Kyle on Littleton Fire
There has been considerable discussion - and misinformation spread - about the Littleton Fire Fighters' endorsements in the Littleton City Council races.
I believe that the Fire Fighters invited all the candidates in the City Council race to interviews. I cannot speak to how they chose to endorse candidates, and I am humbled and honored that the men and women who risk their lives to serve our community (both Police Officers and Fire Fighters) chose to support me.
Some have suggested that the Fire Fighters want to merge with South Metro Fire Rescue to serve their own self interests. Accusations attacking the integrity of our first responders are unnecessary and harmful to our community. No complete formal unification proposal exists. Any suggestion of such proposal by candidates - or their surrogates - is merely conjecture based on preliminary discussion, and the implication of potential costs - or cost-savings - are wildly hypothetical, incomplete, and simply irresponsible.
Recently the City Council voted 6-1 (Doug Clark was the lone dissenting vote) to merge the city's fire dispatch services with South Metro Fire Rescue. I strongly agree with those six Council members. Improving service, improving working conditions, reducing liability, and saving the Littleton Fire Department - and thus the taxpayers - over $400,000 per year was the right decision.
At this time, no one can say with certainty if a formal proposal to merge Littleton Fire with South Metro will come before the City Council, but if it does, you can be sure that I will consider all options with an open mind. I do not believe in reaching a decision before I analyze all the facts and appropriate data. I will ultimately decide my vote for all matters, including any involving Littleton Fire, based on what is best for our community.
I value the wise use of taxpayer dollars, safety for our citizens, and the relationships with our long-time regional partners.
Please do not let fear, anger, misinformation, or propaganda distract you as election day nears. I hope we can all keep our political discourse respectful and constructive.
Kyle Schlachter, at-large candidate for City Council
I believe that the Fire Fighters invited all the candidates in the City Council race to interviews. I cannot speak to how they chose to endorse candidates, and I am humbled and honored that the men and women who risk their lives to serve our community (both Police Officers and Fire Fighters) chose to support me.
Some have suggested that the Fire Fighters want to merge with South Metro Fire Rescue to serve their own self interests. Accusations attacking the integrity of our first responders are unnecessary and harmful to our community. No complete formal unification proposal exists. Any suggestion of such proposal by candidates - or their surrogates - is merely conjecture based on preliminary discussion, and the implication of potential costs - or cost-savings - are wildly hypothetical, incomplete, and simply irresponsible.
Recently the City Council voted 6-1 (Doug Clark was the lone dissenting vote) to merge the city's fire dispatch services with South Metro Fire Rescue. I strongly agree with those six Council members. Improving service, improving working conditions, reducing liability, and saving the Littleton Fire Department - and thus the taxpayers - over $400,000 per year was the right decision.
At this time, no one can say with certainty if a formal proposal to merge Littleton Fire with South Metro will come before the City Council, but if it does, you can be sure that I will consider all options with an open mind. I do not believe in reaching a decision before I analyze all the facts and appropriate data. I will ultimately decide my vote for all matters, including any involving Littleton Fire, based on what is best for our community.
I value the wise use of taxpayer dollars, safety for our citizens, and the relationships with our long-time regional partners.
Please do not let fear, anger, misinformation, or propaganda distract you as election day nears. I hope we can all keep our political discourse respectful and constructive.
Kyle Schlachter, at-large candidate for City Council
