Firefighter pact to make for 'hot' council vote

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 12/12/19

By JOHN HOWELL According to a fiscal note prepared by city Finance Director Brian Silvia, the three-year tentative firefighters contract to be considered by the City Council this coming Monday has a net savings of $395,856 and will result in an OPEB

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Firefighter pact to make for 'hot' council vote

Posted

According to a fiscal note prepared by city Finance Director Brian Silvia, the three-year tentative firefighters contract to be considered by the City Council this coming Monday has a net savings of $395,856 and will result in an OPEB trust fund paid by future employees that will result in a 30 percent co-payment of their health care costs in retirement.

While that is all positive, in the opinion of City Council President Steve Merolla, the contract fails to address immediate fiscal concerns and based on the projections for escalating school and health care costs of current retirees, the city won’t be able to raise the funds to meet demands. By state law, the city can’t raise the tax levy by more than 4 percent without legislative approval, meaning the maximum it can raise from increased taxes is $8 million.

Mayor Joseph Solomon anticipates there will be critics of the contract and those who will say it doesn’t go far enough to rein in costs.

“There’s a lot of negatives out there and naysayers,” he said in an interview Wednesday. He said for that reason, he doesn’t plan to attend the council meeting and will depend on his financial team and his chief of staff, who he called the “best of the best,” to outline the contract and answer questions.

The tentative agreement was not announced until it had been approved by firefighters.

Solomon said he learned his lesson this summer when he announced the administration and the union leadership had reached a three-year agreement of zero raises, only to have it rejected by the membership.

He didn’t draw comparisons between the two agreements, but added, “I’m very proud of [the latest] contract.”

The tentative agreement calls for a reduction of two personal days, one holiday and four sick days, and the increase by a year between new hires and Grade 1 as well as a year’s increase between Grade 2 and Grade 3.

For a first time, the contract would establish a trust to pay for post-employment benefits other than pensions, known as OPEB. This would require new hires to pay 2 percent of their pay into the trust. There would be no city contributions to the trust.

Solomon sees the provision as “setting the stage” for contract negations with police and municipal employees and addressing the long-term liability of health care costs for retirees.

Merolla agrees the fund would do that.

“The problem is not the new employees,” he said in a telephone call, “the problem is the current employees.” He said the issue extends beyond OPEB as firefighter pensions still have compounded cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs.

He said he expects the City Council to “do our due diligence and tell [the administration] what we can afford.”

Given the projections of an independent school audit that were presented to a joint meeting of the council and School Committee last Wednesday, Merolla pointed out that schools alone are projected to need an additional $8 million next year. He notes that amounts to what a maximum tax increase would yield.

“And we have four contracts with provisions that we can’t pay,” he said.

In addition, the tentative firefighters agreement would end arbitration, with the exception of salary increases, for the contract ending during the administration of former mayor Scott Avedisian. Going forward, there would be no increase in the first year followed by 2-percent increases in the second and third years.

Solomon was critical of those critical of the contract.

“They don’t possess the knowledge of an actuary or a bonding agent. They don’t have the tools. Maybe they should look into them,” he said.

Merolla made of point that the financial forecasts he’s using are from actuaries and financial advisors.

Solomon feels the “crisis” is trumped up and the situation sensationalized. He says he’s bitten his tongue.

“I’ve been uncharacteristically a very quiet person,” he said.

The council meeting is slated to start at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, but the debate over the contract, which will set the stage for a vote, will start with the Finance Committee at 5 p.m.

Comments

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  • Reality

    Mr. Solomon....it's the taxpayers who supported you that have been quiet for so long. It will change shortly.

    This contract is a JOKE !!!!

    This is a Avedisian contract plain and simple.

    If this contract is so great why isn't Solomon going to be there to defend it ?

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    The city won big time on this contract. Yet it’s still not enough for the greatest lawyer of Ward 5..... I hope they sink it. The arbitration attorney was going to give them a higher raise anyway.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • joemomma

    sup stacia

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    The taxpayers are screwed in this contract. Solomon is most arguably the biggest coward in the history of the city. He doesn't have the guts to face the music or the questions by the council let alone answer questions from the people paying the bill. This man is an unmitigated failure back stabbing coward. Solomon lets the fire department steal from the taxpayers and get away with it. He is not a leader, he is a political hack used car salesman. He should be ashamed of himself. Any Mayor that doesn't have the guts to show up to defend a contract that he negotiated is not fit for office.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    OMG the haters will never be satisfied! Tier 2 implementation, days give backs, OPEB fund , co pay for heath care in retirement, small raise . Thank you for your service. Cote and Block are idiots!

