Editor, Times-Union: I would like to take this opportunity to clarify several issues that appeared in Saturday's edition of the Times-Union.
The meeting that was held between the Pierceton Town Board and Washington Township Board was intended to provide a proactive look at the current needs and concerns of the fire department and to evaluate the possible future needs of the department.
First off, Pierceton Fire Department is very fortunate in terms of equipment and apparatus. We are set up to provide top-notch service to the residents that we protect, but in order to remain this way, we need to be proactive in our approach to future needs. The article referenced fire station expansions. The article should have stated that we may need to evaluate the need for station modifications in the future and that grant opportunities would be pursued to accomplish any needed modifications.
In one section of the article when referencing the first responders, the article stated that the reason that the fire department became a first responder department is because someone needed a certification to operate a defibrillator. What was stated in the meeting is that the fire department became a first responder department because K21 made automatic defibrillators available to all county fire departments. In order to carry the defibs on the apparatus, the department had to become a BLS non-transport service provider. The department made the decision to begin assisting the EMS providers by responding to ambulance calls with them. The first responder program has been operating since Jan. 1, 2005. The fire department first responders have been dispatched on all ambulance calls since then. In 2005, PFD first responders were dispatched on 148 requests for medical service. In light of recent changes, the first responders will continue to respond to the needs of the community.
The article also made reference to the possibility of a radio repeater system and that North Webster would be interested in funding the project. What was actually said in the meeting was that in the event that a countywide repeater system is not possible, Pierceton and North Webster could explore the possibility of placing a repeater system in a location that would provide service to both departments and that the cost could be split between the two organizations.
The officers of the Pierceton Fire Department
Gordon Baker, chief Tim Meloy, assistant chief
Matt Brubaker, captain Erick Taylor, 1st lt. Joe Lardino, 2nd lt.
KDI Agendas
Editor, Times-Union: Again a special interest group, the KDI (otherwise known as the Kosciusko Development Corporation) is requesting taxpayers' money to fund its own agenda. As much as this group would have it appear that they are not a special interest group, the truth is this group is solely under the direction of The Chamber of Commerce. This Corporation is set up as a nonprofit corporation. If this be so, then don't ask the taxpayers to fund it.
The county council was right to turn down the use of any taxpayers money no matter what this corporation may give as an excuse for this money. For the truth is the county council has members who are part of this so-called corporation which makes a conflict of interest when public money is to be used to fund a private enterprise in order to further its agenda. Now this funding issue is to be put up to the county commissioners to see if they will approve of this money.
So let's review the commissioners status with regard to this special interest group to see if a conflict exist. Mr. Truex holds the position of executive officer in this corporation. Which means he has a say in all of the ongoing pending functions as well as directing others. Mrs. Gunter was a past president of this same corporation while at the same time holding an elected office of county commissioner. And is still, as to this writer's knowledge, very much in attendance at the meetings. Making both of these county commissioners having what would appear as a serious conflict of interest. Either they are elected representatives, office holders to the office of county commissioner by the voting public; or they represent this special interest corporation.
As a further review of this special interest group, it is mainly made up of those who would further the interests of the business corporations than the public's. Although not well publicized, it is no secret that these special interest corporations use their member status as lobbyists to get their self-interest points across to those who hold public office. One of the main points made by these so-called corporations is that the members will able to have both direct and indirect contact to not only local, but to both state and federal elected representatives over and beyond that of the common person.
Marvin Gunter Warsaw, via e-mail
Cussing Is Bad
Editor, Times-Union: I am an eighth-grader in middle school. Every day in the classroom, in the hallways, and on the bus, I hear disturbing words. Cuss words. About half of the students in schools today are saying mean and vile words. I have a few opinions and questions about these words.
To the students, my peers, does it make one "cool" to cuss? Does cussing give some sort of pleasure to one? Is it a way of releasing stress? Please tell me exactly why one cusses? Teachers, principals, and well-minded students - I ask you the same. Why do people today put up with such negative words? Is it not about time for someone to stand up and do something? Could it be that there are too many students saying unkind words to the extent where no one can stop them from cussing? That may be true, but can't something be done?
Violence and drugs are not the only things for parents to worry about. Foul language can be as addictive as drugs and as harmful as violence. Not only are cuss words heard in school, but in the community. Four- and three-letter words can ruin a community's, a school's, a family's and a person's reputation. Why bring down the reputations of others? Why kill the joy and happiness in people?
Some will read this and say, "Well, good for her ... way to take a stand." Others will say, "This is a free country and I have the freedom of speech." Freedom of speech is in the First Amendment. It was intended to allow citizens of the USA to criticize the government. People today stretch America's freedoms way too far.
Cussing shows disrespect and stupidity. I believe it is simply rude. There is absolutely no reason for one to cuss unless one is not in their right mind. For example, in an argument people will lose their temper and words will slip. That I can easily forgive. Purposely and commonly using cuss words is not right. I am sick and tired of putting up with people's ignorance and I know others are, too. At the time all I can do is share my opinions and thank those who stand by me.
