Gallant quits safety panelHas tense showdown with Mayor Riley over handling of meeting about Fire Department The Post and Courier
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Charleston City Councilman Jimmy Gallant abruptly resigned as Public Safety Committee chairman on Monday, saying he could no longer tolerate "unethical and immoral" efforts to stifle debate about the Fire Department in the wake of the deadly Sofa Super Store blaze. 
Melissa Haneline City Councilman Jimmy Gallant (left) addresses council members, the media, firefighters and others as he steps down as chairman of the Public Safety Committee. Gallant's resignation came just minutes after Mayor Joe Riley declared that a scheduled meeting to discuss recent, controversial promotions and transfers within the department was illegal. Riley, backed by city lawyers, held that Gallant had failed to follow the proper procedure for calling the meeting. Shaking his head in frustration as Riley stood at his side, Gallant apologized to the more than two dozen firefighters in attendance and questioned why the mayor waited until everyone had gathered to spring the legal interpretation on them. Gallant said he was "mystified" by Riley's action, as the committee has previously called meetings in the same manner and had never been challenged by the mayor. "These guys are hurting and this man is still playing games with the lives of those men," Gallant said later. Gallant called the meeting to question nearly 50 promotions and transfers approved by Fire Chief Rusty Thomas last week in the waning days of his tenure. Thomas, whose last day is June 27, has been sharply criticized for his department's handling of the sofa store fire in which nine firefighters died. On ESPN.COM
Riley and his administration insist the promotion process was fair, professional and methodical and that the transfers were simply needed to ensure stations are fully staffed. But some firefighters who were transferred think the moves were payback for speaking publicly about safety concerns, the need for a new chief and other issues. Though Monday's meeting was deemed "illegal" at the outset, it went on for nearly two hours, even after Gallant packed his bag and stormed out of City Hall. Riley's attempts to have city staff present a dispassionate accounting on the personnel moves quickly devolved into a series of emotional statements, finger-pointing and what Councilwoman Yvonne Evans described as "grandstanding." Before leaving, Gallant said he plans to contact the state Attorney General's Office today to seek an opinion on what rights and powers council members have. But he said he could no longer lead the committee while the city tries to quash dissent and avoid tough questions in the wake of fire. Gallant, who is a pastor, said he was concerned about the "appearance of impropriety" in the city's actions, and that his faith tells him to step aside. "There are some thing goings on here that God knows are not right," he said. "This is a spiritual matter now — it's out of the hands of human beings." Retired fire Capt. Ricky Koger followed Gallant into the hallway as he left and embraced the councilman in a tearful hug. But at that same moment inside, Riley launched into a denunciation of Gallant's stand, calling it a "charade." Riley said it wasn't council's place to intervene in personnel decisions and accused Gallant of seeking headlines when the city should be focused on moving the Fire Department forward. "This shouldn't be a public relations feeding frenzy," he said. "This must be about making progress in the city of Charleston Fire Department." Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.Riley became noticeably agitated and shouted as he described how allowing council to interfere in day-to-day personnel issues would create anarchy. "That's ridiculous, patently and unequivocally ridiculous." But Gallant's arguments seemed to strike a chord with some council members. Councilman James Lewis followed Gallant into the hall, where they expressed mutual frustration with Riley's domination of city affairs. Lewis told Gallant to be patient while he tries to build consensus to change Charleston's form of government and dilute the mayor's power. "I'm going to get eight votes by November, and we're going to get ourselves a city manager." Inside the meeting, Councilman Tim Mallard grilled fire officials about the timing of the transfers and asked how the city could break up tight-knit crews of firefighters so close to the first anniversary of the fire. Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie Classen, who will lead the department on an interim basis when Thomas retires, stood up and called out firefighters in the crowd, urging them to get behind the department's effort to change and improve. "We are starting from scratch here," he said. "You have to give us a chance." Others in the crowd, however, said they remain convinced the moves were a form of payback. Engineer Brian Rivers, who was shuffled between two stations on the peninsula, told the crowd he is convinced his transfer is retribution for speaking out about problems in the Fire Department. "I know I've been retaliated against," he said. "Mr. Mayor, unfortunately the truth is lacking here." As he left the building, Councilman Wendell Gilliard urged firefighters to raise their concerns again at City Council's meeting next week. He said the transfers and promotions should have been left up to the incoming chief. "Because of the sensitivities of the case, just hold off on everything." Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com. Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724. |
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Comments
This article has 55 comment(s)
Posted by Perspective on June 3, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Could Riley have these firefighters reassigned to the police department and put them on "Gum Pole Duty" if they continue speak out?