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    The residents should all call Solomon and express their disgust for his cowardess.

    401-474-4001 and 401-487-2360

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Reality

    How long before Solomon starts calling taxpayers who question him "HATERS" ?

    Considering he's Avedisian's clone, it probably won't be long.

    Solomon is a disgrace.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Captain,

    Not sure if you listened to your boy Dan Yorke tonight but it was stated VERY CLEARLY, Vinny Ragusta agreed to and re wrote this contract... what your side now. You are over your head. Go away.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    Looks like three very professional attorneys got this contract squared away. All though Block and Yorke seem to have good intentions, Cote ruins their credibility. The Captain is the town fool, last seen stalking firemen and funerals, so sick.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    On March 2 2019, Ragusta stated on the Matt Allen show that the tier 2 language was never in the 2012 or the 2015 contract. here is the link , go to the 2:30 mark and listen.

    https://www.spreaker.com/user/wpro/vin-ragosta?tab=messages&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=user%3A10516014&utm_term=messages_button

    Here is page 42 of the 2015 contract where the language is specifically stated. Also stated in the tentative agreement and in the ordinance. Signed by your buddy the crook Bill Lloyd.

    ARTICLE XIV

    SECTION 1. PENSION PAYMENTS

    a. Payments into the Fire Department Pension Fund by employees of the department and the City shall be made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Warwick Code or Ordinances, Chapter 20, Fire Protection and Fire Protection and Prevention.

    b. In Tier I, each member who is an employee, the amount of the members' contributions shall be adjusted to one-third of the annual contribution rate for Tier I determined by the actuary in accordance with section 20-242(c). In Tier II, each member who is an employee, the amount of the members' contributions shall be adjusted to one-third of the annual contribution rate for Tier II determined by the actuary in accordance with section 20-242(c). The actuary shall evaluate Tier I and Tier II as a single fund for the purpose of determining the pension contributions for the city (the two-thirds share of the total), but shall determine separate employee contribution rates for members of Tier I and Tier II, reflecting one-third of the difference in the value of the benefit being provided under this plan for the two tiers.

    Joe Penza went on Dan Yorke today and also stated that the language was not in the 2015 contract. It clearly is.

    And you guys call it "bargaining in good faith"?

    The defense rests.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Captain,

    Stop with the BS cut and paste. Your buddy Ragusta agreed (for the city) to this contract. End of story. The people you wanted negotiating this were in place. You will never accept any result. ZERO CREDIBILITY...

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Captain dumbass no &$@$& it’s in there but it wasn’t supposed to be as the city and firefighters union didn’t negotiate it to be included.

    The city went ahead and put it in when it went to print that’s why the firefighters filed arbitration.

    They filed it because it was never mentioned at the negotiating table and it was never presented to the firefighters by there union because it wasn’t discussed between the local and the city.

    That’s the issue Captain dumbass now go play with someone’s balls already.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    Nay-sayers will whine unless the city switches to a volunteer fire department. I’m not interested in their drivel as they have other agendas which fuel their hatred of the firemen.

    A good negotiation has both parties leaving the table unsatisfied. It is a fair deal for the city and for the firemen.

    I’m honestly surprised the Jakes went for it....they gave up quite a bit. Solomon’s negotiation team did well. Although I think he should show up and present his proposed agreement.

    Thursday, December 12, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Seems to me that when you sign a contract that has certain language in it, it is assumed that you agreed to the language when you signed it. In the private business world when you sign a contract you own it. If I sign a contract for a mortgage on my house and the language of the contract says the mortgage is at 8 % interest, can I go back 4 years later and say that even though the language is in the contract the banker never spoke to me about it?

    Seems like common sense issues differ in the union world as opposed to the real world.

    Friday, December 13, 2019 Report this

  • FASTFREDWARD4

    Just put it in , Stop crying , You cant put a price tag on pupil safety. the good old yrs when LIC was in the corner office.

    Friday, December 13, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Unknown where any of you live but someday you will call 911 for a medical call or a fire for yourself or a loved one and you will be treated professionally and respectfully.

