Keeping a closer eye on the FranklinNOW as the Spring 2010 elections loom, I was disappointed to see the coverage on the compromising to ensure a police officer and firefighter/EMT is hired in 2010. While correct in saying that aldermen are looking at ways to add another officer and firefighter, little-to-nothing in terms of credit goes towards the aldermen working to make it happen.
Based on the many conversations I have had with aldermen (and Finance Committee members) Steve Taylor and Kristen Wilhelm, I'm 100x more confident that they're working for a compromise in the budget rather than the NOW favorite, Alderman Steve Olson. For the NOW to insert a quote from Olson and ONLY from Olson gives the readers only the indication that Olson is interested in filling in vacant positions. This is not the case in the least.
Meanwhile, CCP Taylor and Alderwoman Wilhelm have been rather adamant in their desires to see an additional firefighter/EMT and police officer back on the payroll.
Taylor's passion is likely with the fact that if the 2010 budget passes as-is, both fire stations that serve the eastern half of Franklin, his district included, will be understaffed. No one would want to campaign for re-election in 2011 along the lines of saving constituents a buck or two but at the same time response times for fire and EMT services spiked. Residents want a quality fire department that will be there in a timely manner if they're having a serious health problem.
Wilhelm's passion is along the lines of the rash of break-ins in her district, including some robberies. No alderman can easily dismiss the increase of criminal activity and then agree to a budget that shrinks the police department. Constituents demand that safety and security are top priorities and goals for any community.
Upon that review, let's take a look at Olson's district, which is also my own. My district, the 1st district, is served by the fire department's headquarters, which is across the street from the library. If the vacancies aren't filled in with the 2010 budget, my district sees little-to-no impact since the headquarters is always properly staffed. My district is also home to the Law Enforcement Center, which provides 1st District residents with almost immediate response by the police department if something criminal occurs. If there are two districts that will not notice the lack of services, it would be the 1st and 2nd districts due to their proximity to the headquarters of both the police and fire departments.
With all of that said, if I was the NOW reporter would I take a quote from Olson or from an alderman where the vacancies really hurt, like Taylor or Wilhelm?
