed light on priorities.
And yet the city's budget mission states: "The City of Charleston’s mission to preserve and enhance the quality of life for our citizens provides the framework upon which the budget is built. We emphasize public safety, quality services, our physical place and regional partnerships."
http://www.charlestoncity.info/shared/do...
http://web.charleston.net/photos/galleri...
http://www.charlestoncity.info/shared/do...
http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/cont...
Posted by vg on October 18, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GREGORIE FOR MAYOR~~~ AS ENDORSED BY THE FIREFIGHTERS' UNION
Mayor Joe Riley has steadfastly defended Thomas against criticism, even as the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the city for safety violations related to the Sofa Super Store fire, and the city's own review panel recommended numerous changes.
"Joe Riley has overstayed his welcome," said Roger Yow, president of the Charleston Firefighters Association, at Gregorie's campaign headquarters. "Joe Riley has embarrassed and disgraced this city with his actions and denials these last few months and his refusal to change for many years."
The Charleston Firefighters Association represents nearly half the city firefighters and has been at odds with the Riley administration for years over pay and safety issues. The union endorsed Riley's main opponent in the 2003 election as well.
"The mayor's position would be that it's not a political issue, and we wouldn't want to comment," said Lawrence Thompson, Riley's campaign manager.
Posted by yeahright on October 18, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You've researched the candidates? 2 and a half hours ago you thought Gregorie was a cop. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Guess which camp you fall in? And it remains to be seen whether "this fire" will unseat Joe.
Posted by vesta on October 18, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FC7: The answer could lie in Riley's response to the state of the fire department PRIOR to the fire: ""Asked what he thinks the report says about the state of the fire department before the sofa store fire, Riley said: "To me it says that we have a very good fire department. We were meeting standards and requirements but there are opportunities for the achievement of national-best practices."" After reading this 35 page report, quite obviously the mayor hasn't a clue WHAT a fire department is, much less how it should be run financially, administratively, or, most important, to protect the greatest asset of the fire department----the fire fighters.
Posted by JF on October 18, 2007 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Joe Riley Speeches pre-sofa super store.
SOC 2007
Chief Rusty Thomas continues his splendid leadership of our Fire Department, one of the very best in America.
SOC 2006
Our Fire Department continues to excel. Rusty Thomas, now in his 14th year leading our Fire Department, is a model public servant. Whether it’s leading his firefighters as they courageously fight fires or being a lunch buddy or reading to school children, Chief Thomas makes us proud
S0C 2005
No (fire) chief or (fire) department in America exceeds them in courage and skill. They are the best.
SOC 2004
Last year Charleston experienced no fatalities from fires. This is a testimony to Chief Rusty Thomas and the men and women of our Fire Department. They are the best in America and in fact only 30 other cities in our country have the number one designation that our Fire Department enjoys. We continue to provide them with the best, most up-to-date equipment like this 110’ state-of-the-art ladder truck, now stationed west of the Ashley. It has already saved lives.
INNAUGURAL 2004
Our Fire Department led by Chief Thomas is the best at what they do in America as well.
SOC 2002
Our Fire Department, with the highest ranking of any fire department in America, with great courage and ability enabled our City to have no fire deaths in the last two years. Chief Rusty Thomas, is not only the best Fire Chief in America, but a community leader as well.
SOC 2001
Our Fire Department is the best in America as well. And those aren't just the words of a proud Mayor. The courage and skill of Chief Thomas and the men and women of our Fire Department continue to amaze us.
SOC 2000
Last year I had the tragic opportunity of watching Chief Thomas and the men and women of our Fire Department display extraordinary skill and bravery. Serious fires in densely occupied parts of our City could have proven to be even more destructive in terms of loss of life or property. I was at the scene and saw the best Fire Department in America in action. It is no wonder that our Fire Department is only 1 of 26 out of 88,000 fire departments in America with the top Class 1 Fire Rating. In my opinion, of the 88,000 we are the best.
SOC 1999
We had firsthand opportunities to witness our Fire Department's skill and courage this year. Several fires threatened, not only buildings where the fires started, but entire blocks of our City. In every instance, Chief Thomas and our firefighters seemed to achieve the impossible by containing the fire to one building. I was able to witness their work firsthand and I could not be prouder of them, nor more amazed at their extraordinary ability, skill and courage. They are truly America's Best.
