By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
With the decision regarding a new fire chief likely to come down the pike over the next month and a half, the importance of the Police and Fire Commission in the City of Burlington was challenged Tuesday night.
With the Common Council considering a list of new appointments – which new Mayor Jeannie Hefty brought forward in order to bring new blood to the various committees – the proposed appointment of Kevin Morrow to the Police and Fire Commission drew a good deal of discussion.
Morrow, along with the other eight appointees, was eventually approved, but not without it first being proposed that his appointment be declined.
The motion made by Alderman Tom Preusker originally read that all of the appointees with the exception of Morrow be approved.
At the heart of the issue with Morrow is his status as a former City of Burlington firefighter, who resigned after 23 years on the fire department. He was one of several who left under the tenure of Fire Chief Perry Howard, who announced his resignation in December and will be leaving in June.
Preusker and some of the other aldermen took issue that Morrow left with the department hurting for numbers, and also worried that being a former – and recent – firefighter in the department could influence his decision-making ability.
“He may have to judge people he likes – or doesn’t like,” Preusker said.
For her part, Hefty said Morrow was a dedicated firefighter who left when the training got to be too much.
“He is there to be a citizen to support the fire department moving forward,” Hefty said.
Alderman Jon Schultz argued a point that all aldermen agreed to when the discussion finally ended – that candidates should be on hand to talk about themselves or present a resume so aldermen could vet the appointees next time.
Hefty also admitted during the discussion that she knows two of the fire chief candidates – the six making the first cut have not been announced yet. She sent an email to the commission and to aldermen April 28 saying she would not offer input on the selection as a result.
Morrow will not be involved in the selection of the new fire chief, either.
A motion to amend the original motion to include Morrow’s appointment passed by a 4-3 vote, and the vote on all appointees then passed unanimously.
The other new appointees are: Ellen Blair to the Library Board; Lori Haas to the Library Board; Jill Stobber to the Park Board; Jennifer Amborn to the Park Board and Chad Redman to the Plan Commission.
Clay Brandt and Jeff Schopp were re-appointed to the Park Board, and Ralph Heck reappointed to the Burlington Housing Authority.
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So… This dedicated firefighter left when the heat got hot so to speak because there was some additional training. Are you sure it wasn’t because his cousin who is the rescue chief told him to leave with him. Just another sheep in the herd for hefty. Doesn’t matter hefty or miller it’s the same, just a name change.
Let me get this straight: The cousin of the Rescue Chief (who rumor has it has applied for the Fire Chief Position) will be on the commission that hires the next fire chief? Well here we go again!! I guess the pendulum is just swinging the other way. When we will get someone in office that is on the up and up!!
The rescue squad chief who is the cousin of the new police and Fire commission member didn’t pass the muster to get on the list for full time firefighter but now wants to be the chief… What are his qualifications. A relative? Or just a good ole boy.
“He is there to be a citizen to support the fire department moving forward” Hefty said. Oh really, to support the fire department. Really?!! Mayor Hefty you might want to talk with someone who knows what the role of a police commision member of a police and fire commission should be. Just a little hint they are not their to “support” they are to be appointed to hire, fire, and approve promotions on an objective basis. Now that you have indicated this member is there to support, I question whether they can fulfill their duties as an objective member. I just don’t understand how this happening!! I thought this was supposed to be change but if this is an indication of things to come, good ole boy!!! Appointing your friends for political payback is not what we need in Burlington. Well I guess we get vote again in 2 years.