About that "Special Message"...................................................................

To understand the numerous ironies embedded in the Mayor's message to the SSVFD, you about had to be there, to witness the true facts as they unfolded. For a better understanding of the background and to recognize the irony is his statements go back into my archive and review the posts of June 4th and 10th of 2008. In addition, take a look at George Kowalski's blog regarding the contract negotiations, and review the Town Council Minutes of June 3, 2008. I believe you will then be able to develop a true picture of the situation.

When reading the meeting minutes, realize that this is not a "word for word" account but a synopsis of what was said. I could swear I remember that the exact text of the Mayor's statement was originally attached to the posted minutes, but is no longer there.

To convey an idea of the demeanor in which his statement was delivered I have to relate these two comments from the audience: The lady sitting next to me, "That was scary, is he always like that?", or the minister's wife, who in the public comment period at the end of the meeting was inspired to throw her arms up in the air in frustration and loudly proclaim "I can't frickin' believe this!".

There are two points in Don's email that I can only describe as egregiously disingenuous:

1. He refers to the SSVFD, Dare County EMS, and SSPD, as having "tireless dedication to serve, manage, and administer first-class organizations". These are the very same people that he insulted and forced to walk out of the June 3, 2008 meeting. Remember this, they were present at this meeting for an awards ceremony, to celebrate the saving of two lives (one of the victims was actualy present). Why would he seek at that time, the dissolution and forced take over of a "first-class organization"?

2. Although he professes at the end of the email that he has ".....always had a deep respect for the SSVFD" and further states ".....ask yourselves how you would feel if you were unjustly attacked?", I believe Mayor Smith has failed to recognize the ultimate irony of all.