Well said, the prior administration really left this one holding the bag as it would have been difficult for them to have cancelled the vote. Perhaps in the long run, this waste of taxpayer dollars will be the poster child for bad government and serve as a warning to future Boards, Perhaps.
Well said, the prior administration really left this one holding the bag as it would have been difficult for them to have cancelled the vote. Perhaps in the long run, this waste of taxpayer dollars will be the poster child for bad government and serve as a warning to future Boards, Perhaps.
they never had to have the vote.....they could have been real leaders and known their constituents....what a waste....and every board is always left holding some bag.....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
We spent $30k on a vote to unnecessarily raise taxes during the worst recession since the great depression.
With Tommasone and FDG both dirtied up by the REMS vote(2to1), it creates a perfect opportunity for Brian McGarry with his consistent principled stance against the taxing district to stroll into the Supervisors seat. From what I'm hearing at the Senior Center, BM may have a whole slate of candidates riding in on his coat tails.
Gadfly - You're still not grasping the nature of this business. Were REMS dissolved, EVERYTHING they own would be sold, including their building. The only thing the town owns right now (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) are the Paramedic trucks that are dispatched from the police station. So clip REMS and everything goes up for sale --the building, the ambulances, the equipment, the uniforms, et cetera. To purchase all this today would be nearly if not wholly impossible; somewhere in the realm of tens of millions of dollars. And to simply jump through the legal hoops with the state to license an ambulance crew would cost a kings ransom in lawyer fees.
I think you're also being flippant when it comes to the REMS crew simply saying 'what the hell' and joining Mohawk. I HIGHLY doubt that would happen. As has been mentioned, Mohawk's workers aren't exactly tickled with the business to begin with. That's probably why their response times ARE inflated.
The other thing I believe your mistaken on is that their trying to set up a taxing district. I'm almost positive they were looking at a flat, per-capita fee from the town that would be negotiated much like they do in Duanesburg. You may say there's no difference here, but I think that gives the town board a lot more leverage when dealing with them.
I mentioned those names because they're the ones who have slowed this whole process down to a halt, from what I've heard. Last year, it was the two of them. Now it's just Mertz.
Bottom line: Get rid of REMS and you're stuck with Mohawk. Keep REMS and you at least have an ounce of leverage. The town would also save by merging the paramedic program into REMS. Not to mention, you have a community ambulance program. Frankly, I'd much rather have someone from my own town coming to an emergency than a private contractor.
leverage for what?
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Quoted from Hack Gadfly - You're still not grasping the nature of this business. Were REMS dissolved, EVERYTHING they own would be sold, including their building. The only thing the town owns right now (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) are the Paramedic trucks that are dispatched from the police station. So clip REMS and everything goes up for sale --the building, the ambulances, the equipment, the uniforms, et cetera. To purchase all this today would be nearly if not wholly impossible; somewhere in the realm of tens of millions of dollars. And to simply jump through the legal hoops with the state to license an ambulance crew would cost a kings ransom in lawyer fees.
I think you're also being flippant when it comes to the REMS crew simply saying 'what the hell' and joining Mohawk. I HIGHLY doubt that would happen. As has been mentioned, Mohawk's workers aren't exactly tickled with the business to begin with. That's probably why their response times ARE inflated.
The other thing I believe your mistaken on is that their trying to set up a taxing district. I'm almost positive they were looking at a flat, per-capita fee from the town that would be negotiated much like they do in Duanesburg. You may say there's no difference here, but I think that gives the town board a lot more leverage when dealing with them.
I mentioned those names because they're the ones who have slowed this whole process down to a halt, from what I've heard. Last year, it was the two of them. Now it's just Mertz.
Bottom line: Get rid of REMS and you're stuck with Mohawk. Keep REMS and you at least have an ounce of leverage. The town would also save by merging the paramedic program into REMS. Not to mention, you have a community ambulance program. Frankly, I'd much rather have someone from my own town coming to an emergency than a private contractor.
