Rank and File Firefighters Did Not Vote For 64

[Bridget Conant]

After being asked several times, and being on the Deck responding to other comments, Chief Gilman continues to ignore a simple question - did the rank and file Union firefighters vote to endorse the pro 64 side?

Since he won't respond, we must assume the answer is NO. As is the usual custom, union leadership unilaterally chooses who and what to endorse. That DOES NOT mean the membership, the rank and file firefighters, always agree with the leadership position.

I'm sure they'll trot out a few individual firefighters to say the agree with the endorsement, but the fact remains that it was a leadership action, those that are often made for political and strategic purposes.

[james fitzgibbons]

After being asked several times, and being on the Deck responding to other comments, Chief Gilman continues to ignore a simple question - did the rank and file Union firefighters vote to endorse the pro 64 side?

Since he won't respond, we must assume the answer is NO. As is the usual custom, union leadership unilaterally chooses who and what to endorse. That DOES NOT mean the membership, the rank and file firefighters, always agree with the leadership position.

I'm sure they'll trot out a few individual firefighters to say the agree with the endorsement, but the fact remains that it was a leadership action, those that are often made for political and strategic purposes.

Is it ethical for a Fire Chief to get involved in political matters?

[Michael Deneen]

Is it ethical for a Fire Chief to get involved in political matters?

Ethics? We're talking about Team Summers here. It's "win at all costs".

Besides, if our "Finance Director" can double as "City Hall Social Media Co-ordinator", then why can't the Fire Chief do some PR work? #AllHandsOnDeck

[Pam Wetula]

Is it ethical for a Fire Chief to get involved in political matters?

Ethics? We're talking about Team Summers here. It's "win at all costs".

Besides, if our "Finance Director" can double as "City Hall Social Media Co-ordinator", then why can't the Fire Chief do some PR work? #AllHandsOnDeck

Scott Gilman probably needed the second job. He is probably feeling pretty good right now. His property taxes are finally caught up after a number of years of delinquency. A recent $4607 payment shows him current on property taxes. This is all on the Cuyahoga County Auditor's site. We are probably not paying him enough as Fire Chief .

[Patrick Wadden]

Is it ethical for a Fire Chief to get involved in political matters?

Ethics? We're talking about Team Summers here. It's "win at all costs".

Besides, if our "Finance Director" can double as "City Hall Social Media Co-ordinator", then why can't the Fire Chief do some PR work? #AllHandsOnDeck

Scott Gilman probably needed the second job. He is probably feeling pretty good right now. His property taxes are finally caught up after a number of years of delinquency. A recent $4607 payment shows him current on property taxes. This is all on the Cuyahoga County Auditor's site. We are probably not paying him enough as Fire Chief .

Lovely. Another upper decker pulling public files and posting the information in a forum to personally attack a man that took an oath to protect. Disrespect at it's highest level Pam and totally out of bounds. Not surprising for this place. Pam you get the Lori Allen gold Star this week. Does the mayor put around clock surveillance people out in front of your house as well?

[james fitzgibbons]

Is it ethical for a Fire Chief to get involved in political matters?

Ethics? We're talking about Team Summers here. It's "win at all costs".

Besides, if our "Finance Director" can double as "City Hall Social Media Co-ordinator", then why can't the Fire Chief do some PR work? #AllHandsOnDeck

Scott Gilman probably needed the second job. He is probably feeling pretty good right now. His property taxes are finally caught up after a number of years of delinquency. A recent $4607 payment shows him current on property taxes. This is all on the Cuyahoga County Auditor's site. We are probably not paying him enough as Fire Chief .

Lovely. Another upper decker pulling public files and posting the information in a forum to personally attack a man that took an oath to protect. Disrespect at it's highest level Pam and totally out of bounds. Not surprising for this place. Pam you get the Lori Allen gold Star this week. Does the mayor put around clock surveillance people out in front of your house as well?

