Why is it that when the majority of the public being served by both fire and police departments realize the importance of these services, that the politicians responsible for funding act as if it is not necessary to grant contracts containing minimal raises?

Some administrators appear to rate the value of the departments very low on the chain of budgetary decisions.

Both Portland and Auburn appear to resist entering into contracts, using the excuse that funds are short and that they cannot afford increases. In some cases, even when a contract is finally signed, some do not grant increases called for under the contract agreed upon on a timely basis. Where is the 2 percent increase due the Auburn Fire Department last summer?

I believe that those politicians should spend a week shadowing a member of the departments.

Try working with the police personnel who, when responding to a call, place themselves at risk.

Try working with the fire department responding to building fires, traffic accidents and physical needs of the public. Upon returning to the station from a call, many hours are spent on maintenance.

Having served on both fire and police services, I have seen this malady of funding exist as politicians tend to make fire and rescue services work with either improper pay or being made to nearly beg for fiscal recognition.

The time has come for politicians to realize the importance and need of these services and to properly provide funding to pay for them.

Raymond Waterhouse, Poland

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