*** Check out that article if you haven't already. Apparently there are some real morons making decisions that involve police and fire personel.
Posted by noradellova on June 3, 2008 at 1:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets put this thing into perspective..While Joe Riley deserves some of the blame, the voters of the City of Charleston were in fact complicit. Riley felt that he received a mandate from the previous election, and one must bear in mind that he was re-elected on the wave of the sofa store fire.You had the chance to systematically shove him out of office, but you let color get in your way. So suck it up. As far as Rev. Jimmy "Bumpsy" Gallant is concerned, he and members of his safety committee should be charged with derelection of duty. I was once told not too believe any of what is said, and half of what I see. Bumpsy is blowing smoke up your butts. He and members of his safety committee are complicit in the occurrence of the super store fire. After all the safety committee should be the group to assure that the CFD has modern fuctional equipment. "Bumpsy" Gallant and his group were not doing their jobs as protectors of the public good, in spite of the fact that they were compensated.Just as sure as Joe Riley gave the fire department the legal authority to venture into that fire, Gallant and his committee did not assure that they were adequately equipped. "Bumpsy" Gallants resignation was a smoke screen. He is not deserving of sympathy, but contempt.
Posted by Pols101 on June 3, 2008 at 4:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It looks like Thomas is going to take Riley down with him. I really doubt that anyone that could be a good chief will want to get involved in this mess.
Posted by moonpie on June 3, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let him takes his toys and leave! Thats what he does complain when he is not included or at the head. Go back to harrassing the developers of the neck area Jimmy. Thats what you do best. Opress your people! You sir were a sleep on the job as the mayor, chief, and the rest of council were.
Posted by noradellova on June 3, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
moonpie
It seems that you are able to see through the smoke and recognize the forest from the trees. I agree that Gallant and his committee was also complicit, in the events surrounding the sofa super store fire. This is all a smoke screen.Alert the lawyers of those heroes who lost their lives, that they can also go after members of the committee. This is one reason why Bumpsy wants to jump ship. He is not "absolutely stupid", but he is complicit in his acquiesence, and was derelect in his duties.
Posted by a_set_love on June 3, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
noradellova - You must really "LOVE" Mr. Riley. You and your buddies are always trying to keep the fire off of him.
When its all done and finished, there will be 11 victims to the Sofa Super Store fire. There are the nine "HEROS" who died trying to do their best. There are the two who by their actions, sent the nine to their deaths.
Mr. Riley and Mr. Thomas will live on in the living "HELL" they created for themselves. Feadered by the chains they created for themselves, link by link.
Mr. Riley I wonder what became of all the monies, over the last 32 years, that the City of Charleston received to equip and maintain the fire dept. With the massive amount of updating the City of Charleston has been forced to do, with the tax increase that soon will follow, what happened to all that money, Mr. Riley?
The money I wonder about is 32 years worth of city taxes, state and federal grants and possible donations.
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 3, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley needs to burn in hell. He is nothing but the devils snake, and his head is full of snakes.
Hey Riley! The "peasants" are grinding their axes and gathering their pitch forks. They are gathering to drag you out of city hall by your dwarf feet.
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 3, 2008 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How many more in Charleston hate Riley, now?
Posted by ColdBeer on June 3, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Damn! It looks like Riley himself is trying to sabotage his own chances for being elected to yet another term. They guy is not too bright is he?