    You will also be grateful and thankful to the job we do.

    You won’t dare tell us at this time that we aren’t worthy of our pay or benefits out of fear.

    Once your issue is over you will be back on here blasting us again over something.

    On here your all tough and have plenty to say but we all have to go sometime and usually it’s starts with a 911 call for help.

    I don’t know why I even respond when it’s a handful out of thousands in the city that think poorly of us.

    I prefer the ones who say thank you and appreciate us which far outnumber the negative 10 who are on here.

    Friday, December 13, 2019 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Daydreambeliever, there are plenty of people who appreciate the hard work and dedication you all put into your job everyday. There are also plenty of good people who don't want their children to live in a City with run down schools, high taxes, limited services and crippling debt. I am not suggesting we're there right now but the future isn't exactly bright unless significant changes are made.

    I appreciate the effort from both sides negotiating the WFD contract. After the 1st contract was rejected it didn't look promising in terms of something getting done but I'm glad cooler heads prevailed. It's not perfect, nothing is. I think the uneasiness from most taxpayers is long term debt. New hires are a great place to start but I think its fair to ask if that alone can sustain the pension system for generations of retirees. Again, this is a good start toward improving the city's fiscal health but not everyone asking questions is out to get public employees.

    In closing, for months multiple WFD members have commented here and taken the Mayor to task for what they believed was irresponsible decision making (leaking the first contract agreement, questioning whether Solomon was negotiating through the media etc) and I agreed with those criticisms 100%. Over the last couple weeks, those criticisms have essentially gone away. My question to the WFD members who have criticized Solomon in the past is what's changed? Did Mayor Solomon take a different approach to negotiating? Is this deal a dramatically better deal for the WFD than the last deal offered? Was there agreement between the WFD that once a deal was reached it was time to move on and not criticize? I'm wondering if the relationship has improved at all after these developments.

    Friday, December 13, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Scal,

    This is a great deal for the city. While the rest of the unions got a 8.25% raise over three years the WFD took 6.25% over 4 years. Good faith effort from both sides. This contract was about moving forward. The many lies purported from Mr Cote and some in the city council that the department was stealing, being investigated by the FBI, abusing sick time all turned out blatantly false. I believe both sides wanted to move on from the petty talk. The council Pres will ramble on Monday night against this deal while deep dii I win knowing it’s good for the city.

    Friday, December 13, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Why doesn’t Captain blabber mouth speak out about the WPD healthcare for active and retired that is exactly the same of the WFD?

    I never hear him or anyone bash the WPD as they do the fire department regarding these topics why is that ?

    I’ll use Captain blabber mouths answer “no balls”.

    Saturday, December 14, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    The captain is trying to rewrite his script for Monday night. Now that he knows his guy, the lawyer he wanted went over this contract line by line and approved it. All of the crimes he said the WFD committed..... why was the captain the only one that thought they were crimes? Zero credibility...

    Saturday, December 14, 2019 Report this

  • Reality

    Councilman Solomon is certainly NOT Mayor Solomon.

    Councilman Solomon stood up for the taxpayers while Mayor Solomon is on his knees for the unions.

    What a chameleon !

    I don't know how Solomon can look himself in the mirror.

    Sunday, December 15, 2019 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    Cote and Stacia just keep replying under different names. They are obsessive to the point if mental illness, especially Stacia. Didn't she move?

    Monday, December 16, 2019 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    Stacia the goddess could save this town. She is like Wonder Woman. better not let her spin around or else!

    Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Report this

  • Scott58

    Seems pretty generous for getting cats out of trees....... just saying.

    Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    Here's a WPRI news story on it:

    https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/west-bay/warwick-city-council-to-vote-on-new-contract-for-firefighters/

    Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Scot58,

    Here's hoping when your parents, children or loved one suffers a medical emergency that the Fire department is to busy rescuing cats out of trees and your loved one suffers in agony for a prolonged period of time having to wait.

    Just saying ......

    Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    Does anyone else find it strange that a woman (stacia) is so hell bent on continuing her anti-warwick tirade even though she is no longer a tax paying citizen of this city? I mean...she moved out of the city yet still keeps up her lunatic facebook page all about warwick. Its proof that her issues are all about "vengence" cause scotty wiped the floor with her.

