In response to Mayor Tom Donaldson’s column in the Eagle about the fire department:

Donaldson is what the Indians call “white man who speaks with forked tongue.” He gives half truths on facts.

Donaldson states that the fire department doesn’t give much. The department at one time had 31 firefighters. Through negotiations over the years they have taken the department down to 17. They have given up some of their call-out pay, from four hours to three hours; the vacation time has been cut back for new hires.

Donaldson addressed residency and part-time work on their off time, as well as call-out response. First, there are more than seven firemen living in the city. Their part-time work has never been an issue on responses to a call-out. There has always been really good response of the men when needed while off duty.

No offense toward the police department, I have great respect for them, but Donaldson failed to mention that just about all police officers live outside the city and that some of them have part-time work also.

As for him balking against the promotions: the adoption of the Third Class City Code for testing of promotions was adopted after the current contract was signed. The code does not supersede a contract. He has been informed of this, but does not accept the legality of the issue.

It sounds more like a personal thing. We have already seen his personal clashes. Maybe the people of Butler should take a good look at their mayor.

Donaldson, your ego and arrogance doesn’t become you. Your ignorance does.