SOC 1998
Chief Rusty Thomas and the men and women of our Fire Department continue to excel in their courage and efficiency in dealing with the challenges of fire safety.
Posted by whatelseisthere on October 18, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So much anger....so few solutions....so very little reality. Do you really think any of these mayoral candidates will even get close? Reality check time. You need to be part of the solution and get someone qualified and electable to run. Knapp won't cut it. Good luck....
Posted by yeahright on October 18, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you're not angry, you're not paying attention.
Posted by whatelseisthere on October 18, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah right
Posted by exorcist_pencocky on October 18, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
>>> whatelseisthere - So much anger....so few solutions....so very little reality. Do you really think any of these mayoral candidates will even get close? Reality check time. You need to be part of the solution and get someone qualified and electable to run. Knapp won't cut it. Good luck.... <<<
Because everyone got angry, and voted for Dudley-Do-Right, after 32 years, a lying piece of garbage was removed from office by the citizens of charleston.
The new mayor, Mayor Dudley-Do-Right, promised to work for all citizens of the new City Of Charleston. The new Mayor starts work with the same work experience as the former.
Dateline - November 7, 2007
Posted by exorcist_pencocky on October 18, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
>>> Walkman -> "Implementing all these recommendations (over 200 in all with more on the way in the next phase) only brings this department up to "acceptable" standards nationally."
Just shows the depth of damage that has been caused by 32 years of the city of charleston, mayor joseph p. riley, jr.
Posted by uptown on October 18, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Dudley-Do-Right" Gregorie. I like it. No, I'm not a paid campaign worker. I'm not even a member of his campaign. I'm just fed up with our city going nowhere and a mayor who no longer has any integrity.
Whoever said it was right. Voters need to educate themselves about the alternatives. One poster said Gregory has just as much experience as Riley had when he was first elected. I personally believe Gregory has much more experience than Riley started with. What's more important, Gregory owes no one anything except his honest best and his 30 years of professional experience.
Gregory is a clean slate. He may even be a one term mayor (oh what a relief that would be) but he is also a person who can deal straight up with the Beach Company, the Ginn Company and just about anyone else without favoritism. (What a change that would be). He's also not afraid to take on the special interests and has already indicated that the Public Housing Authority is full of graft and waste. Riley is full of clichés like "Affordable Housing" and the "Education Mayor" but Gregorie is about reality and has seen what works. He can see through spin and understands dealing straight.
Give us a break. Gregory can do it. It's going to cost me to oppose Riley, but it's going to cost us a lot more if he gives us 4 more years of what we've seen since Hugo. Riley's last service to the community worth noting was 18 years ago. Come on!
Take a look at Dudley Gregorie. Win, loose or draw, I'm not willing to just concede another 4 years to Joe Riley.
http://www.gregorieformayor.com/
Again, I'm just one voter who gave Joe every vote I had until now. Dudley (Do-Right) gets my vote this time.
Posted by skeeter on October 18, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't get it. 99 percent of the comments here want Riley voted out (including me, but then I wanted him out 30 years ago) yet there is no way to beat him. Money wins elections folks and Joe's had over 30 years to deepen his pockets. They say "Politics make strange bedfellows" and Joe's harem is quite diverse. Term limits would be a good thing because I hate to say it but Riley will be Mayor as long as Riley wants to be Mayor.
Posted by charleytowngirl on October 18, 2007 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I suspect that is because the Mayor has many people in his backpocket, Archdude. It is a good ole boys town, you know.
Even though MANY letters have been written to the editor of THIS newspaper, very few that are NOT in support of the Chief or the Mayor have made it to publication.
Has to make you wonder......
Posted by the_white_owl on October 18, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
skeeter, With all the money in the world, an election still comes down to one person in the booth casting one vote.
Riley can spread money to all the political hacks and friends in Charleston but if each one of us stands up and says, no, what good will it avail him.
I've viewed first hand how dignity and self worth, can lift a persons spirit to be proud, for making a difference.
Each person can walk into the booth on election day and say "No More Joe" running my city.
With that in mind all his money is useless, and all his little friends would have wasted their time on these posts.
Take a moment, talk to your friends and neighbors, make a difference on election day.