    Stacia...get a grip and move on. I'm sure there are some firetrucks in charlestown you can chase.

    Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    I think remarks like the cat rescue remark are of zero help to the debate, which is, how much compensation and retirement is fair, and how much can we truly honestly afford. That is the problem we need to solve in Warwick.

    If a FF came to rescue my cat I would be very grateful for that extra service and I know they would never sacrifice anyone's safety or coverage to do that.

    Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    The Stalling Merolla got what he deserves today. Time for a new Council President...

    Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    Jimmy 100% with ya, ram these multimillion dollar obligations right through before anyone can think about what it will cost. Heard on WPRO that someone was at the door of the last meeting telling taxpayers the meeting was closed! That's another great tactic to calm things down. If the public cant go inside, they cant get stirred up and all that. Cool.

    Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Report this

  • Observant1

    This contract starts progress towards open for all city contracts. If left to an arbitrator ( which has ruled in the unions favor) this could potentially cost the city much more in the long run. The arbitrator will look at what the other unions received for raises 2.75 x3 as well as what similar neighboring communities have for man power which could lead to more firefighters ie .. salaries ,benefits and most importantly legacy costs .

    Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    See you January 6th Captain Blabbermouth.

    I, I, I, I don’t you ever get tired of stroking yourself ?

    Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Oh and jyour not the only one in your family who’s infatuated with balls ...... just saying xoxo

    Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    I recommend all Warwick residents be on high alert. This man Cote is a seriously deranged individual. His comments are similar to those of the now impeached POTOS. A man out of his mind, be afraid!

    Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    unfortunately for you, facts bear out Cote far more often than not. he, and this, is not going away. it will get more and more heated until something changes. guaranteed

    Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Report this

  • foundation

    Normally, I wouldn’t acknowledge your ludicrous comments and insults. I’m not going to stoop to your level of insult, but rather would prefer to present facts in order to let people make their own determinations. First and foremost, people are well aware here and on talk radio that your comments and public statements are presented with a shade of perspective on them. Everything that you say is skewed in a particular light in order to have a predetermined reception. People are not idiots.

    1. You guys did not destroy the administration what so ever. Especially wearing the only article of clothing that you own (white pullover). Your “facts” were skewed and it was apparent that your basis of contention is not based purely on facts, but rather hatred and discontent for a particular institution.

    2. No one from the administration spoke because professionals were present in order to convey facts for the record. Unemotional, factual, on the record statements were presented by qualified professionals in order to provide clarity for the record. Attorney Ragosta is a premiere labor attorney who validated himself and the current position of the situation and facts clearly, decisively, and articulately. To say you destroyed him is a bit of a stretch even for a narcissist such as yourself.

    3. Correct terminology for a side deal as Attorney Penza stared. MOU. Memorandum of Understanding. A common and legitimate practice in the labor world. Regarding Federal Agents... can you please clarify as to what the charges were that have been filed in conjunction with this so called investigation? Wait... there haven’t been any. What was the basis of this investigation again? Oh. That’s right, there has been no official confirmation regarding that either. Is it fair to assume that a valid, active federal investigation is more of a loose assumption as opposed to statements based on compounding, current, and definitive documentation? I’d have to say so.

    4. The fire chief was present. Professionals spoke on the record, and this has been addressed previously. The actuary is contracted out of state. I am sure that you or any member of the council could have requested their presence or the presence of any of the other professional if it would have satisfied the needs of the council. That burden does not fall on the city, bargaining unit, or any other party unless specifically requested.

    5. Solomon had enough balls to have some of the particular council members who are in your pocket served by a Constable. I’d have to disagree with your statement. Make no mistake, Mayor Solomon will be reasonable with reasonable people. If people want to grand stand and politic in order to delay normal city business while colluding with the likes of you in an attempt to muddy the water, I’d ask you to roll your sleeves up and firmly gauge the magnitude of his balls. Though it would not be your first time with a set in your hands, you may be surprised when making a comparison.

    6. Zero heckling. And I guarantee that some of the firefighters are thoroughly more articulate than you. You are in fact well spoken at times, but professionalism dictates that an unemotional, factual response is provided in order to maintain perspective and continuity of the record. However, if you’d like to take the Pepsi Challenge, in a battle of white, I’m sure there are several members of the fire department who would be happy to participate. Maybe even some of the ones who responded to the explosion caused as a result of your illegal disposal of gasoline incident that resulted in a fiery end.

