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From: L. Corbo
Date: 04 Sep 2001
Time: 19:57:39
Remote Name: 205.188.192.177
Examples of arrogance and boorishness.
John supporters want examples? Here are some unreported examples of the kind of behavior the First selectman has demonstrated during his “reign”. Flash back to a Saturday morning, Spring of 2000. The fire department sponsored a complete tour of it’s facilities, including a tour of all 5 stations, as well as a live fire and rescue simulation at the department’s training facility. All one had to do was show up, and transportation was provided by bus. Invitations were sent out to various town bodies and boards. Members of the RTM public health and safety committee were invited and attended. Members of the fire commission were present, also. This was done to enlighten and educate the members of town government as well as the public at large to the services provided by and challenges faced by today’s firefighters. All who attended came away with an increased knowledge and respect for the town’s firefighters and fire department. Many people said to me that they had no idea what was involved in our jobs, and were truly amazed at the variety of tasks that we are responsible for. All in all, a great success. The first selectman, Mr. Metsopoulous, was also extended an invitation, but he was a no-show. I believe it was said he would be out of town. After the tour had come and gone from Station 2, Ladder 2 headed to the training grounds to participate in the live fire and rescue demonstration. Imagine the surprise as just 2 blocks from the training grounds, Ladder 2 passed “Jogging John”! How do I know this, you ask? Simple. I was riding Ladder 2 that very day, and saw him with my own eyes. You should have seen the look on his face! He was caught and he knew it. He didn’t even detour into the training grounds to make a half-hearted effort to save face or feign interest. Well, from that day forward, I was aware of his lack of respect for the job we do. That is why I laugh when he says he knows what is best for the Fire Dept. What qualifies him to make such a statement? He couldn’t even show up for something that was being put on for his education as well as the town governing bodies. Arrogance, plain and simple. Here is another example. Fast forward to Spring, 2001 The firefighter’s local extends an invitation to Lt. Governor Jodi Rell to view a demonstration of a “thermal imaging camera” at the training grounds. This is significant since the Lt. Governor is highly responsible for all Connecticut fire departments receiving one of these life saving devices through a state grant program. Apparently, Lt. Governor Rell feels that public and firefighter safety is more important than a covered sand pile, but that is another story. The Lt. Governor accepted the invitation, and the arrangements were made. The First Selectman was not invited, as he had previously demonstrated his lack of interest in the fire department. On the day of the demonstration, who shows up to greet the Lt. Governor? You guessed it, the First Selectman. He must have already had his daily jog. Why the sudden interest, John? You couldn’t care less about the fire department before. Perhaps you saw the opportunity for a photo opportunity with the Lt. Governor. In spite of the presence of the uninvited First Selectman, the day was a great success. Again, arrogance, plain and simple. Yet another example. The firefighters host the Fairfield Half-Marathon. I’m sure everyone is familiar with this very successful fund-raiser. The monies raised benefit a summer camp for burned children. Firefighters have a special place in their heart for these unfortunate kids, and we work tirelessly to put on this annual event on their behalf. At this year’s race, differences were put aside, and arrangements were made for the First Selectman to be the official race starter for this great community event. A perfect fit, since the Mr. Metsopoulous is such an avid jogger. Race time arrives, and John was a no-show. No phone call, no explanation, nothing. Thanks for the support, John! Arrogance, plain and simple. The list goes on and on. The rudeness. The Ken Flatto Incident. Accusing us of threatening him at the board of finance meeting, and then when we call him on it he’s got nothing to say. The stereotypical schoolyard bully. Well, it’s about time someone stood up to “King John”! I, for one, have had it! I will not stand by and be relegated to the status of red-headed step-child! Unacceptable. Is this who we want running the town? And people wonder why we are angry. People of Southport, you should be screaming from the top of Mill Hill down to Southport Harbor. You people are not receiving the same level of immediate fire protection that the rest of the town enjoys. John said at the special RTM meeting on this issue that he can sleep at night knowing that he has done the best for the fire department. Of course he can. He lives in a place where 5 firefighters are mere blocks away, not like in Southport, where there are only 2 firefighters assigned. The Fire Chief repeatedly stated that this issue was the # 1 priority. The FIRE COMMISSION agreed! These people are the responsible parties! Are you people willing to accept that? Millions and millions for school building projects and train stations, and we can’t even get 1 more man per shift for public and firefighter safety, simply because of John’s arrogance. Let’s hear from you! The silent majority doesn’t have to be silent any longer! Anybody but John! (Sorry about the length of this post, but I have been holding onto this stuff for too long.) ~~L. Corbo...Proud to be one of Fairfield's Bravest ~~P.S. - Hi to J.B. and D.A. as I know you are watching......