Letters

Firefighters are critical of SFD administration

Growing concerns about apathy and lack of responsiveness by the Saratoga Fire Department administration has led to the formation of a firefighter and citizen group known as the Firefighter and Citizen Task Force (FACT). The FACT was formed with the intention of giving the citizens of Saratoga a clearer idea of what has transpired at the Saratoga Fire District over the past several years, and what the future could hold for the citizens.

The FACT was created as the SFD firefighters and Saratoga citizens became increasingly frustrated with the administration's poor attitude toward the continued requests and proposals put forth by the firefighters.

Through the process of trying to work with the administration, it has become clear that they have an agenda they wish to follow regardless of the input from the firefighters and citizens. Because of the broken promises and closed-mindedness of the administration, the firefighters feel that as elected officials, the SFD commissioners should be held accountable for their actions.

Over the past few years there have been several points of contention between the firefighters and the administration. These key points have proven the lack of effective leadership in the current administration and left the firefighters with few alternatives to provide a safe environment for themselves and the citizens of Saratoga.

The problems deal with the bond, the level-of-service study, the acquisition of the property behind the station, the administration's willingness to implement ideas without exploring all options, and finally, the letter [run as a paid advertisement in the Saratoga News] attacking the Saratoga firefighters and Santa Clara County Fire Department.

When the union first approached the administration with the suggestions to look into merging with County Fire, it was the union's hope that common sense and reason would prevail throughout the process. Unfortunately, it seems as though all efforts have failed, and the administration seems to be ignoring the citizens, firefighters and other political entities in the city.

Due to the examples cited above, as well as many others, the union has lost all confidence in the current administration and their ability to effectively, and safely, run the department.

While the union still plans to pursue the option of contracting with the county, it also must provide for the short-term safety of the department and the city. With this in mind the union is now actively looking for citizens within our district interested in the position of fire commissioner. The union is looking for interested citizens to run for the two seats on the November ballot.

The union is looking for citizens who are fair, open-minded, receptive to public opinion, progressive and, above all, honest! Anyone interested can contact the union local for more information at 408.535.0244.

Bill Morrison
President, Firefighters Union, Local 3875

Bogosian supports rights people to express beliefs

Several weeks ago, Saratoga Mayor Stan Bogosian issued a resolution supporting the rights of Falun Gong practitioners to peaceably assemble and to exercise their free speech wherever they live. In the Jan. 10 issue of the Saratoga News, Bogosian told us of the attempts by the Communist Chinese government to get him to withdraw his resolution on the Falun Gong.

I am pleased Bogosian informed us about his visit from the Chinese government and their systematic program to put pressure on cities to withdraw similar Falun Gong resolutions.

I also appreciate Stan's spirit in standing up and supporting the rights of all people to peaceably assemble and express their beliefs.

For those interested, the Falun Gong resolution is available to the public by calling the Saratoga city clerk at 408.868.1269.

Jack Mallory
Former Saratoga City Councilman
Kirkdale Drive

Democrats should accept election result graciously

I am responding to the letter from Robert Kwok and family in the Dec. 27 issue of the Saratoga News. First I would like to clear up one item, this is a Republic, not a Democracy. Check your Pledge of Allegiance.

In comparing an election and a football game, it should be remembered that there are laws pertaining to an election, and there are rules pertaining to the football game. A judge is the person that decides if the laws are being followed. A referee is the person that decides if the rules of the game are being followed. The highest court of this country decided that some of the laws were not being followed in the counting of the votes and the decisions being made in Florida.

I do not see any comparison of stopping a game before the time had expired. All of the polls stayed open during the hours stated by law. Some polls in Missouri were kept open after the legal closing time so the Democrats could bus in some voters.

It is not the responsibility of the judges to extend the time, as that would be making a law. In Florida the polls closed, and the votes were counted. Bush was declared the winner. Then, in some of the districts the count was close to the point, according to law, a recount was required. The recount was made, and Bush was still the winner.

Then according to law, the secretary of state declared Bush the winner. That should have been the end of it. But Gore tried all the sleazy maneuvers to get it overturned. The Gore camp went as far as trying to coerce some of the Republican electoral college to vote for him. Now that is downright dirty politics.

I would like to point out that the election of Nixon vs. Kennedy, there was illegal voting in Chicago. Dead people voting, etc., that could have possibly overturned that election. President Eisenhower and Nixon, not wanting to put the election process in a turmoil, and contest it, graciously conceded the election.

Kennedy became president, and the country rallied behind him, and did not start kicking and pouting about him being the President.

It shows a disrespect to our flag to fly it at half-staff because of your displeasure. The "Code of Etiquette for Display and Use of the U.S. Flag" states, "Flying the flag at half-staff, that is, half way up the staff, is a signal of mourning."

The code makes it clear that the mourning is for death of an individual or individuals. If you are not familiar with the code for flying the flag, one place that you may find it is in the World Almanac.

Marvin Becker
Mellowood Drive

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