Letters to the Editors

Those who risk their lives deserve decent pay raises

Re: Firefighters, paramedics protest proposed raises, story, March 29.

I am outraged -- outraged -- that the very people who are being praised as our heroes are now being treated so shabbily. I could not believe my eyes when I drove past our Clearwater firefighters and paramedics handing out fliers that indicate they are getting a raise of only 11/2 percent this year (and all they are asking for is a measly 3 percent, when that doesn't even take care of the rise in the cost of living).

In these sad times of war, I have heard plenty about "Remember 9/11." I say now that I DO remember 9/11. When there was horror, we had brave men and women who exposed their lives to help the people of New York recover. There were volunteers from this area and throughout the United States who went to New York to help. Now it seems our city officials are spitting on them. I say it is shameful.

These firefighters and paramedics are family people. How are they expected to support their families with this kind of raise? They should be paid as heroes.
-- Carmen Trankovsky, Clearwater

Paltry pay increase unacceptable

Re: Firefighters, paramedics protest proposed raises, story, March 29.

I find it appalling that the city manager received an 8.3 percent increase, some city employees received a 4 percent increase, the police received 4 percent and yet our firefighters and paramedics, who have asked for only 3 percent, have been offered only 11/2 percent. This is unacceptable.

They risk their lives for us. Give them what they are asking for!
-- Flo Scarfia, Clearwater

Don't shortchange local heroes

Re: Firefighters, paramedics protest proposed raises, story, March 29.

We are writing you to express our concern and dismay that our firefighters and paramedics would be offered an insulting raise of 11/2 percent. Clearly, they deserve as much, if not more, than general city employees and police. These brave men and women are heroes and risk their lives every day to ensure that the public is safe. We find it appalling that they would be offered a measly 11/2 percent raise by the city.

Now, on the other hand, the city manager is receiving an 8.3 percent raise. Give me a break. Our firefighters and paramedics have every right to be insulted, angry and upset about this issue. Who has the most dangerous job? Does that city manager lay his life on the line daily?
-- Dick and Wanda Urwick, Clearwater

-- Editor's note: City officials say the union is leaving out a part of the proposal -- a pay increase based on longevity of employment -- to make the offer seem lower than it is. The city is offering firefighters and paramedics increases between 4 percent and 6.5 percent, said Garry Brumback, Clearwater assistant city manager.
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