Public information is just that. " You All " just do not like facts. It is such an obvious fact that the City of Lakewood has been weakened by the bad deal that Mayor Summers and others have jammed down the throat of all the people of Lakewood. Can you say that Lakewood is better off Patrick? If you do please explain how. Pam Wetula is doing the City of Lakewood a big favor by investing her time and effort to stand up to BAD GOVERNMENT. How dare you disrespect Pam Wetula.
VOTE AGAINST 64

[Patrick Wadden]

So commenting on someone's personal tax information as a way to undermine his credibility is relevant and acceptable? You've have lost your way.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Scott Gilman, is one of the more influential people at City Hall right now. Reasons, the hospital deal, emergency service, etc is a huge part of why cities exist.
He is hired, and kept on at the request of the Mayor. Seth Andregg is a friend, and was a neighbor.

Lakewood Fire Department has been a political powerhouse in Lakewood for a long time. Much less so now. Ask anyone that has run for mayor. Ask Madeline Cain about the firefighters phone banks.

I disagree with them on this topic.

But I do not see them as evil, or on the take. I see them simply them as people that know what affects their interests and lives and making a decision.

At the same time "upper deckers"? Why do people think there is some secret club. Don't believe the hype.

Someone said to me the other day, the Deck would be easier to read, if everyone spoke of the LIES, instead of the LIARS.
I really find it offensive telling other people how to talk, and limits our Observations of the person talking, but it is an interesting thought.

.

[Michael Deneen]

So commenting on someone's personal tax information as a way to undermine his credibility is relevant and acceptable? You've have lost your way.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall Jim Kenny on here last October raising questions about Mike Skindell's tax status.
I don't recall Patrick expressing any outrage at the time.

[Lori Allen _]

Let's not forget either that Chief Gilman has been traveling all over town giving medical and EMS information out to the citizens of Lakewood without a medical degree or a State of Ohio Paramedic License.

Mr. Gilman last sat for the Paramedic exam in 2004 according to the State EMS office. That license expired in 2007. I would like to know why, when he has not had a license for nine years, is he the the Mayor's spokesperson?

[Bridget Conant]

Mike,

What a memory. Yes, dear readers, BL supporter Jim Kenny has no problem posting a public record but all of a sudden, Patrick Wadden thinks that is a bad thing.

So will you admonish Mr Kenny for his low blow, Patrick? Or are you only "offended" when you don't like the poster?

Phil raises an excellent question. Before hiring anyone, an employer has the duty to perform a background check. We, as voters, are the employer. What e have a track record from which to judge our current employee mayor, Mike Summers. So let's examine the applicant's background. A quick search of court records suggests Michael J. Skindell might have troubles managing finances:

http://cpdocket.cp.cuyahogacounty.us/CV ... iImqveCvA2

http://cpdocket.cp.cuyahogacounty.us/CV ... I7e_zxIuw2

Considering Skindell's term as senator will soon expire, this small snapshot suggests he is using the single event of replacing the hospital as an opportunity to remain employed and relevant.

The above is from this thread:

http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/v ... ll#p160409

If anyone bothered to actually read the docket, both cases were dismissed by the plaintiffs, so Mr Kenny went out on a limb suggesting Mr Skindell "had trouble managing his finances." My, it's almost defamatory, Mr Kenny!

I hate to have to remind you all, yet again, that public records are PUBLIC and anyone has access to them, anyone can post them wherever they like, and anyone can discuss them PUBLICLY!

While I can understand a lay person not knowing this, It seems some lawyers in this town don't understand those basic legal principles. How embarrassing!

[Pam Wetula]

Is it ethical for a Fire Chief to get involved in political matters?

Ethics? We're talking about Team Summers here. It's "win at all costs".