Posted by noradellova on June 3, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
a_set_love
You totally misread my statement or you did not read ny first statement. I am definitely not an ally of Joe Riley. We have had our run ins. My point here is we must not be blinded by what is actually taking place.Who did you vote for in the last mayoral race? There is posturing going on here.The likes of which is at least two-fold.Of course Joe is complicit, and so were his accomplices. I am saying that Gallant was one of his accomplices, who now wants to abandon ship. He is as guilty as Joe and Rusty, because he had the responsibility of overseeing that safety was accorded. Do you understand that?
Posted by Paul on June 3, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Time for a Recall !
Posted by Lowcountry_Bulldawg on June 3, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Riley with his lawyers claimed that Gallant failed to follow proper procedures in calling the meeting."
What is this? This isn't grade school! It should be handle in a classier way than that.
"We are here, Mr. Gallant if you have issues and concerns lets deabatee them. Lets clear the air today."
How many Mayors in America get involved in the promotions of fire department personnel? Is that a S.O.P?
I have my own problem in NC with Porky Pig, but Riley is ridiculous!
Posted by CMLMADDOG on June 3, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I voted for Tom Doyle.
Posted by groover on June 3, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is absurd. Here is how it should all lay out. Riley is in charge of the fire dept....period. If anyone should be blamed is Riley for his lack of perfomance as a Mayor. Stop pointing the finger and be a man...accept some reponsiblity. I think the people of Charleston deserve that instead of this back and forth bickering. Remember the families that have suffered throughout this. The person in charge of all of this is the Mayor. The mayor should be blamed and be forced to resign. Why can't this be done? Doesn't anybody else see this? Or are Charlestonians as ignorant as the politicians are in this state? Come on South Carolina....Act!
Posted by griff895 on June 3, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GOOD!!!! Gallant tried a power grab and lost. Now he can "take his ball and go home."
Posted by realityck on June 3, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IF Mayor Riely had an ounce of integrity left in his body he would tenure his resignation to be effective on the same day as Chief Thomas.
Riley IS the biggest hindrance to any resolution and progress the city hopes to make.
Posted by dreyn on June 3, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"That's ridiculous, patently and unequivocally ridiculous."
So is 'killing' 9 men-9 servants of the public good through 'good ole boy' incompetence. Riley is starting to show cracks in his paternal facade.
Posted by Charles_Town on June 3, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not know any of these people on a personal level. In fact I met Rusty Thomas in person for the first time this past weekend. Pretty much just an introduction and hand shake. But here is what I think:
Riley: Been in office too long, Started off doing some pretty good stuff, and as he gained more support started to get too big an ego and started abusing his office and power to gain more power.
Rusty Thomas: Glad he decided to step down, thinks he realized he made too many mistakes in regards to fire department training, personnel, equipment and especially that fire incident. But is having to pay back some favors before he leaves.
Gallant: Peeved as anyone about the mistakes made and stuff still going on that is probably not right and wants change now. But is going about it the wrong way. Regardless if you have always called meetings like that in the past, and just got called on it this time, that is your mis-fortune. There are several times where protocol is not specifically followed and may be just fine, but there are certain times when it should be. At those times you should know to follow everything in detail, because otherwise if gives someone with a counter view a quick easy way to derail your efforts. What surprises me is how quickly you gave up. If someone called you on something improper just say ok, and follow correct procedure and do it again.
Posted by Early on June 3, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev Gallant, you are a fine outstanding citizen, you have brought to light the very sickening political good ole boy system that has to go for us to move forward. Thank-you
Posted by slimbo6969 on June 3, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad to see someone in this city is starting to see what Mayor Riley is doing to the Historic City by the Sea...
Mayor Riley states that we have the finest Fire Department in the nation and does things like this just before the anniversary of the Sofa Super Store fire...
Our new interim Fire Chief stated that we are “starting from scratch”, if we are the “Finest Fire Department in the Nation” why are we starting from “SCRATCH”…
When you have worked with someone for years, you get to know how they think and how they react to things… By putting these Firemen into new environments you are looking for an accident to happen, even more than the Sofa Supper Store… Was it not a combination of different Fire Stations that responded to the Sofa Supper Store and was it not a group of different Firemen from these different Fire Stations that died…
So what will happen now, since you have mixed up these teams…?