    7. Not one firefighter did such a thing. Complete fallacy. Mr. Varras for the record is more of a lover than a fighter given my professional interactions with him. His strength is his ability to clearly and decisively matriculate in harmony with members of the public.

    8. Mr. Mcallister simply didn’t want to answer loaded questions from my interpretation of the stream. He simply knows no matter what answer he provides that it is an exploratory mission on your part to simply collude the facts and manipulate as opposed to an attempt to obtain true clarification on a particular subject.

    9. This statement is based on what facts and documentation? Again, regarding the ball comment aspect of your statement... if you were unsuccessful with previous attempts to quantify balls through touch, an oral attempt may prove more effective in the future. Given the size of your mouth, I do not believe a full pair should be an issue simultaneously for you. If your feeling spry, you may even venture 2 pair at once like at the rest stop recently.

    10. Being the expert yourself on profound sausage consumption, I am genuinely surprised at your high level of restraint to resist the ingestion of such the other night. My applause

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    I was at the meeting, I can guarantee you no one was turned away . More lies made up by Mr. Cote and certain council members. How professional.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    So to my understanding and to many more taxpayers it appears the mayors team, the firefighters union, Captain Blabbermouth, Blockhead, Cushman and some of the council did read the contract proposal.

    It certainly sounds like Councilman Merolla did not read or is grandstanding as usual with delays. Sir if your not prepared and your personal business is taking precedence please step down.

    I saw you on channel 12 again using the word thuggery. If anyone sir you are the thug at council meetings cutting people off and rambling on needlessly.

    All they ever use is thugs, thugs thugs look at Captain Blabbermouth’s post if that isn’t a bully or a thug I’m missing something.

    Councilman Merolla delaying until January 6th is laughable as we have Christmas next week followed by New Years which are big family gatherings so when will he find time to do his homework that he should have been doing when this agreement was reached in November ?

    If Captain Blabbermouth with his minions were prepared why can’t the council president be?

    I have a good grasp as to why. 9 votes are at stake with Merolla, Ladocuer and puppet Corley voting no. That leaves 6 remaining so the thug Merolla wants the delay hoping to intimidate 2 others to vote with him. This isn’t rocket science. Merolla has been heard by me and others screaming at Councilman Rix in the men’s room to shut up don’t ask questions at a previous meeting that wasn’t going Merolla’s way. That is a thug sir.

    Attempting to use your clout as council president against the harbor master to provide a mooring to your liking sir is a thug.

    To attend traffic court sir at WPD to intimidate the judge to lessen the charges against your girlfriend sir didn’t work either as you were asked to leave the room as you had no business being present. Yes sir that’s a thug.

    Remove him from his throne please !

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    The captain calling the firefighters “fire@*&#^!ers”. Whose the real thug here?

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Can someone please elaborate on Captain Blabbermouth’s credibility.

    I’ve heard rumors the expert pilot used a company plane to fly over someone’s home while on company time and was terminated for it.

    I’m curious as to if it’s true or not so please indulge if you know of such.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    It seems like "the captain" has spent all of his money on attorneys fees after all of his numerous arrests for assaulting a DPW worker, making harassing phone calls, and dumping gasoline down a storm drain, so he has no money to buy any new clothes. That white cowl neck sweater looks like something out of the 1980's and belongs at the Salvation Army thrift store, or better still, in a garbage can.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Someone should let "the captain" know that publicly posting the name and home address of a sworn public safety officer is not only reckless and dangerous, but should that public safety officer suffer any physical harm or vandalism to his home, "the captain" could very well find himself being sued or receiving another criminal charge (to go along with his extensive arrest record). The behavior of "the captain" is now starting to cross the line from simply being annoying to now becoming criminal. Let's hope that the Beacon removes that post by "the captain" before law enforcement has to step in.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Captain Blabbermouth aren’t you the one for years who begged and pleaded to not promote a Fire Chief from within the ranks ?

    You tortured Sullivan, Armstrong, McLaughlin and Fontenault relentlessly to no avail.

    Finally Mayor Solomon goes outside the Warwick Fire Department to grant your wishes that you so longed for and this chief is already a dope (your words) in less than 9 months ??????