Besides, if our "Finance Director" can double as "City Hall Social Media Co-ordinator", then why can't the Fire Chief do some PR work? #AllHandsOnDeck

Scott Gilman probably needed the second job. He is probably feeling pretty good right now. His property taxes are finally caught up after a number of years of delinquency. A recent $4607 payment shows him current on property taxes. This is all on the Cuyahoga County Auditor's site. We are probably not paying him enough as Fire Chief .

Lovely. Another upper decker pulling public files and posting the information in a forum to personally attack a man that took an oath to protect. Disrespect at it's highest level Pam and totally out of bounds. Not surprising for this place. Pam you get the Lori Allen gold Star this week. Does the mayor put around clock surveillance people out in front of your house as well?

1. It is hard to have total respect for an official who puts out misleading information to the public. Who denigrated the video from last year of 3 young firefighters who gave their honest opinions of the problems closing the hospital would provide. Who inflates the capabilities of the current & future free standing ER (actually a glorified urgent care).

2. It is a pleasure to see that Fire Chief Gilman finally renewed his EMS Certification which had been expired since 2007. He has been going around speaking on emergency care with no hands on training for 7 years. Techniques, equipment, treatments, even the list of know illnesses has changed in that time frame. All other surrounding communities had Fire Chiefs with current EMS certifications & some are certified as Instructors. Mr. Gilman stated in a City Council meeting that all Firefighters are EMS Certified. He never stated that he wasn't.

3. No one is standing outside my house that I know of but later last year with Skindell and Save Lakewood Hospital magnet & flyer on my car, I got a few extra parking tickets! I was for being over 12 inches from the curb. I measured - I was right at the 12 inch mark and so were 2 other people behind me. They had no tickets. Maybe I was just lucky. Haven't had a ticket since! Maybe it was just a coincidence.. I hope so and I can tell you that I respect our Lakewood Police. They are there when you need them.

4. I respect our Firefighters too. Our EMS are just fabulous. They have been so kind when they assisted my parents in times of need. Too bad they are endorsing to limit our access to full comprehensive healthcare coverage.

5. Many people have lost their homes because they don't pay their property taxes timely. Lori Allen has posted some of that information. Because that money is part of the Lakewood School's budget, it is important that the city receive that money. It is important to work things out with those that are having trouble paying their way too. I understand that. It is however public record.

6. Mr. Gilman owes this community an apology for not speaking on behalf of what is BEST for the citizens of Lakewood, OH. He knew this hospital closing was not the right thing to do. He knows the difference between our ER attached to a Lakewood Hospital and what we have now. He knows the time the paramedics are taking filling out paperwork at Fairview & other hospitals. He has persisted in maintaining the "company (summers) line".

I use to respect Mr. Gilman and I do respect the position of Fire Chief but I am having an issue with him aligning himself with the City and CCF's in the REDLINING of healthcare. THAT is what is going on here! The REDLINING of Healthcare.

I do not like calling people out in this manner but enough is enough. If anyone is offended by my words, I do feel bad, but in this instance I don't even want to take them back.

Vote AGAINST 64

pam

[Pam Wetula]

Is it ethical for a Fire Chief to get involved in political matters?

Ethics? We're talking about Team Summers here. It's "win at all costs".

Besides, if our "Finance Director" can double as "City Hall Social Media Co-ordinator", then why can't the Fire Chief do some PR work? #AllHandsOnDeck

Scott Gilman probably needed the second job. He is probably feeling pretty good right now. His property taxes are finally caught up after a number of years of delinquency. A recent $4607 payment shows him current on property taxes. This is all on the Cuyahoga County Auditor's site. We are probably not paying him enough as Fire Chief .

Lovely. Another upper decker pulling public files and posting the information in a forum to personally attack a man that took an oath to protect. Disrespect at it's highest level Pam and totally out of bounds. Not surprising for this place. Pam you get the Lori Allen gold Star this week. Does the mayor put around clock surveillance people out in front of your house as well?

1. It is hard to have total respect for an official who puts out misleading information to the public. Who denigrated the video from last year of 3 young firefighters who gave their honest opinions of the problems closing the hospital would provide. Who inflates the capabilities of the current & future free standing ER (actually a glorified urgent care).

2. It is a pleasure to see that Fire Chief Gilman finally renewed his EMS Certification which had been expired since 2007. He has been going around speaking on emergency care with no hands on training for 7 years. Techniques, equipment, treatments, even the list of know illnesses has changed in that time frame. All other surrounding communities had Fire Chiefs with current EMS certifications & some are certified as Instructors. Mr. Gilman stated in a City Council meeting that all Firefighters are EMS Certified. He never stated that he wasn't.

3. No one is standing outside my house that I know of but later last year with Skindell and Save Lakewood Hospital magnet & flyer on my car, I got a few extra parking tickets! I was for being over 12 inches from the curb. I measured - I was right at the 12 inch mark and so were 2 other people behind me. They had no tickets. Maybe I was just lucky. Haven't had a ticket since! Maybe it was just a coincidence.. I hope so and I can tell you that I respect our Lakewood Police. They are there when you need them.

4. I respect our Firefighters too. Our EMS are just fabulous. They have been so kind when they assisted my parents in times of need. Too bad they are endorsing to limit our access to full comprehensive healthcare coverage.

5. Many people have lost their homes because they don't pay their property taxes timely. Lori Allen has posted some of that information. Because that money is part of the Lakewood School's budget, it is important that the city receive that money. It is important to work things out with those that are having trouble paying their way too. I understand that. It is however public record.

6. Mr. Gilman owes this community an apology for not speaking on behalf of what is BEST for the citizens of Lakewood, OH. He knew this hospital closing was not the right thing to do. He knows the difference between our ER attached to a Lakewood Hospital and what we have now. He knows the time the paramedics are taking filling out paperwork at Fairview & other hospitals. He has persisted in maintaining the "company (summers) line".

I use to respect Mr. Gilman and I do respect the position of Fire Chief but I am having an issue with him aligning himself with the City and CCF's in the REDLINING of healthcare. THAT is what is going on here! The REDLINING of Healthcare.

I do not like calling people out in this manner but enough is enough. If anyone is offended by my words, I do feel bad, but in this instance I don't even want to take them back.

Vote AGAINST 64

pam

To everyone!!!

I stand corrected. Scott Gilman's Safety Inspector was renewed. He STILL is not certified as an EMS provider or instructor. I was told he was and took a quick glance at Lori's download and I misread the chart.

Your Fire Chief has no hands- On EMS training since 2004 and that certification expired in 2007. I went to the State of Ohio to check too.

Thanks Lori

Vote AGAINST 64

[Lori Allen _]

I believe now would be the perfect time for Mr. Summers to come on Deck and explain to his Lakewood citizens why our Fire Chief who is ultimately in charge of our paramedics is NOT a LICENSED paramedic in the state of Ohio. Yet, the duo has been taking their two man traveling show all over Lakewood spewing out inaccurate information to their citizens in regards to medical services and EMS services.

This is not only careless, but, I believe, this may be even criminal. You have no license Mr. Gilman, yet, you appear to passing yourself off as a qualified expert. Mr. Summers, or, Mr. Safety Director, have you been asleep at the wheel? It is YOUR responsibility to be checking on these safety departments and that includes all employees having the proper licenses.

I suppose you both got caught up in covering up the lies you all have allegedly been telling the Lakewood citizens.

As a tax paying citizen, I believe that Mr. Gilman should be relieved of his EMS supervisory position until he completes the entire Paramedic course all over again as required by the state of Ohio.

I encourage all citizens to be out and about at stores, the library, the school, etc., telling other citizens about this alleged fraud scheme. This definitely puts ALL our lives at risk. I will be visiting a lot of senior citizens this coming week to let them know about our two man traveling show, although, they have informed me that they are already on to their alleged lies and will be voting AGAINST ISSUE 64.