Posted by Neponset on October 18, 2007 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is hard to analyse todays comments on the two related articles in the P&C, but there seems to be some newcommers who by one means or another are trying to shake our confidence in the truism that Joe needs to go. Check these folks out and do not let them sway your beliefs. I hope one day to find answers to what goes on in the professional backroom blogging operations.
Posted by vesta on October 18, 2007 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is never too late until November 7 to make a difference. Vote against Joe. You have three choices. Whoever you are voting in, it will be for a term, not for 32 years. Too many people are looking at this election as "gee, then we will have 32 years of someone else." H-E-L-L-O, you can vote the next mayor out in four years if you aren't happy with him. I still believe that the strong mayorial system in the city needs to be changed.
Posted by Neponset on October 18, 2007 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
vesta
My thoughts exactly.
Posted by yeahright on October 18, 2007 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It does make you wonder. Certain posts claim to want new leadership but are already conceding 4 more years to Riley 3 weeks BEFORE the election even takes place, because "no one else is competent." And then go on to make asinine comments about Gregorie being trigger happy...
Posted by hotrod2007 on October 18, 2007 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This appears to be all about strategy. Mayor Riley is flooding the media with all the BAD news first; he is in agreeing to all changes, criticism, ... etc. Within the next week, his media blitz change to the GOOD news, kissing babies and making promises. Hell, if he feels threatened, he might concede to making a mistake.
WHY? Because he knows that the voting public has either short-term memory or afraid of change.
VOTE November 6, 2007
Posted by vesta on October 18, 2007 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TO EVERYONE: Most of you who have been posting on these sites recognize my posting name. I have been sarcastic in some of my postings, and I have tried to be compassionate and work with an attitude for those CFD firefighters left behind with memories of their fallen comrades and with fears and worries about their futures.
It is my understanding that tomorrow the P&C may be featuring an article about the autopsy reports on the nine Charleston fire fighters.
Out of respect for the honor of those nine men, and out of respect for the families left behind, I am respectfully requesting that you do not post any comments on that site if the P&C runs the article.
Thank you for your consideration.
Posted by charleytowngirl on October 18, 2007 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully, all the P&C has to say on the autopsy reports has been said already and they won't publish them (if that is what they intended to do)
Posted by jcaulkins on October 18, 2007 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, the details of the autopy report are inappropriate for publication and insensitive to the families and friends of the Charleston 9. Publishing them would also have a traumatic effect on all fire fighters following this story. P&C, please show restraint on this issue.
Posted by fchief228 on October 22, 2007 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not a voter in the City of Charleston but if I were, would exercise my right to vote for a change, even if the opposing candidates are "inexperienced" or have other baggage. Long serving elected officials tend to develop what I call the "monarchy attitude." The king is right, everyone else is wrong! The Sofa Super Store tragedy sure drives this point home, doesn't it? Even if Mayor Riley did not have the monarchy attitude, the perception is there.
Another point to be made. The state of the Charleston Fire Department occured mainly because it is controlled by a municipality governed by elected politicians who tend to micro-manage and put political hacks in as department heads. They should hire skilled leaders to run the departments as they should be. Often, mayors and city managers are more concerned about having control and making a name for themselves rather than establishing the correct priorities for serving their public.
The best system to fund and run a fire/rescue department is one where mayors and similar officials have little or no control. Ideally, use of special taxing districts governed by a non-partisan board for limited financial oversight and a Chief appointed based on qualifications, experience, leadership abilities and people skills is the best system. The Chief should not have to worry about disagreeing with the mayor and risk losing his position. A Fire Department should NEVER be in a position to have to fight against the other city departments for its slice of the budget pie. It should never fall behind the times or be denied proper staffing, equipment, training or other programs because of the political aspirations of a mayor or other elected official.
When it comes to setting budget priorities, mayors and city leaders should place fire/rescue, EMS, law enforcement, 911 centers and public safety services FIRST. Remaining programs will just have to live with whatever dollars are left, requireing politicians to scrap pet projects and risk alienating constituents or special interest groups. Oh my, we can't do that!! It may cost us bucks & votes.
Well guess what, real leaders will make the right decision, regardless of who they piss off!
Since removing the fire department from city control is a pipe dream, its up to you to send a message to your leaders to fully fund the recommendations of the panel they hired, ahead of other priorities, until the CFD is pulled out of the 1960's and brought into this century! Exercise your right on election day!