    How I see it and from what I’m gathering Captain Blabbermouth will never be satisfied regarding anything related to the fire department even if it went volunteer or abolished all together.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    You guys continue to give awesome entertainment. For the record, Councilman Ladoceur read the email from a constituent on the Dan Yorke show yesterday, who said several people were turned away from the meeting.

    JUST SAYIN'

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Captain, Councilman Ladaceur is not telling the truth. And for you to automatically claim it’s a member of the union EBoard is slanderous. Stop with the lies. You will be caught.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Isn't captain criminal the guy who proclaimed to the world that he was moving out of Warwick many years ago? As usual, he put his foot in his mouth and made a fool of himself. While his partner in crime Stacia is pretty much just as much of a lowlife, at least she had the courage to move to Charlestown. Maybe she has some room in her shack for captain criminal. Buy the way captain, please ask Stacia for something new and stylish to replace that ugly white sweater you wear to every council meeting.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Anyone who wears a sports coat over a sweatsuit is not well mentally. To wear it on a TV program is loony tune city.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    If anyone is providing entertainment it is you captain kill a squirrel. Who tortures and kills animals, dumps gasoline down a drain, creeps at funerals, gets fired for using a company plane inappropriately, manipulates information and spreads lies ohhhh Robe Cote that's who. Quite hypocritical to label individuals as liars, bullies, and thugs when you have exhibited all three characteristics in this one comment thread. You have zero credibility.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Scal1024

    For anyone who'd like to see real reforms in City Government you have to be disappointed in the faces of this movement. I don't trust a word out of Merolla's mouth. Too often has he tried painting himself in a positive light, even though he's just as responsible for this mess as anyone else. It's been too little, too late from Merolla. Rob Cote, again, launches juvenile insults at anyone he disagrees with. Sure, the cheap shots fly back and forth around here but Rob when you are trying to educate the public and gain support for your ideas, I would think you'd learn by now likeability goes a long way. There is a reason after all this time you are largely ignored by most of the public. You feed into it each and every time by hurling insults, insulting others intelligence and talking down to people. Not exactly welcoming to other people. Rob, it is a fair question to ask you what happened to that FBI investigation you spoke of? That is a heavy charge and one you mostly haven't commented on in some time. To be fair, were you misled, given bad information or were you lobbing accusations without facts?

    There are plenty of people, myself included, who truly believe the WFD does an excellent job! You can believe they do an excellent job AND still wonder if our city can afford to stay the course on pensions and health care. It does not mean you think they're doing a bad job, it doesn't mean you dislike them or want them out of a job, it comes down to long term affordability and that is a valid question. The problem with Cote is every time he throws insults, calls someone a thug, makes UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS in the comment section about Seniors not being allowed into the Council Meeting by "a man in a blue sweatshirt" , it undermines those who truly want to see the city improve in anyway it can. Tone deaf would be a giant understatement.

    What ends up happening is rather than talking about whether this contract is any good, why it is good, how it could improve, whether its being rushed etc we end up arguing over whether some guy stood outside the Council Meeting and turned others away. Meanwhile, it gets easier for the Unions to label Cote as part of a certain fringe and he continues to play right into that narrative. Rinse. Repeat!

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • joemomma

    who's kills animals and has huge ass man titties? bobby cote thats who! lol

    oh yea, sup stacia

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Scal,

    I was at the meeting, no one heckled anyone. It was mostly quiet. We did laugh a few times a Cushmans numbers. His assumptions are ludacris. Secondly, making up a story about people being turned away is beyond low. First it didn’t happen, secondly to pick on a member of the Union EBoard just to try and start this talk in the media is nuts. IT DIDNT HAPPEN. This guy Cote is totally nuts.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Scal

    Guess you choose to ignore the facts again and take a shot at me. I guess you didn't see the email that councilman Ladoceur posted from a constituent that was told he could not go in the meeting. Guess you didn't hear he and Mr. Meolla speak about this issue on talk radio. Guess they are lying right?

    And I'm insignificant? That's why I filled the room with concerned citizens, spoke publicly about facts, and you still remain anonymous. Enough said.

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    The timing and subject matter of this email is suspiciously convenient for certain people. Turning one or two people away isn't going to make or break the outcome of this situation, so why do something with such a high risk and no reward? Then certain people take to social media immediately like they always do. The same people who have straight out lied and spread misinformation on social media. Don't buy it. JUST SAYIN

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this