Cape Coral firefighters’ pay increase
To the editor:
The recent vote by City Council to give the firefighters a 5 percent increase, along with a retro payment dating back to July 1 of another 5 percent is not the kind of governance we expect from fiscally responsible elected officials!
There is no doubt that the firefighters deserve all that we can give them.
These are extraordinary individuals who train strenuously for a very difficult job, for any eventuality, and are willing to put their lives on the line when ever they are called into action. The Cape Coral fire fighters, along with the police, are the best and bravest among us and they should be recognized and compensated handsomely for their dedication and service!
However, the council is charged with respecting the budget and for them to arbitrarily select an increase number without first determining the impact the decision will have on budgetary availability is not a responsible path. This kind of knee jerk governing is exactly why the nation is approaching an $18 trillion dollar debt. It’s called “placing the cart before the horse” and then the consequences are severe!
The bottom line here is, if we have the money, give it to them. And, if we don’t…we can’t. That’s just simple economics along with responsible governing.
Maybe it’s time for the Cape to look at creative ways to produce additional revenue streams so that compensation fairness can become compatible with fiscal responsibility.
Dick Kalfus
Cape Coral