Posted by ColdBeer on June 3, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Riley was 100% correct in this instance. The safety of our firefighters can NEVER be considered more important than "procedure".
For those that don't always catch it, that was sarcasm.
Posted by CHRISJIII on June 3, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Time to recall Riley and get rid of the rest of his cabal. Time for the governor to open an investigation into official malfeasance at Charleston City Hall.Rev. Gallant you gave up too easily. You should have stayed and helped to keep Riley's feet in the fire until he burns!!!!!
Posted by Eyes_N_Skies on June 3, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Meanwhile ....................... Napoleon is still tryinggggggggggggggg to conquer Jimmmmmmmmm Island with one biggggggggggggggggggg legal priceeeeeeeeeee tag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by mezzy1 on June 3, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the citizens of "JoeTown"
Support your Council Person. It's been obvious for yrs. that some person(s) does exactly what they want to do;therefore I agree. When Rusty takes his bags on 6/2708, Joe should follow him. ILLEGAL MEETING; YET, THE MEETING
WENT OF FOR 2 HOURS AFTER THE REVEREND LEFT....JUST AS A CANDIDATE THAT RAN FOR MAYOR STATED "MEZZY BUZINESS IN CPD"
MEZZZZZY BUZINESS IN CITY HALL. EX-COUNCILMAN CAMPBELL EAT YOUR HEART OUT.
Posted by PalmettoHawk on June 3, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Q1. Who is responsible for day to day operations at City Hall andy by extension at fault for the meeting not being legally held?
A1. Mayor Joe Riley
Q2. Who benefited by effectively shutting down any discourse about the reassignment within the Fire Department?
A2. Mayor Joe Riley
Q3. Who is afraid to have the dealings within City Hall brought to light?
A3. Mayor Joe Riley
Q4. Who should be without a job tomorrow?
A4. Mayor Joe Riley
Posted by Eyes_N_Skies on June 3, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yesssssssssssssssssss. Joe Blow struck backkkkkkkkkkkk becuzzzzz these firefightersssssssssssss exercizeeeeeeeeeeeed their 1ST AMENDMENT RIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Isn'tttttt there a law dats sayssssssssssssssss you CANT dooooooooooooo that?????????????? Riley breakin da law - breakin da law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by dadsemt on June 3, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The City of Charleston has decieved it's citizens far to long. The Mayor, Councel, and it's Department Heads are all to blame in the City's problems. In an effert to get re-elected they all chose not to raise taxes, not put in effective and efficent Department Heads, and left the City in a state of disrepair. How is the Police Department, Sanitaion, Utilities doing? Pertty well because these generate revenue. The Fire Department is a drain on the City because it does not generate any revenue. We lost 9 good men who followed their Chief without question. Nothing was done to anyone because of the City's lack of responsibility, to ensure the safety of the people under them. All of the City's management are responsible, not just the Mayor. The citizens also hold some of that responsibility because they re-elected the Mayor based on lies and deciet. You got what you wanted Charleston.
Posted by bigwhip on June 3, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1776, here you go again spewing hateful,venemous drivel. You should stay under your rock until you can address issues with some sense of propriety.
Posted by CaptPete on June 3, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All of these shift transfers would not have been necessary had some been willing to work together. No one likes a troublemaker.
Posted by preachlove on June 3, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Rev. Gallant!! What's wrong is wrong; the new chief should be the one to take a look at the needs of the department. Thomas, as brought out by the investigative reports, does not have the competency to lead a fire department. How does Riley know what transfers are necessary? Many of the citizens of Charleston are not to be blamed because they didn't vote for Riley. With Riley's form of governance, how can anyone in their right mind blame Jimmy Gallant's safety committee. We all know how Riley operates; it's his way or the highway.
Rev. Gallant, thanks again for representing the firefighters and not selling out like some of our other elected officials.
Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on June 3, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The real problem here is that while all this infighting, political posturing and incessant bickering goes on, NOTHING else gets done. The fire department is really no better off or prepared today than it was before the tragedy (in fact, with all this turmoil, it may very well be worse), and the city is basically in limbo. What else is languishing in this vacuum of leadership that will rise up to become another crisis for this city? At what point do we demand that leaders LEAD, and everyone else get the hell out of the way?
