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Dear DanElliott,

I preferred to stay out of this one because I felt it would end up as a name calling complaint session and wow was I right. I did want to respond to you however Dan, because you and I have had several respectful conversations. We didn't agree on everything but we both benefited from the talks in my opinion, and I welcome more of them.

I did dozens of hours of research in 2015 and 2016 about this issue, spoke in person to Chief Armstrong and several others and I conclude that in regards to the shopping runs:

1. About 95% of them are before punch-in and the firefighters are in street clothes so they are never noticed as firefighters.

2. The remaining 5% are in uniform, oftentimes before the firefighter is "on the clock". Sometimes that food run can't be helped. Sometimes it can. Should we cut them some slack when that happens? I think so. Armstrong admitted it was wrong. I agree, but it's a minor issue, not anything to bring to Federal Court especially against people who risk their lives to keep our homes safe.

As far as the gas usage, I attended the same meeting Cote did and I spoke with Councilman Ladouceur the next day about it. I suggested that Warwick pre-purchase gas for all departments at one time. This would allow for the biggest possible quantity discount maximizing the money saved to the taxpayers. (That is the big picture in my opinion). Then, arrange for delivery times and locations as needed, just as a chain store orders goods from a manufacturer. This would also help the City Council monitor quantities being used by each department on a monthly basis and identify any abuses immediately. He agreed and again, Ed and I don't always agree, but I think respectful dialog is the way to improve things in Warwick, not constant insults, put-downs and complaining. I have never given or gotten an insult from Ed Ladoucuer in the 30 years I have known him. If someone doesn't like the present way Warwick is doing something and they have a BETTER IDEA, that person deserves respect for working on the solution, not barking about the problem. That person deserves to be listened to and admired. However, if they just want to b**ch and complain without being part of the solution, then I have no use for them and neither should you or any of the 80,000 taxpayers that are paying the tab.

Talk soon my friend.

Happy Easter to you and your family.

Rick Corrente

The Taxpayers Mayor