Save 2 Grand - Two Questions For The Price Of One

“Actually he is pushing for his own department despite the 

warnings of the First Selectman that "they need to get a budget passed, 

first".  But then again what's a first selectman to a self styled "chief"? He 

keeps pushing while Gormley keeps ducking issues.”

There are no warnings from the First Selectman.  The MVFD and the First Selectman are working very well together and have an open communication.  Unlike the previous administration Mr. Gormley keeps the lines of communications open.

It looks like there will be an Engine question on the next ballot.  It costs approximately $2000 to have a referendum.  Why spend $2000.00 on the next budget referendum, and then spend another $2000.00 on the Engine referendum.  It does not make a lot of sense to separate them.

Despite what Mr. DeAngelis will tell you, the MVFD fleet is rapidly aging.  It has 4 pieces of apparatus over the age of 20 years old. In 3 years Engine 1 will be over 20 years old as well.  You can’t delay apparatus replacement forever or you will end up like Monroe which is facing bonding 6 pieces of fire apparatus.

None of this would have been necessary, if former First Selectman Ed St. John did not trade apparatus replacement for political retribution. The Town was on-target to replace Engine 2, Engine 4, and Rescue 1 back in 2003. These pieces would have already been replaced.  Now taxpayers in Middlebury will pay higher prices for new fire apparatus.