Love him or hate him, I think that’s exactly what Gallant just did- realized he wasn’t a leader and got the hell out of the way. I think he set the example that we can only hope Riley follows.
Posted by lou9 on June 3, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Geez, hasn't everyone had enough of this? Is this going to keep on until everyone in the city has kicked Chief Thomas, now that he's down and soon to be out? Please, just give the new chief a chance to put the department back on the right track. Enough of this political B.S.
Posted by bootlicked on June 3, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley wouldn't let Jimmy do his job. Riley thinks Rev.Gallants job is to stay quiet like a good ol' negroe. My hat is off to all of the council members that are starting to see the light. If Riley wants anarchy he will get it soon enough. The men and women on the CFD have had enough now it is time to show RILEY THAT THE IRISH IS COMING OUT IN ALL OF THEM.
Posted by Girleygirl on June 3, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Eyes-
Whyyyyyyyyyyyy do youuuuuuuuuuu post likeeeeeeeeeeeeee a valleeeeeeeeeeeeey girlllllllllllll talkinnnnnnnnnnnnnng?
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 3, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
elisabetta- Go away!Your absurd agenda is annoying,off topic and quite frankly I'm sick of seeing you "advertise" on this site.Your posts are a waste of space and time.I vote we "impeach" you.
Posted by Tammie on June 3, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Girleygirl..one answer..."The Rabbit"..lmao
Um, when is the Leprechaun up for re-election again?
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 3, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The purpose of law is to prevent the strong from having their way. Riley will never win anything this time around no matter what he and/or his lawyers say. They are doomed as they struggle to keep their heads above water. You don't retaliate against people for exercising their constitutional and civil rights like Rusty and Riley did.
Feather by feather the goose is plucked.
Posted by blackwoman on June 3, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are the firemen who spoke out not protected by Federal Whistleblower laws?
Posted by BillMan on June 3, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This Gallant fellow sure is making a name for himself, I wonder why it took so long for one of these council members to stand up to Riley, I bet Gallant is setting himself up to run for Mayor after this is all over, he would have my vote!
Posted by ccfirefighter on June 3, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hail the Rev. Fa. Jimmy Gallant. He is looking out for the best interest of the Charleston firefighters. The council needs more input in the every day operations of the fire department. The mayor, however,is playing politics with the fire department. The mayor has a loose screw in his head and if any needs to resign is he. My hat is off to you Rev. Gallant.
Posted by pompusmaximus on June 3, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, with all the anti-Riley activist here you would think the Post and Courier only circulates in James Island ;-)
Posted by ColdBeer on June 3, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GirleyGirl, I think Eyes was actually imitating Riley himself. He kinda talks like that.
Posted by flinsc on June 3, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just moved here about 9 months ago, remind me why everyone kept electing him? He sounds like the time passed him by many years ago. Is there just not anyone that would serve as a good mayor to replace him? The trouble being cause now sounds like it is from him being able to stay as mayor without anyone questioning him for over 20 years. The people who have elected him over and over are the problem. Just because he is old and been around, doesn't mean he is the best fit with the most experience. I am not sure who everyone voted for that has posted here, but if he is such a bad mayor, who has voted for him?
Posted by BillMan on June 3, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley has done alot of good things for Charleston, you can say he put Charleston on the map, but I think maybe it is time for someone to take his place, he should go out while on top and be remembered for all the good things he has done for Charleston, not this firefighter mess! I am not sure if that is possible anymore, I bet he wishes he had hung it up lasy year!
Posted by DenmarkVesey1822 on June 3, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is all a chess game....Don't forget that Riley is a Grandmaster.
Posted by gencon1 on June 3, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley is right about one issue. You can't run the fire dept with a committee. No matter how much you dislike the man he is correct about this. Hold him responsible if you like but you will have anarchy if you let a committee question the decisions. it will be as effecient as the school board.
Posted by dreyn on June 3, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gencon1: You are absolutely right. But I think that the frustration on this board is the knowledge that Riley is NOT the man to be making the decisions. The citizens of Charleston have kept putting him back into office so long, though, that I'm sure he now feels himself to be the only arbiter of what is right for Charleston. Riley has demonstrated he has no business choosing anyone to be in a position regulating other peoples lives. Rusty Thomas (don't you hate it when grown men are still called by childhood nicknames) was NEVER qualified to be the fire chief. He must have just been a heck of a nice fellow to have around for Riley and knew how to toe the line with the best of them. And now nine men are dead! NINE MEN ARE DEAD! Does that even register with the Riley apologist that appear here?
Posted by slimbo6969 on June 3, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In his eyes he can do no wrong…
Mayor Riley has a “do as I say – not as I do” attitude…
“Eyes_N_Skies” - just posted a comment about James Island… So I have a question about how things are being funded:
1. Charleston Place Hotel – the rumor is that the hotel has not paid anything towards the principle since it opened… And that it has been refinanced several times…
2. Joe Riley Stadium
3. Charleston Aquarium
4. Law Suits against the Town of James Island
Just to name a few…
I agree with Rev. Gallant that the Attorney General's office should look into this mess about the “so called illegal meeting, that went on for an additional two (2) hours” but also into how these items listed above are being funded…
Posted by a_set_love on June 3, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe former graduate, Mr. Riley has brought real shame and dishonor to the Citadel.
Posted by dustym59 on June 3, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All ya'll in Chucktown gonna lose your dictator one day in the near future Broadway Joe gonna be gone and you wont be able to see him unless you go to the Piggly Wiggly and all he'll say is "Paper or plastic".
See ya Joe
Posted by charleytowngirl on June 3, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't any of you wonder why Gallant, the CHAIRMAN of the PUBLIC SAFETY committee, is just getting fired up about this SSS issue now?!?!? It happened almost one year ago....why didn't he shake things up with Riley a year ago. Trust me, with as much email as Gallant received about this horrible mess, he was aware of the CFD problems long before the Routley report came out. Why is he just speaking up now?
Posted by vesta on June 3, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
a_set_love brought up some interesting questions. One question that has not been answered either in the paper or on any of the posts is: What has happened to the slightly over 9 million raised in personal contributions? I understand the city took responsibility for distributing this money to the families. Have any of the families received one million dollars? What about the interest that money accrued while waiting to determine who should receive that money? Who received that interest? Does an "independent panel" need to be appointed to let the public know about this donated money or does the mayor feel he is in charge of that also and responsible to no one? I am perfectly satisfied if ALL of that money was properly distributed to the families of the fallen nine. If not, how about some answers.
Posted by burton on June 3, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whatever! Kwadjo tried to warn you Charlestonians about King Riley years ago but no one would listen to him. Kwadjo had his problems but he was the only one that stood up to King Riley and the King was glad to see the thorn in his side go.
The blame should squarely be placed on the voters of Charleston that have continually elected this man for the past 32 years. You had a good candidate last election but we all know why you were afraid to vote for him. You made King Riley so live with him and his decrees!! Continue to kneel and kiss his Citadel ring!
Posted by a_set_love on June 3, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr.Riley, I've been wondering why you never put in for any AFG Grants (Assistance to Firefighters Grants)from FEMA. Many of the other fire departments in the local area did and received grants. Multiple grants in some cases over a 7 year period.
This would have been City of Charleston taxpayers federal tax money coming back home to the City of Charleston to better the fire department. As the person in charge of running the City of Charleston (your quote not mine) you got them nothing.
And you a Citadel graduate too. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.
http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/awar...
Posted by vesta on June 4, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
a_set_love: Here is a possible answer: the CFD was not in compliance with federally (specifically Homeland Security) dictated terms for a standard system of Incident Command for all U.S. fire departments. Therefore, the CFD would not be eligible for federal funds. Remember, as far as incident command, RT didn't know how it was done everywhere else...he just knew they had their own way of doing things. In 2005, Governor Sanford also mandated that all South Carolina fire departments come into compliance with federal standards for incident command. Obviously the CFD didn't follow either federal or state mandates.