I never suggested REMS should or should not dissolve...although REMS insists they will not...but they will have to run it as a business if there is to be any hope of that...that's right...as a FOR PROFIT. And if they can't make it from here there is no point in thinking about how a failed business can be re-established...especially if it is to be unnecessarily at taxpayer expense.
Whether Mohawk employees are tickled or not, they remain there...employed. I can tell you that in the days before that vote, a fireman told me REMS personnel does not want to work for Mohawk because "working for a private company sucks"...it's the good thing the majority of the work force is more tolerant of the private sector....the real job creator....not government.
I don't know what we need leverage for, but if REMS wants to be leverage then they will have to survive on their own.
Finally, I don't think you would care where your emergency responder is from or resides...you would only care that someone was there when you needed them and you would be just as grateful to them as REMS or anyone else who came to your rescue....and if they happen to be from your community you wouldn't care if they work for the private sector either.
Personally, I would prefer REMS to answer the call -- If I or a loved one needed an ambulance. They have given great service over the years.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
No one is denying the quality of their service but it is not superior to all others and you still wouldn't care who saves you or that loved one...you probably wouldn't even think to ask if your responder is REMS, let alone deny emergency medical attention if it's not.
No one is denying the quality of their service but it is not superior to all others and you still wouldn't care who saves you or that loved one...you probably wouldn't even think to ask if your responder is REMS, let alone deny emergency medical attention if it's not.
You don't know that .. and I have had experience with Mohawk .. so I am 1000 % certain that I would want REMS responding.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
No one is denying the quality of their service but it is not superior to all others and you still wouldn't care who saves you or that loved one...you probably wouldn't even think to ask if your responder is REMS, let alone deny emergency medical attention if it's not.
My family has had experience through the years with both services. And although we were grateful to have both services when needed, there was clearly a difference.
REMS, although they arrived in a timely manner, was clearly a 'transport service' only. We could have done the same with our vehicle for only the cost of gas. It was the rotterdam paramedics that shinned! As they always do!
Mohawk also arrived in a timely manner and had all the bells and whistles including, medications, iv's and blue tooth on board to communicate with the ER before arrival. They also offer and can monitor the new invisible bracelet that holds ALL of you medical information.
REMS needs to get on board with the new technology. There are many life and time saving devices out there that would enhance their service.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
My family has had experience through the years with both services. And although we were grateful to have both services when needed, there was clearly a difference.
REMS, although they arrived in a timely manner, was clearly a 'transport service' only. We could have done the same with our vehicle for only the cost of gas. It was the rotterdam paramedics that shinned! As they always do!
Mohawk also arrived in a timely manner and had all the bells and whistles including, medications, iv's and blue tooth on board to communicate with the ER before arrival. They also offer and can monitor the new invisible bracelet that holds ALL of you medical information.
REMS needs to get on board with the new technology. There are many life and time saving devices out there that would enhance their service.
OH no one has to worry about that.....there will be accredidations all around....no certificate no worky worky....National Healthcare at it's best....dont even bother keeping track of your own health the bean counters will do that AND they will make the choices for you....first responders have a crap load of money promised to them that is being doled out in teaspoons to set up the entire system....pay attention and SHOW ME THE $$ TRAIL.....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
REMS could also face fi scal scrutiny from Supervisor Frank Del Gallo, who promised to wage an effort at recouping any payments received through the company’s past practice of billing for advanced life support services provided by the town-funded paramedics.
Rotterdam Supervisor Frank Del Gallo proposed an audit on Rotterdam Emergency Medical Service, but before pursuing any further action the Town Board decided to move the vote until after the Dec. 14 tax district vote.
Generating $$ for the town means: taxes 'saved' spent on something else---not lower taxes---TAXES 'saved' NEVER RETURN TO OUR POCKETS---someone always has plans for that $$....whether it be for the employment/contract for their friends/family or just another pet project---it is up to us as residents/citizens (not consumers), to decide what the $$ would best go to........even if we did accept them where would the "savings" go too??...sewers??
The health care industry is looking to get into place for a National Health Care which WILL INCLUDE large lucrative government contracts with companies such as Mohawk........taxes paid twice are no good either....REMEMBER THE BOSTON TEA PARTY.......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS