Divided council approves pact

By 5-4 vote, council OKs 3-year tentative firefighter agreement reached in November

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 1/9/20

By JOHN HOWELL With the votes of five council members who agreed to a special meeting to consider a tentative agreement between the administration and Warwick firefighters only to have it fail procedurally more than two weeks ago, the council approved

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Divided council approves pact

By 5-4 vote, council OKs 3-year tentative firefighter agreement reached in November

Posted

With the votes of five council members who agreed to a special meeting to consider a tentative agreement between the administration and Warwick firefighters only to have it fail procedurally more than two weeks ago, the council approved Monday a three-year contract creating the city’s first trust fund to help pay for retiree health care.

The package, which Mayor Joseph Solomon terms “revenue neutral,” will take effect once an arbitrator settles the salary for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

The four members opposed to the contract argued the lack of a starting point for the new contract; ambiguities in the terms of the agreement that were noted during the seven-hour special meeting but not addressed; and the inability of the administration to provide long-range costs were reason not to approve the agreement.

They were prepared to have the contract go to interest arbitration, with the exception of Councilman Jeremy Rix. He termed the basics of the agreement good but wanted to nail down terms that could lead to litigation in years to come.

The overriding concern of City Council President Steve Merolla is that the contract doesn’t address retirement health care benefits of active employees or current retirees, which he said has the city on the verge of bankruptcy. He said city liabilities when calculating the actuarial projections for pensions and OPEB (other post-employment benefits) are three to four times assets.

Nonetheless, members of the administration touted the OPEB trust fund new hires will fund with a 2 percent deduction for their pay sets the path for similar provisions in other municipal contracts and is an important first step to addressing the cost of post-employment health care. While it will manage and invest contributions, the city will not contribute to the trust fund. On retirement the funds in each individual’s account will help pay for health care with any residual going into their estate after death. According to the fiscal note prepared by the administration, the fund will cover 27 to 30 percent of new retiree health costs.

That projection, when future health care costs and times of retirement are unknown, served as the basis for Councilman Ed Ladouceur’s reasoning that the city’s fiscal note was flawed and until costs were calculated the council could not responsibly vote on the contract. Merolla ruled the fiscal note failed to meet requirements, but by enacting a council rule Councilman Anthony Sinapi called for a vote that overrode Merolla.

Such legal jockeying dominated the meeting, which was not open to public comment or questioning. Public comment came during the finance committee hearing during the special meeting.

Solomon, who largely was silent throughout the process and did not attend council meetings, was jubilant Tuesday with the outcome. He called the contract “indicative of the cooperation between the administration and employees for the benefit of the taxpayers.” He is confident the first year of the contract will save $600,000 and possibly more when overtime costs are tallied. The contract implements a 24-hour shift with the option of reverting to the existing schedule should there not be savings in overtime costs after a year.

Solomon thanked those who supported the agreement – council members Sinapi, Steve McAllister, Donna Travis, Timothy Howe and James McElroy – while not disparaging those who voted against it – Merolla, Ladouceur, Rix and Richard Corley.

Solomon said rejecting the agreement would have resulted in costly arbitration with the prospect of losing all that had been gained through collective bargaining.

“You can’t sacrifice the good for perfection,” he said in apparent acknowledgment the contract is less than perfect.

Arbitration resolved

“This is a cost-neutral agreement that takes an important first step in collective bargaining agreements to significantly address concerns regarding pensions and other post-employment benefits,” he said in a statement released by his office.

Solomon expects some aspects of the contract, and especially the 24-hour shift, can be implemented immediately without waiting for the arbitrator’s ruling on the 2017-2018 contract. As part of the agreement, both the city and the firefighters agreed to wipe clean all issues and grievances in interest arbitration with the exception of pay increases. The neutral arbitrator is to arrive at an amount between the 1.5 percent increase the city was offering and the 3 percent firefighters were prepared to accept.

The agreement also resolves the dispute over the Tier II pension system that has been applied to all municipal employees employed after June 30, 2015. Tier II reduces pension benefits for these employees. At the time, the council was under the impression the system also applied to firefighters. However, after the system took effect, firefighters contested their inclusion. An arbitrator sided with the firefighters in a ruling that the city appealed to Superior Court. Under the agreement, the city is dropping its appeal, and the Tier II system will apply to new hires after July 1, 2019.

In addition to the OPEB trust fund and resolution of Tier II, McAllister enumerated benefits of the package, including no wage increase in the first year followed by 2-percent increases for each of the following years; the addition of a year in the steps between pay grades; and the give-back of seven days to the city.

“What happens if we vote no tonight?” McAllister asked.

“This entire agreement is null and void. We go back to arbitration. Everything negotiated in this TA [tentative agreement] goes away. It is not like the city gets to keep all these things then ask for more. We go back into arbitration, where the only thing guaranteed is legal costs for the city. We could lose all the give-backs I listed, plus we could put the taxpayers on the hook for many more costs,” he said.

Travis concurred.

“A ‘no’ vote is not going anywhere but backwards,” she said. She said she was voting “yes” to start saving the taxpayers money now.

Sinapi questioned attorney Vincent Ragosta, who was on the negotiating team for the city, the city’s chances should the parties return to interest arbitration.

“It’s a gamble the city should avoid,” Ragosta advised.

He called the contract incrementally better than the one it succeeds and a starting point for reforms in other municipal contracts.

“Like it or not,” he said, “the prior administration has given away the farm.”

Observing how the council faced angry students and parents when schools moved to cut programs including sports to balance its budget last spring, which was averted when the council transferred funds from the road repaving budget, Merolla said he fears what will happen if the city fails to address lifetime health care for municipal retirees – “we’ll bankrupt the city.”

Corley based his opposition to the agreement on what he said is its “lack of clarity.” He questioned what constitutes a day – 10 or 14 hours – when calculating sick time, and he thought firefighters should not be paid double time when performing civic details on a holiday. He also wanted a clause that would negate any side deals, suggesting, “If it is not written in the contract it doesn’t exist.”

Ladouceur, who extensively questioned Chief of Staff William DePasquale and the administration’s financial consultant Michael D’Amico, was not happy with projections on savings when there were no numbers on which the calculations were made. He also asked, but was not provided an answer, why the administration had not responded to cost projections requested following the special meeting on Dec. 20.

In frustration at one point after a five-minute exchange where the same question was repeated numerous times, he said, “What I’m asking for is the documentation. There are no numbers to prove that.”

Comments

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  • bendover

    It seems that DePasquale and D'Amico, who were not satisfied with the projections , size of the numbers and calculations decided to call someone familiar with big numbers...Sen. Warren said she believed that $94T dollars should cover it. Pass the calamari and Rolaids, this isn't close to being funny anymore...I suspect Cushman is going to be proven to have the better crystal ball...Time is not on the taxpayers hands anymore.

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • bill123

    Although it’s not mentioned, healthcare costs for active city employees should be a big part of the equation. What do we know about that ? The Beacon previously reported Warwick is self-insured, meaning there are no insurance premiums, and the actual incurred costs are paid by the city, through WB Community Health. The Beacon said little else. After doing some research, it appears money to the tune of $100+ million per year is funneled through WB Community Health. This is a non-profit with just 2 (two) employees. They don’t even have a physical address, or at least one they want to advertise, according to the latest iteration of their website. They recently abandoned their last known office location on Jefferson Blvd. Inexplicably, this is what has the lock on healthcare for many towns across RI, including Warwick. If what they deliver is all true, then this could be the greatest thing ever. Or not, because there is an absence of information. We just don’t know. No one wants to talk about this. When these kinds of things live in the shadows, it really doesn’t matter in the end what kind of contracts you have.

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • Straightfactshomie

    Ben Dover,

    Mr. Cushman’s projections over estimate total lifetime healthcare costs by several hundred thousand dollars because he chose to base his medicare projections on the blueCHiP plan cost as opposed to the Plan 65 cost which every fire retiree has received for the better part of two decades. Now we could argue whether he did this to intentionally mislead or he was just careless but the fact remains, he spread his false information across open meetings, the radio, newspapers, and social media. But by all means let’s use his spreadsheet over an actuary’s projection.

    Even if Mr. Cushman’s numbers were accurate(which, again, they’re not) they represent one hypothetical employee hired today. If that employee had an identical career but was hired in 2021, or 2022, or 2030 the spreadsheet becomes meaningless as it pertains to actual dollar amounts. Where it wouldn’t be meaningless is the percentages. The day an employee is hired is the day you can ascribe a projected dollar amount to them. That is why GASB reports don’t have a section that accounts for the liabilities of people that you haven’t hired yet.

    The fact is that this contract is a win for the city. The city’s own arbitration lawyer said so (despite Mr. Merolla impugning his reputation for having the audacity to state the obvious). It is slated to save the city nearly $39,000 PER NEW EMPLOYEE over the first 4 years of that employees career, by extending the 2nd, and 3rd class grade for private ranks. A first class private is slated to give back over $1300 in cash value each year, between holiday pay and the loss of sick time, and that number only increases for higher ranks. And creation of an OPEB trust which is FULLY FUNDED BY EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS and is slated to offset the retirement healthcare cost off all new hires by hundreds of thousands of dollars PER PERSON. ⅓ of the FD finally gets some certainty to what their retirement benefits will be. And both sides get to end a lengthy, tiresome, and expensive arbitration exercise that rewards nobody but lawyers.

    The establishment of the OPEB trust should give residents of the city faith that major changes can be bargained in good faith. But despite the legal challenges this contract closes, certain members of the council seem determined to bring the city back to court, wasting more time and more money, as they once again try to legislate their way around state law.

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • joemomma

    sup stacia

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • patientman

    Ladouceur, who extensively questioned Chief of Staff William DePasquale and the administration’s financial consultant Michael D’Amico, was not happy with projections on savings when there were no numbers on which the calculations were made. He also asked, but was not provided an answer, why the administration had not responded to cost projections requested following the special meeting on Dec. 20.

    In frustration at one point after a five-minute exchange where the same question was repeated numerous times, he said, “What I’m asking for is the documentation. There are no numbers to prove that.”

    why didn't they answer the question?

    Why did any council member vote for a contract with so many unknowns.

    This is no way to run a railroad.

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    keebler's kerf cut: do you have some inside information from the administration not provided to the council on the real cost?

    D'Amico. DePasqual and the finance director Silva testified the cost could not be calculated? Now your saving it could have been calculated? Who do we suppose to believe?

    How are we suppose to giver an anonymous post any credence when it contradicts what we were told all night long during the meeting. The administration had 2 weeks to get the answer. But they didn't. Why?

    So what your stating is that the cost could have been provided, right? And if that's the case, disclose the numbers to prove that Cushman's numbers are wrong. Why wouldn't the three amigos mentioned above and the mayor not do that, if what you say is true?

    Show us the numbers and prove that an employee hired today will contribute 30% of the cost of his retired healthcare benefits based on the claim by the administration using all the parameters in the fiscal note.

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Everyone depends on actuaries..... aren't they the same people that caused the 400 million plus unfunded pension liability? The actuaries are like arbitrators (LAWYERS) in RI .........

    BOUGHT AND PAID FOR BY UNIONS THAT CONTROL THIS STATE!

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Simeneau you are a liability to the providences pension system, collecting based on a fake injury. The lawyer for the city, who is absolutely against unions, said it was a good deal and the city should take it. He also happens to be the top labor lawyer in the state. However I guess we should listen to some looney tune self proclaimed experts on this subject. The same people who don't even fully understand how the fire department operates, but continue to spread lies and misinformation. It got passed because it is a fair contract for all parties involved. Guess all the abrasive disgruntled people will have to find something else to fill their time.

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    At the end of the day, are you going to listen to a group of well educated financial experts and highly regarded labor attorneys with decades of experience in municipal law and finance, or some disgruntled crack pot who challenges people to physical altercations, boasts about carrying a firearm, and collects a bogus disability pension?

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • Straightfactshomie

    I have no inside information. I also didn’t say anything that contradicted any testimony from the other night. I’m also not asking you to take the word of an anonymous internet commenter. I didn’t say 2% contributions offset the cost of retirement by 30%, a licensed actuary did. I said it offset retirement costs by several hundred thousand dollars which it indisputably does.

    And the “three amigos” weren’t saying retirement costs aren’t calculable, just that it’s not possible to give an exact dollar amount without knowing when an employee is hired.

    Hypothetical...suppose the city council proposed an ordinance tomorrow that required that anyone hired by the WFD after 2/1/2020 had to contribute a 25% copay to their healthcare in retirement. This ordinance would require a fiscal note. What would it say? Without any affected employees yet hired how would you quantify the dollar savings of that ordinance other than by saying it’ll reduce costs by 25%. The day an employee is hired, and with adequate assumptions regarding retirement and life expectancy you can begin to put a dollar amount to that percentage savings. Until then it’s its just 25%. And continually shouting “whats the 100%?” doesn’t make that any less true.

    The argument against the OPEB trust essentially boils down to “the actuary is full of S#@!” If you want to disagree with the actuary’s study that’s fine I guess but I would hesitate to be so certain. I’m pretty sure the actuary did more than plug some numbers into a spreadsheet.

    As for my calling into question Mr. Cushman’s numbers, it’s not that I or he could calculate the numbers and the city couldn’t, its that we added an assumption, namely, that an employee was hired in 2020. Then, with a hypothetical start date, we could project out a 30 year career, with a 25 year retirement and, based on the provided assumptions, create a profile for ONE hypothetical employee. Again, I believe Mr. Cushman’s numbers, for ONE hypothetical employee assumed hired in 2020, were wrong based on a faulty starting point in regards to medicare supplement plans but that’s irrelevant to the larger point.

    Thursday, January 9, 2020 Report this

  • bill123

    For this contract, there are no savings, or at least none to document, because such documentation would need to be correlated or reconciled with the city’s current financial condition, as shown in the current audited financial statement. As of Jan 1, the city does not have a current audited financial statement, since it was due at the end of the calendar year 2019, and has yet to be produced. If the council voted on the contract in December as they attempted, they could have at least insinuated something about savings, since they had a current financial statement as cover. But now it’s January, and you can’t put the cart before the horse. In my opinion, they should not have voted until they had the June 30 2019 financial statement, if they want to argue savings.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Who can nail down an employees cost when you don’t know when they will be hired? No one can. Even estimating 2% trust savings means making assumptions. I thought the smart leaders in the council can understand this simple fact. You don’t have a cost on an imaginary employee. Guess what you will also have zero in the OPEB trust fund if you don’t hire anyone.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    I know these so called top labor lawyers Ragosta and Penza for 40 years. Probably longer than you dopes have been alive. They said the same thing then that they say now in Providence and we see where that Cityand its retirees are. Keep listening to these liars and you will have nothing you are paying for when you retire. They get paid either way ... dopes. Then they get paid again, by you, to fight for what you WONT GET.

    You deserve each other. So enjoy while you can. They are laughing all the way to the bank ... idiots.

    Oh yeah .... USE REAL NAMES .... COWARDS .....LMFAO

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    I am a member of the gang WFD. Tattooed like a circus clown, I am a real tough guy Harley Davidson punk so dont any of you sucker taxpayers try to mess with me or I will call the police on you and make up some fake story just to show you how tough I am. I am also a public employee and a member of a corrupt public sector union. So beware, i'm a real man.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • SaltyJake

    I can only hope that the group of anti-firefighter contract people go after ALL the city contracts with the same vigor, hatred and blood lust as they did the firefighters contract. That would prove without a doubt that group was actually concerned about the city as a whole instead of a single piece of it. It would also go a long way with their credibility. Right now they have NONE. But, I believe they lack the courage, common sense and intestinal fortitude to rise to that challenge.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    In Summary,

    No FBI

    Nobody in handcuffs

    A fair professional contract

    Block “I’m the greatest” head , Captain blabber mouth, Cushwoman and loser lawyer Merrola have contributed NOTHING!

    Take the tent down the circus is over.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • SaltyJake

    Hey Johnny boy, these are the same Unions that negotiated a contract YOU worked under and are receiving a pension under. Your comments reek of "I got mine, now I want yours.". Yeah, yeah...I know you're licensed to carry in the entire country and will meet anyone outside to fight. Yawn....very tiring all these people flexing their muscles and being obnoxious blowhards. You should just fade away, shut your pie hole and collect your pension. And take your boy whinny Bobby Cote with you......

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Saltyjake .... New name AGAIN

    REAL NAME COWARDS .. lmfao

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • SaltyJake

    Johnny boy.

    3 words....RED FLAG LAW

    (but you're right about Steve Pare)

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Liberman

    What a sorry group of folks that took over on this comment section.

    As I've said in other posts, this is a TAXPAYERS problem. You can't expect a dozen or so outspoken people to make change,,, in fact, it's obvious they can't.

    I suspect that years down the road, when city council has no choice but to stop trash collection, cancel after schools sports programs, and when the city has literally tax hundreds more people out of their homes - we we see a revolt. But until the tax payers wake the blank up - labor unions will continue to run buck shot over the taxpayers. And who can blame them? Most of them are NOT taxpayers in Warwick and want the same GUARANTEED million dollar retirement packages the retirees are getting right now. I DON'T BLAME THEM ONE BIT.

    Now... TO THE UNION EMPLOYEES/LAWYERS COMMENTING ON THIS SITE. STOP - JUST STOP IT!!! YOU GOT WHAT YOU WANTED - NOW GO AWAY!!!!

    GL

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • SaltyJake

    sup stacia

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Liberman

    Are you accusing me of being "Stacia"? Stacia who?

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • SaltyJake

    Is this you?

    Is this me?

    Guilty conscience?

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    I guess Salty Jake was in a hangover state on July 16th 2018 when several of these same residents went to the ratification of the Police and DPW contracts and spoke about unfunded liabilities and the need to get concessions. These are the same people that pointed out the inability of the city to pay the minimum healthcare payment (ARC) and the same people that pointed out the pension unfunded liabilities. Isn't it funny how the in-named people like SaltyJerk will try to spin it to personalize it against the fire union. Now we all know that these advocates for screwing the taxpayer are one sided so here is the link to that meeting.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7JR61hDy-s

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    SaltyJake

    I got your boy ....

    Hanging .... come and get it COWARD

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Fortunately, 99.99% of the taxpayers in this city are completely supportive of the firefighters, and now that the contract has been approved, the felon gasoline dumper and the phony disability recipient will be forced to go back to their old and tired behavior of hiding in the bushes and filming fire trucks at the grocery store and making obscene gestures to city workers as they sit at the Oakland Beach sea wall living a miserable existence. See you in 2022.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • SaltyJake

    Oh Johnny boy.....you need professional help with your penis envy issues...is that what your disability pension is for?

    I'll be sure to beep next time I drive by you hanging in your truck down Oakland beach......

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    Here come the personal attacks! Cote and his gang of misfit tools have nothing to do but hide behind their keyboards and attack people personally (when they aren't killing animals, stalking city employees, crashing funerals and hiding in bushes). They must be BIG MAD right now...and thousands around the city LOVE IT!! how does it feel to lose again LOSERS!?

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Simoneau you contradict yourself in every unintelligent post you make. You and a few other clowns want to fight a ruling that an arbitrator made in favor of the fire department that will only cost the city millions more in legal fees. You also want to not ratify a fair contract and start over from scratch with nothing guaranteed but more lawyer fees and possibly more in compensation to city employees. The citys own lawyer , fyi he is negotiation in favor of YOU, said its a good deal take it. Because its not what you want to hear you are going to keep throwing tantrums every chance you get. But its the taxpayers you are concerned about? Contract got passed so move on with your sorry existence of a life, collecting TAX FREE disability. John Simenoooo tax on fraudulent disability pension AKA the walking contradiction.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Stacia can move on to posting ridiculous things about gender neutral bathrooms and illegal immigrants, maybe throw in some second amendment stuff and oh yea supporting trump. Cote can now focus all of his energy on killing small defenseless animals with the tailpipe of his car. Simoneau can laugh all the way to the bank TAX FREE. You people are out of your minds with all too much time on your hands.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Cat2222

    Is this what is considered acceptable in the Beacon now?

    John Simoneau

    SaltyJake

    I got your boy ....

    Hanging .... come and get it COWARD

    Mr. Simoneau, I cannot believe that a grown adult male speaks this way, let alone posts it in a community paper. Adults can debate without this type of rhetoric. It is appalling.

    I am Cat Hayes. You can contact me at Cathayes2222@gmail.com. No, I won't meet you outside. No, I am not a coward. Yes, I am disappointed that a person that has reached your advanced stage in life thinks this is acceptable behavior.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • joemomma

    anyone hear that new band with the female lead singer that has a horse face? theyre called, stacia and the polluted wombs

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    And once again the people that claim others are making it personal are the only ones making it personal and they are all the anonymous figures from the Warwick Fire department.

    Remember folks, these are the same people who stole from the tax payers and the children of this city. These are the same people who harass taxpayers thru the mail and on the internet posting false information. These are the same people that stand outside city hall and tell senior citizens that the council meeting is closed to the public. These are the same people that go out in masses to boycott fund raisers of anyone who doesn't agree with them. These are the same people that tried to get a resident fired because he was invited to a council meeting to give a presentation on unfunded pension liabilities. These are the same people that went behind our backs and manipulated contract language so that they could steal from the taxpayers and children of this city.

    These are not nice people.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • davebarry109

    I wish I could wager a bet that there will be no savings in overtime in the firefighters budget. They have blown the budget for 30 years. Unless you consider ONLY going over by 500,000 instead of 1 million or more. I guess in some weird way you could claim savings. Nope, the FF will still make their money and demand pensions and benefits we can't afford.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Dear Cat Hayes-If that so called "grown adult" does respond to you, please be sure to ask him about some of the disgusting language he used both on this website and at the podium at a Warwick City Council meeting. Two of his favorite slurs are one which demeans those with physical or mental handicaps, and the other demeans members of the gay and lesbian communities. If you follow any of his violent and threatening posts, you have probably read or heard his language, which should not be allowed to be posted on a family friendly newspaper website.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    While Block and Cushman obviously have a vendetta and/or infatuation with the fire department, you have to give them credit-at least they do not have extensive arrest records, such as a certain poster who is surely no stranger to being placed in handcuffs and brought in front of a judge. As a matter of fact, there are approximately 80,000 people in the city who have more credibility, integrity, and intelligence than that stalker who hides in the bushes with his video camera.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Cote you do nothing but spread lies on the internet. You don't even know how the fire department operates on a day to basis, so therefore you assume things and spread lies. You follow confront and harass city employees in public. You show up to the funeral of a city worker to harass people, a funeral really that has got to be an all time low even for you. I don't know which is worse the funeral incident or the killing of animals. You are the definition of a sociopath. Your grudge against the fire department is very clear. All of your accusations of stealing are unfounded, yet you have all the evidence right. The same evidence you claim to have brought to the police. Why has nothing been done and why hasn't anyone been charged with a crime. But there you are lying over and over about stealing and committing crimes. You however have been charged with multiple crimes. You drive around headquarters when firefighters are doing medical training that is required and get online with videos lying and trying to get people to think there is something nefarious going on. Why should anyone believe a word that comes out of your mouth, you have zero credibility. So considering the the things I listed above, not even close to everything, you clearly are not a nice person and a liar. Get a hobby or a second job and buy a new pullover. You will have plenty of time on you hands now that the contract has been passed.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Captain,

    Can you make all your “evidence” public? The harassing emails you claim, the harassing calls you claim, telling senior citizens not to come into a meeting you claim. All you do is make stuff up. The last one was messed up, you even go Ed Ladoucher to believe it. Normal people all know these are all lies. Lies lies lies. You lost in the contract impact game. Go away and do one thing productive.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Cat

    Here's obviously another WFD crony. Just pay your taxes for these clowns. You ignore all their "adult rhetoric" and get upset with my cryptic message that only a filthy minded individual would interpret it your way. Here is one for you that you won't need to interpret...@*&#^! YOU !

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Captain the e-mail you speak of is suspiciously convenient and fits right into your agenda. Then you take to social media with the name and address of a firefighter that you accuse of doing this. Another one of your claims that are unfounded. In fact nothing that you have claimed the fire department has done has been proven, so what does that tell everybody. You have been trying for years and nothing, where is all this incriminating information? Again you crossed the line in your desperate attempt to generate negative publicity. If that isn't a personal attack that completely crosses the line, and probably illegal if not illegal very dangerous, I don't know what is.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Threatening a firefighter speaking at a council meeting that was recorded, clear evidence. Unlike all of your unfounded lies. Thats something a nice person does right. Not only is it a personal attack its a physical threat. Keep spreading your hate and garbage information. Simoneau step away from the keyboard tough guy.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Liberman

    I sincerely feel bad for all Warwick pensioners because in less than 20 years from now, they will all take a haircut in their benefits when Warwick goes bankrupt - it's guaranteed because it's a fact Warwick is losing it's tax base. Every year more people move out than move in. The unfunded liability just keeps getting bigger. No one in this comment section will even live long enough to witness or care if the 2% contribution worked.

    If I were a city worker, I would be putting aside something that resembles retirement savings because Warwick literally wont have the money to pay you what they promised in 20 years.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Funny Rob claimed of harassing phone calls... Be careful Rob we’re onto your harassing calls. We know when you made them.... tried blocking the number...

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    How can a judge take away a pension plan that is funded at 85 to 90%.... lol

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Liberman

    Warwick has a $406 million OPEB liability and unsustainable healthcare costs. If you are in denial about the dire situation Warwick is in, that's on you man.

    WPRI: Providence, Warwick have no money saved for $1.4B in health care liabilities -> https://www.wpri.com/news/providence-warwick-have-no-money-saved-for-1-4b-in-health-care-liabilities/

    Providence and Warwick cover annual health care bills on a pay-as-you-go basis. Accounting groups say that’s a risky strategy, considering the average cost of health care per person totaled $11,172 in 2018 compared to $355 in 1970, according to the Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker.

    “Advance funding is a ‘best practice’ recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association and others,” Hoyle wrote, adding the first step to move in that direction is to set up an OPEB trust fund.

    “The mayor believes that this contract provision establishes the mechanism for OPEB trusts and other reforms for future negotiations with all city unions,” Solomon spokesperson Susan Baker wrote in an email. Per the spokesperson, Joe is laying the ground work to ask for more concessions. Grab your popcorn.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    If people spread lies and misinformation on social media I will take that as my bible. The sky is falling! I don't know the numbers but the city will go bankrupt. I also am well versed in both municipal finances and real estate census information. Trash pick up will be cancelled within the next two years. I plan on moving to providence very soon

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    In 1970 the average price of a home was 20k, bread was .25 cents and gas was .36 cents a gallon.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    The following response was made my a male individual to a female individual on this website, when basically all the female was asking was for the male poster to keep his comments clean:

    John Simoneau

    Cat

    Here's obviously another WFD crony. Just pay your taxes for these clowns. You ignore all their "adult rhetoric" and get upset with my cryptic message that only a filthy minded individual would interpret it your way. Here is one for you that you won't need to interpret...@*&#^! YOU !

    The comments of the above poster have now gone from rude and childish to downright reprehensible. And if this is how he treats a female on a website, he must be a real hoot with female members of his family.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Dear Jimmy Brandon Coward,

    Ed Ladoceour published the email that his constituent sent that was told that he could not go into the meeting. He went on the radio and discussed it as well as did the council president. What did not happen was that you JIMMY, (BRANDON THuG INGEGNERI) did not do was to accept the invitation and go on the air and substantiate your murder threat HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAH, you friggen coward.

    It never happened, even though the audio is out there, but just keep making the claim. Thats why Trooper Poddignton was laughing at your claim. Again, I would suggest you do the medical exam and get your hearing checked, you coward joke of a tattooed gang member scum bag.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    Cote i am not a firefighter nor am i related to one. Contract stuff aside...i heard the audio and i heard you say it. It was clear as day. Many others heard it as well. Why do you constantly do stupid sh*t and then when you are called out on it you deny it? You did it with the funeral thing. You did it with the animal thing. And now this. Man up and own up to it. You sir, are in fact the COWARD. Calling a man a "gangster" cause he has tattoos and rides a motorcycle...what a delusional little man you are.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    Three points actually.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    And here ladies and gentlemen, is why nobody in the city takes the comments of Captain Criminal and his sidekick Johnny Pajamas seriously. In addition to the two of them needing to ditch the sweat pants and soiled 1970's cowl neck sweater, they use the most vile and disgusting language in their posts. The 99.9% of city residents who appreciate and support the firefighters see the language these two subhumans use, and no matter what their message, it gets lost in their filthy language tirades. You have to give Block and Cushman credit-while they also hate the firefighters, at least they keep their comments clean and civilized, something Captain Criminal and Johnny Sweat Pants have never done and never will do.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    I try to keep it simple, what a bunch of morons. Number one moron is without a doubt FBI Special agent Captain nonsense.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Captain Criminal..... I'll ask again slooooowly so you can comprehend ....

    You are a retard, fag, and a COWARD (Time & Place please)...

    Real name C.O.W.A.R.D ..... If not just go away... loser .....

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Captain, I am not Brandon. Your investigative work is astounding. Lol.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Straightfactshomie

    and around and around we go...

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Debate this: Where Iggy?/

    https://www.wpri.com/fox-providence/dan-yorke-state-of-mind/dysom-12-10-2019-watchdog-ris-ken-block-warwick-resident-rob-cote/

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    TTE .... you're a liar also. I've seen you in Oakland Beach with your new Cadillac with TTE Plate and Firefighter sticker. ANOTHER LYING COWARD firefighter .... probably retired with 3% compounded COLA yearly, making more than active members ... go figure.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    While the world moves forward Captain Micropenis continues to post articles from the past..... such a sad story. Where’s the FBI Rob?

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Funny Rob, you claimed on the radio to not even know Brandon? Yet you call him by other names? Funny you knew how to call and harass him.... again I’m Brandon.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Sorry. Typo. IM NOT BRANDON...

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    John, I can assure you, you have not seen me in Oakland beach nor do I own a Cadillac. I imagine more than one person has TTE for their initials...and perhaps it means something else all together. Regardless, you don't know me. You have never seen me anywhere, i can promise you that. I am not a liar but you seem to enjoy making incorrect ASSumptions.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    SiMORONeau AKA the walking contradiction. Those COLAS get you worked up huh. Well at least you dont pay any taxes on your fake disability pension. Who’s the real coward here scamming the providence pension system. Your career was riddled with blemishes. Psychiatric issues are clearly something you dealt with while you were a corrupt cop and continue to to this day. Can’t wait for your pointless comment calling me names and wanting to meet up. Contract passed move to providence. You are an embarrassment to Butch and Derek Simenau. Your own family thinks your a clown

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Typo just like in the contract. You are a clown

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Hypocrisy .... idiot

    You can't even spell the screen name right you dope ...lol

    You can't spell my name right, even when it is given to you ...lol

    You don't even know Butch or Derek, because unlike you COWARDS they would give there name and stand like a man behind their statements. You and the rest of the WFD dopes are ALL A JOKE AND COWARDS. NOW just go away .... you lose? Rest assured, if they felt that way about me. ... they, like you, wouldn't say it to my face.

    Friday, January 10, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Thanks to Johnny Pajamas and his vile, disgusting language, Mr. Howell will most likely be shutting down this comment thread, just as he did last week. Once again, it's just a matter of time before Johnny Pajamas snaps and takes things to another level.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    John you are an embarrassment to our family and public servants. Please stop and take your medication. Ill be by to check on you I'm worried

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    I think posters who are excessively inappropriate should be warned, then if they dont learn, account suspended. I love reading the comments when they add information to the story, as they often do. as to the negative posters on both sides, one post and we get it. no need to blather on repetitively and constantly increasing the nastiness. one or two factual or polite option post says your piece, and that has the most effective by the way.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    On other comment sites, anonymous posts are not allowed.

    Simply solution is for John Howell to require people to register for comment and provide proof of who they are before they are allowed to comment.

    This will it least stop some of this nonsense.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    My non anonymous, no holds bar opinion, interspersed with fiscal facts, on everything Warwick.

    https://www.facebook.com/GoLocalProv/videos/2997337940278327/

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Where is that cowardly hearing impaired gang member? He is probably looking for his balls since he quickly lost them when he was called out on 630 WPRO. LOOOOOOSSSSERRRRRR

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Blah, Blah

    Use your real name cowards!

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Mr Cushman-While it's patently obvious that you're no fan of the firefighters, the firefighters union, or unions in general, to your credit, on this website you have made your arguments without using words such as fags, retards, firef@ckers, etc., as your two buddies Captain Criminal and Johnny Pajamas have used. While they harbor the same animosity toward the firefighters that you do, at least you have the common decency to be civil in your comments and you refrain from using profanity, homophobic slurs, and other disgusting language that should not be allowed in a family publication such as the Beacon. With that being said, it will be interesting to see if you condemn your two cohorts for their abhorrent behavior on this website, or if you defend them. Remember Mr. Cushman, by not condemning their behavior, you are giving it your tacit approval.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    It seems that the lying piece of garbage union treasurer Little Brandon is no stranger to the court system. Seems he has been and currently is a defendant in some legal actions, civil and personal injury. By the way, all court actions are public at RI Judiciary.com. It is easy to see how many of the claims lobbed at people from this web site simply are fiction. Looks like Little Jimmy Brandon was a woman beater.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Straightfactshomie

    Mr. Cushman I haven’t had time to watch the entirety of that video because it is quite long but I do find the discussion interesting so I intend to finish it eventually.

    Having said that, one of the very first things you discuss, the sustainability of the pension system, is inaccurate. You state that any eventual savings realized from “getting the albatross of pension 1 off our books” will quickly be eaten up by required contributions to pension 2. That’s simply not true. The city’s yearly contributions for pension 2 are, over the next twenty years, expected to tick up slightly in the short to medium term, but actually decrease by 2037. That is, while FD payroll is projected to increase from $16.1 million in 2019 to $26.3 million in 2038, the city’s contribution is expected to remain flat and funding levels of the plan are expected to approach and possibly exceed 100%. Keep in mind this payment, which is currently $4.3 million, covers ALL EMPLOYEES, active and retired, who were hired after 1992. That number is expected to peak around 2030 at about $5 million dollars, before returning to around $4.3 million in 2037, as an increasing percentage of active employees fall into tier 2. And while the actual dollar amount will remain relatively static in the long term, as a percentage of payroll pension contributions are slated to drop from around 27% today to around 16% twenty years from now. All of this is explained in the fiscal note that has been the topic of such debate over the last month.

    And you used the example of 6 FFs who retired in 2016 and will draw over $11 million over 20 years against $750k in employee contributions as evidence of the system’s unsustainability. You’re right, thats not sustainable. Thats why it wasn't sustained and was closed to new hires many years ago. For the past 28 years no employee has been hired under those terms and the “numbers” for any employee hired since 1992 aren’t remotely similar. The problem isn’t that pension 2 benefits are inherently unsustainable, it’s that the city failed to fund pension 1 for 40 years. But, come 2036, at the conclusion of the 40 year amortization of pension 1 liabilities, the “albatross” will be gone and the city will be left with a pension system with little to no unfunded liabilities and a projected $25-$30 million yearly surplus in the budget some of which can be utilized to offset the city's OPEB obligations.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    Thanks for great post, homie. As a reader, I'd like to see Bob Cushman speak to that.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    straightfacts thank you for your post. I have been following this closely and it seems like people inflate or exaggerate the numbers. I don't know who to believe. Certain people seem to have some animosity towards the fire department, so do I believe them or not, its confusing. All of the name calling and personal attacks are ridiculous. The Warwick Fire department saved my husbands life. They were extremely professional and caring. This contract seems like a step in the right direction.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Today’s $350 milllion unfunded OPEB, over $400 milllion if you don’t discount since we have no assets, is the next Police/Fire 1 pension plan of the future. History will repeat itself, but conditions are going to be much worse with all the other hundreds of million of dollars in unfunded liabilities that are not recorded in any financial report.

    And those liabilities are associated with the failing sewer and water infrastructure in Warwick. The department heads gave estimates just for water repairs that the city needs $20 milllion a year for the next twenty years to stop catastrophic failures.

    One of the 2 main water pipes under route 95 has failed. City is running on borrowed time. It’s not if a major failure will occur, it’s when.

    Sewer infrastructure repairs (40-50 year old pipe) will cost just as much as water. Where are all these funds going to come from?

    Not only are property tax hikes going to be needed but on top of that massive water and sewer hikes.

    Today the reports indicate that Warwick should be contributing $25 milllion a year into a OPEB Trust fund. We put $0 into it. Max tax increase provided $8.5 milllion a year.

    This amount is growing exponentially each year the city fails to fund OPEB. Today over $10 milllion is being paid out of the budget for retiree healthcare.

    That amount is growing at An unsustainable rate each year.

    So if you believe that the stock market is going to continue to perform as at has for the last 10 years without a major hiccup, and that 16 years from now the city will have an extra $25 milllion to spend, keep mind we need $25 milllion today and ever year for the next twenty years to cover just for OPEB costs,

    It’s nice to be optimistic but it’s also prudent to be realist.

    City won’t last as it is today under the provisions of all these benefits, existing debt and infrastructure failing over the next 16 years, on top of the potential hundreds of milllions in new general obligation bond debt being considered by the city to pave our roads and possible build a new $180 million high school.

    I guess I would be hopeful that everything will work out if I was a city employee. However I just don’t see this working out without major restructuring of benefits.

    One thing that many people are doing in the city and I plan on doing it myself is use my feet and leave the city once the city slips into the death spiral and to a point of no return.

    Saturday, January 11, 2020 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    homie says everything is hunky dory, while cushman lays out the various obligations - including water infrastructure etc - and says it simply cant be kept up with even having maximum ~4% tax rate increases every year from now on.

    if nothing else, the proof will be in the pudding... when we see max tax levy increases, programs cut, user fees such as "pay per bag" trash, and substantial annual water and sewer rate increases, then we'll know who was right.

    hope it doesnt happen, but there will be NO DOUBT one way or the other within a few short years...

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Who’s Right points out that we might see a “pay per bag” program here in warwick. My sister lives in another city where she “pays per bag”, Does not have sewer, volunteer FD, affluent community and her taxes are much higher than mine here in warwick. At what point do we realize what we get for our money in this city. A hell of a lot compared with most.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • bill123

    The so-called fiscal note someone mentioned is not worth the paper it is printed on. When it comes to figuring out who is right, you apply the old standard rule, which seldom if ever fails. You look at what they do, not what they say. Regarding the city, the list is long. The most recent item is the annual audited financial statement. It was due no later than 6 months after the end of the fiscal year, June 2019. As we know, that deadline came and went. It seems like six months should be plenty of time. Failing this deadline should speak volumes.

    The annual audited financial statement has disclaimers, like this:

    “Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.” (June 2018 audit statement, dated July 23, 2019)

    This means the auditors rely entirely on city management. For this system to work, management must have credibility. This gets back to the simple requirement to meet a deadline. If you can’t meet a deadline, your credibility takes a hit. When the council passed the contract, they acted in the absence of a June 2019 audited financial statement. This shows they don’t see it as even relevant. If the city council doesn’t see it as relevant, then this is another credibility hit on management.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • FormerlyWarwick

    A real lack of leadership in Warwick. They should have threatened to close 5 firehouses to get real compromise or just do it now. The city has closed 19 schools, had half the student population as years past, and the city population is down.

    By comparison, Providence has a population of 100k more, large structures and has 13 stations. Warwick has 12. Just a NYC did under Bloomberg, it is time to cut the number of stations. It isn’t personal like the union would have you believe- it is a needed for the city to survive.

    With rare traffic, I am sure 3-4 stations could get combined with little effect on response times. Until the city learns to control costs and improve school ratings the population of Warwick will continue to decline and result in increase financial pressure on the tax payers remaining.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    Fact check,

    12 stations?

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Formally Warwick your lack of knowledge on the city currently shows in your comments. I for one don’t want any stations closed as people in my family with medical issues frequently rely on the departments response. So when people lose property and even worse the loss of life you will be where ever it is you live continuing to be ignorant to the facts.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Close stations and insurance rates go up. Something else to complain about

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Observant1

    School enrollment goes down it seems reasonable to close schools but fire department call volume seems to increase year after year. Remember when someone calls 911 and is asked is your emergency police, fire or medical that the WFD handles 2 of those.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • FormerlyWarwick

    Goes to show you Google isn’t always right but close. Stations 1-10, green airport (I know, it’s the airport), HQ. Cut it at 10. If you lived anywhere besides RI. Many cities have all volunteer corps or 1/2 and 1/2. Paid.

    There are many ways to cut it. My home owners is no more expensive then my parents (40 years in Warwick). The failure to change is the reason Warwick is city no one wants to live in.

    My parents street has 20 homes, only one has school age children left. The younger generations live elsewhere because of the financial mess.....and poor schools.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Observant1

    Actually there are 9 stations . 9 engines 1-10 minus an engine 7 which formerly ran out of station 2 in Lakewood and was relocated to potowomut and renamed engine 10. Not sure if you are aware of what percent of property taxes go towards the fire department but with a city budget of 324milliion and a fire department budget of under 24 million it doesn’t take a mathematician to see its much less than 10 percent probably around 7.5 percent. So let’s say your tax bill is $ 5000 per year you’re paying $375 per year for 365 day 24/7 fire and ems . Some communities pay considerably higher fire taxes in towns with volunteer fire departments. Time for people to move on from the Fire department debate .

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    WFD calls for service are up because there is no call screening going on. Every call gets a dispatch of some type. No communication and priorities set with local businesses, health care, nursing homes etc. ESPECIALLY so-called nonprofit organizations needing help with lift assists, etc. Private business should provide their own ambulance type expenses.

    Another situation as an example of waste: This past year, one day on the scanner the animal control officer told police dispatch that they need just one twenty foot ladder to get a dog off a porch roof in Oakland Beach. The police dispatcher called Fire dispatch. Within one minute, the fire dispatch was heard dispatching two engine trucks and a ladder truck! What a joke. A sworn professional employee asked for one 20 foot ladder and 2 engines and a ladder truck were dispatched. A waste of resources and taxpayer money. The majority of these so-called increase in calls for service involve the use of Rescues. So cut trucks and get more rescues, instead of relying on mutual aid from other Cities. One day I was leaving Stop and Shop in Meadowbrook Plaza. The fire dispatch was requesting help from another City for a rescue need. Inside shopping at Stop & Shop was Rescue 3. That should never happen. No WFD vehicles should be shopping while on duty, but I've seen Ladder trucks and Resues there doing grocery shopping many, many times. If the administration is going to allow this waste, IT SHOULD NEVER BE A LADDER TRUCK OR RESCUE VEHICLE. Their are plenty of cars and SUV'S, WFD Vehicles, on the road cruising around. Use them for shopping, or better yet, alternate days where station employees shop before coming to work, for whatever is needed for that shift, like everyone else that pays there salaries. Many ways to reduce required funding, but no attempts being made to change old outdated, and unnecessary procedures because "WE'VE ALWAYS DONE IT THAT WAY .... AND ENTITLEMENT MENTALITY OF PERSONNEL! Spend Department money like it is your personal budget, not an open checkbook anymore!

    TIME TO START DOING MORE WITH LESS, IN ALL CITY DEPARTMENTS, NOT JUST PICKING ON WFD ... EVERY DEPT. AND EVERY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT!

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Imagine Johnny Pajamas Simoneau as a dispatcher for 911.

    ”Dispatcher Simoneau: 911, what the hell do you need.

    Caller: my husband is having a heat attack.

    Dispatcher Simoneau : Tell that F$G to stop faking it.

    Caller: but he’s not responding

    Dispatcher Simoneau: I’ll be by shortly to shoot him because I get to carry a gun.”

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Total expense for past, present and future firefighter cost that is paid directly from the city budget breaks down as follows based on the 2020 proposed budget by the mayor:

    $17.8 million in department expenses

    $4 million in overtime

    $3.6 million in firefighter retiree healthcare

    $4.3 million in active firefighter healthcare

    $20.5 million in firefighter pension cost

    Total annual dollars expensed from the city budget $50.2 million.

    2020 proposed city budget $156.9 million.

    32 percent of the city budget is allocated to pay for past, present and future firefighter services.

    With the city reducing the city budget by transferring close to $4 million to the school department to save school sports, the percent is higher than 32%.

    Critics will argue that you can’t count retiree costs in the equation.

    My response is that it is related to firefighter services that were performed either in the past, are being provided right now, and future costs for the services being provided now are being expensed out of the current budget.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Johnny you are really reaching at this point. It a well known fact that call volume increases every year and it’s not due to lift assist or unfounded calls. I can guarantee to you rescue 3 did not miss a call because they were shopping, keep spreading your lies and hate. Also keep posting as it becomes more clear with each post that you are a lunatic. If it were your dog on the roof and the fire department didn’t come you would be complaining about that. Also I’m sure if you came across a dog on a roof as a providence police officer the only way you would go get it is to fake an injury in the process so you can collect a tax free disability pension. Ohhh wait you have one of those don’t you?????

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    More fudging numbers from Cushman. Use the total

    City budget. Not just the city portion. When I get my tax bill it’s One Bill, so include all the costs and percentages. If not then back the school portion out of my $5000 tax bill then after that tell me how much per household the fire department costs. You are a master at making up these big bad numbers

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Liberman

    Brandon, looks like you are getting a deal!! The city valued your rental property at $169,400???????????? But you're paying $5,000 in taxes. Ummm no.

    http://gis.vgsi.com/warwickri/Parcel.aspx?pid=38558

    ... looks like we need to contact the tax assessors office and have them reevaluate that property.

    1,890 living area

    2 full baths

    2 half baths

    5 bedrooms

    10 total rooms.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Liberman

    has a side hustle...

    From Zillow.com

    Brandon Ingegneri - Prop Mgr, Pvt Lender, GC, Investor (13 years experience)

    Specialties:

    Notary,

    Property Management,

    Landlord,

    Property Mgmt, Wholesale Sales

    I have been involved in RI real estate since 2007. In that time I have purchased and sold over 50 properties in addition to building a rental portfolio of over 2 dozen properties spanning RI from Narragansett to Woonsocket. In 2014, my partner and I created Avellino Construction and Property Management. A company where we manage and maintain properties for a number of third party owners in RI. On staff, we have full time carpenters, electricians, and maintenance personnel. Additionally, we wholesale a number of off market single family properties each year and provide private financing for other investors to acquire, and renovate real estate.

    Impressive that you have time for two full time jobs. And just so people know.... "Jimmy" lives in Providence.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Sorry "formerly Warwick", but you need to do some research before you make false statements. Warwick has 9 fire stations-not 12. And as far as the T?F. Green Airport Fire Dept., that is part of RIAC, and has absolutely nothing to do with the Warwick Fire Dept. and is not part of Warwick City government. And due to the airport being in the geographic center of the city, it necessitates the city having 9 stations to provide proper coverage due to response times. Think about that when you or your family member is suffering a life threatening emergency.

    Moving on to Cushman, obviously he has never heard of a mortgage. People borrow to buy homes, cars, etc., cities borrow, states borrow, and the federal government borrows. It's the way the world works, and some expenses have to be spread out in the future. Sorry Bob, but everyone is not as wealthy as you and can pay for their home with cash.

    And finally, moving on to Johnny "Dispatcher" Pajamas, his lies, misinformation, hatred of city workers, and unstable mental state speak for themselves.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Tomhob13

    I would like to thank the wfd for saving my wifes life when she had a heart attack in 2015.at a council meeting i voiced my personal opinion that taxes had been to liow in this city for too long that did not sit well with the sky is falling crowd.i would like too see our leaders come up with responsible and sustainable plans for warwick so we can move forward.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    1 gazillion % sure my name isn’t Brandon. Stick to suffocating animals or fuel dumping. Tool

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    What does having a second job have to do with anything? This just blatantly proves you people don’t care about the taxpayers or the numbers. It some weird obsession, grudge. All you do is call names and try to stir the pot with lies and misinformation. You people are pathetic. Maybe since you have soo much time on your hands you should get a second job. Politics isn’t working for any of you so try something else. The contract got passed by the way so all of your suggestions and posts are pointless. Move on and get a life.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Cowards got their greedy contract AND STILL afraid to use their real names. They start throwing out lies and calling people names, because they cant legitimately respond to counter the facts we provide. Then when we throw names back at the COWARDS, while we use our real names, they cry and complain about it.

    Get some facts, new material COWARDS. Then you might be taken seriously. Get new material because the same old crying lines get boring to hear over and over.

    I know what I've heard and seen with the WFD. NO DOUBT, and I put my name to it .... unlike you loser COWARDS. Everyone here that matters, and speak the truth, know it.

    Now go cry yourself to sleep in your 9 stations, and dream about someday being real firefighters, that get to play with the sirens.

    Sunday, January 12, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Agian Simoneau the walking contradiction. You cry about taxes and pay none. You cry about the fire department and tell them to cry themselves to sleep. The only people spreading lies are you and the few other clowns that have nothing better to do. Johnny the contract got passed go away.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    One question to Disability poacher Johnny Boy or The Captain? WHERE IS THE FBI? If the FD did a quarter of what you claimed (stealing, mail fraud, RICO, etc...) they would be knocking down the doors.... I think it’s because no one believes anything you say... contract got passed (win for the city) and now they have nothing else but to attack their people outside of the job. Can’t make this stuff up.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN .... BLAH, BLAH, BLAH but still afraid to use real names. Tell us all when you will grow a set and use your real names? ... COWARDS, COWARDS, COWARDS ... you don't matter otherwise!

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Brandon

    I checked out your company webpage for Avellino Construction and Property Management Company. WOW. What a joke and hilarious example of an unprofessional and half ass company. Nobody I know would hire anybody that would put up such a ridiculous webpage. I know ten year olds that could create a webpage that would put yours to shame. It would take them less than an hour to do it. You really are a pathetic individual, not just a pathetic WFD Union representative. Let me know if you want to upgrade the webpage. I'll get the 10 year old to do it for free, because you obviously are cheap ... What a farce. A PO Box.

    You must run it from mommy's basement. LMFAO.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Wow I’m amazed at the disrespect everyone has for one another but that’s the world we live in.

    You were all raised better than this I’m sure of it.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Keep posting John. It lets everyone know your true colors. The ten year old you refer to could help you with logic, writing composition, sentence structure, and spelling. It's amazing you are from a family of first responders, while you also collect a tax free disability pension from a city you don't even live in.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    According to official city documents, these are the thieves, and this is the amount of taxpayers dollars that was stolen from the community by the thieves in 2017.

    NAME SICK DAYS TAKEN AMOUNT PAID OVERPAYMENT day/amount total

    ALBRO, CHRISTOPHER 6 14.05 4 - $1418.41 $3796.33

    ALSFELD WILLIAM 2 15.00 1.5 - $537.43 $2940.49

    ANDERSEN, ERIK 5 15.00 3.75 - $1336.25 $3755.79

    ANDERSON , BRIAN 2 15.00 1.5 - $482.57 $1417.07

    ANDREWS, DANIEL 5 14.56 3.31 - $1174.16 $2335.43

    ANDREWS, DAVID 5 14.65 3.40 - $1206.31 $3338.85

    ANDREWS, ETHAN 13 7.16 1.91 - $609.16 $2830.36

    ANGILLY, DAVID 9 9.56 1.31 - $417.53 $1665.35

    ANGILLY, PETER 3 15.00 3.75 - $1206.43 $2637.76

    ANTONELLI, RAYMOND 2 10.05 OK $1438.01

    BARLOW, BRIAN 5 15.00 3.75 - $1442.06 $3288.85

    BELLAVANCE, RICHARD 5.96 RETIRED $2830.01

    BERTHIAME, TODD 6 14.48 3.98 - $1267.46 $2463.33

    BOYNTON,MICHAEL JR. 4 15.00 3.00 - $965.14 $965.14

    BOYNTON,MICHAEL SR. 3 15.00 2.25 -$723.84 $1446.18

    BRADLEY, DANIEL 3 14.20 1.45 - $514.36 $2077.7

    BRADLEY, THOMAS 3 13.90 1.15 - $440.24 $3809.13

    BRADY, THOMAS 5.66 13.57 2.81 - $1005.72 $3689.59

    BROWN, KEITH 4 7.53 missing 2016 data $725.08

    BUBAR, ROBERT 2 14.56 1.06 - $462.20 $2064.47

    CABRAL, MICHAEL 4 15.00 3.00 - $965.13 $1899.62

    CAHOON, STEVEN 3 15.00 2.25 - $806.13 $1794.47

    CAMPAGNA, VINCENT 4 15.00 3.00 - $965.13 $3190.49

    CAPWELL, SCOTT 4 13.97 1.22 - $467.04 $2291.91

    CARVAALHO, MICHAEL 4 15.00 3.00 - $1074.84 missing data

    CEMBOR, ROBERT 13 5.77 .52 - $184.63 $1487.79

    CHARPENTIER, JASON 2 13.84 .34 - $120.61 $2192.87

    CIESYNSKI, MICHAEL 5 15.00 3.75 - $1343.55 missing data

    CLARK, MICHAEL 6 12.48 1.98 - $863.84 $3273.98

    COBB, BRIAN 5 14.65 3.40 - $1206.31 $2446.02

    CONLEY, JAMES 14 7.34 2.84 - $1087.45 $3459.71

    CONLEY, KYLE 1 15.00 .75 -$ 241 28 missing data

    CRAVEN, NOAH 9 11.01 2.76 - $879.47 missing data

    CROWLY, PATRICK 5 14.65 3.40 - $1206.31 $2671.64

    CULLEN, STEVEN 6 15.00 4.50 - $1612.26 $2967.25

    DANELLA, ROBERT 2 15.00 1.50 - $482.56 $1941.42

    DEFUSCO, MICHAEL 7.33 11.72 2.22 - $707.27 $2894.79

    DOAR, PHILIP 5 15.00 3.75 - $1343.55 $3700.76

    DUNLEAVY, HENRIK 6 12.64 2.14 - $759.15 $3441.32

    ERBAN, JASON 1 15.00 .75 - $268.71 $917.12

    FARIAS, MICHAEL 1 15.00 missing 2016 .75 - $241.28 $944.21

    FAUCHER, JONATHAN 5.66 14.97 4.22 - $1615.52 $4016.94

    FONTENAULT, MARCEL 24 3.75 7.75 - $2966.86 $5293.45

    FRANCIS, SETH 4 15.00 3.00 - $992.84 $2822.01

    FRENCH, KYLE 5 15.00 3.75 - $1343.55 $3751.90

    FURY, JASON 5 15.00 3.75 - $1343.55 $3197.67

    GIBLIN, THOMAS 4 9.33 OK

    GOUVIEA, ALAN 6 14.24 3.74 - $1431.40 $3003.55

    GUERCIA, STEPHEN 7 12.22 2.47 - $876.21 $3451.35

    HANDY, STEVEN 3 15.00 2.25 - $869.97 $2554.77

    JENSEN, SCOTT 4 15.00 3.00 - $965.13 $2894.47

    NAME SICK DAYS TAKEN AMOUNT PAID OVERPAYMENT day/amount 3yr total

    JORDAN, JAMES 0 15.00 OK $1967.92

    KAPALKA, STEVEN 1 14.87 .62 - $237.48 $237.48

    KING, DAVID NO DATA missing data $1660.04 (2yrs)

    LAMIROY, MARC 0 15.00 OK $1578.10

    LECLAIR, CHRISTOPHER 7 13.79 4.04 - $1433.13 $4074.98

    LETOURNEAU, PAUL 6 13.24 2.74 - $1049.09 $3407.15

    LIBRIZZI, CHRIS 2 14.56 1.06 - $337.64 $1350.69 (2yrs)

    LUSIGNAN.GEORGE 5 14.65 3.40 - $1206.31 $1878.56

    MAGNAN, STEPHEN 29 7.60 21.60 - $2423.17 $4367.45

    MAHONEY,DAVID 13 2.55 $3537.93

    MARRIOT, KENNETH 4 14.42 2.42 - $771.08 $2762.28

    MATTESON, MICHAEL 3 13.82 1.07 - $503.20 $3237.03

    MAXFIELD, JAMES 0 14.54 missing data $842.34

    MCALLISTER, MICHAEL 3 15.00 2.25 - $723.84 $2777.81

    MELLO, ANTHONY 19.66 2.63 8.29 - $1006.78 $1181.43

    MERNICK, FRED 1 15.00 .75 - $241.28 $1404.53

    MERNICK, MICHAEL 0 14.78 OK $1666.49

    MOAN, MICHAEL 4 15.00 3.00 - $1424.24 $3662.46

    MORETTI, MICHAEL 8 12.04 missing data 3.04 - $968.39 $2252.29

    NARDOWAY, GLENN ? ? ? $3830.34 (2yrs)

    ODONNELL, MATTHEW 19 1.97 1.22 - $432.29 $3155.80

    ONEILL, JOSEPH 3 15.00 2.25 - $806.13 $1378.80 (2yrs)

    OATLEY, GARY 7 13.04 3.29 - $1260.23 $2877.80

    PELLICO, GARY 2.33 15.00 1.74 - $623.52 $2320.18

    PERRY, JOHN 8 3.55 OK missing data

    PICARD, TIMOTHY 2 14.64 1.14 - $404.39 $1086.35

    PRATA,TIMOTHY $3745.93 (2yrs)

    REYNOLDS, JESSE 4 15.00 3.00 - $965.14

    RICHARD, DEREK 4 15.00 3.00 - $965.14

    RICHARDS, MATTHEW 5 15.00 3.75 - $1343.55 $3162.34

    RUSSELL, RANDY 2 13.86 .36 - $127.72 $2333.38

    SAVARIA, MARC 5 13.62 2.37 - $907.61 $2720.84

    SCALZO, MICHAEL 4 15.00 3.00 - $1074.84 $2115.54

    SCRIBNER, KEVIN 1 15.00 .75 - $241.28 $1290.76

    SINOTTE, THOMAS 4 15.00 3.00 - $1321.19 $4206.47

    SUGRUE, THOMAS 0 15.00 missing data

    SULLIVAN, CHRIS 11 7.09 .34 - $108.44 $2872.33

    SUTTON, ANDREW 9 7.31 OK $1922.26

    TITUS, TRACY 5 14.97 3.70 - $1312.51 $3137.73

    TURCO, DANIEL 7 12.04 2.29 - $812.62 $3645.60

    UMBENHAUER, JASON 1 15.00 .75 - $356.06 missing data

    VAIL, JUSTIN 5 14.01 2.76 - $879.60 $2430.46

    VALLEY, ROBERT 3 15.00 2.25 - $806.13 $3287.50

    VARRAS, NICHOLAS 3 15.00 2.25 - $723.85

    VINER, STEVEN 0 14.54 OK missing data

    WATERMAN, JASON 11 9.99 1.74 - $554.74 $2292.83

    WEATHERS, DANA 14 5.94 1.44 - $458.97 $1860.67

    WILSON, WILLIAM 0 15.00 OK $1042.98

    WINNES, CHRIS 7 12.62 2.87 -$1098.94 missing data

    Total over paid $74,351.12

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Next spring Warwick PD and Municpal contracts are set to expire. I’m looking forward to the name calling and bashing of our beloved PD that has the EXACT same HEALTHCARE as the fire department both for retired and active members.

    I look forward to seeing the name calling and mentioning of specific officers by the chosen few on here who have no problem mentioning fire department or municipal employees.

    What are you all afraid of ? They get paid with your’s and my tax dollars so let’s be fair and say they are undeserving of the benefits they receive both active and retired.

    Someone mentioned earlier they’ve closed 19 schools but every year they want more money and by the millions !

    Usually when one consolidates you would assume costs come down. This is where the issue is and it’s a big issue.

    My kids are out of high school and college but I stay here because no matter what city or state your going to pay taxes regardless.

    My bet is next year the chosen few won’t hold rallies, name call, lambast on radio or on here about the PD.

    I wonder why hmmmmm

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Daydreambeliever.

    You keeprepeating this same argument, but obviously you can't read either. This has been asked and answered already. The chosen few, as you say in a disparaging way, have done the same thing in the past against the police and municipal departments. The difference is, these department personnel don't start their defense response here by spouting personal lies, attacks, and slandourous attacks. You get what you give. The WFD personnel who comment here are COWARDS, that attack citizens and then cry when the can't defeat their facts and attack, attack, attack. They set the tone and can't seem to accept when people fight back.

    COWARDS, COWARDS, COWARDS ... THAT IS THEIR MO. They are ashamed, afraid, or both, to use their real names. Oh, that's right. Neither do you. LOL.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    BY the way, I just received another harassing letter in the mail and no doubt it came from COWARD BRANDON INGEGNERI who exhibits the type of behavior to do such a thing. Wish I could post it on this site. WFD class act !

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Sure you did Robbie. You have lied about so many other things I find it hard to believe.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    I got one also. Sent by COWARD WFD who are afraid to speak up face to face and afraid to use their real names on this site, so they send foul mouthed anonymous letter through the mail.

    I am publically calling out the COWARD here. Come on COWARD. So-called public servant ..... own up to it!

    Be a man and speak up, OR name a place and time.

    Anywhere, and you can even bring anyone with you for immoral support.

    Hilarious ....

    LMFAO

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Daydream, it truly is sad. It's gone so far past the point. Cat tried to voice similar reasoning and was shouted down by another commenter. Honestly, who cares if someone has another job? I applaud anyone who earns a living in 2020 and to think others would attempt to mock this is truly pathetic. You have no idea what circumstances would lead a person to work a 2nd full time job and for that reason you should probably not judge or comment on such things.

    I wasn't crazy about the December 20th vote taking place but it was pushed back another 2 weeks and passed 5 to 4. Time will now tell if the savings mentioned will be realized but this is why elections are held. Aside from that I think it's ridiculous to lob insults back and forth for another few years.

    For those who are THAT opposed: vote, run for office, encourage others to run for office but channeling so much anger towards ANYTHING in a comment section probably isn't the most productive way to oppose the contract or anything else for that matter. Obviously there are exceptions and there are plenty of good people who comment regularly that want what's best for the City. I hope everyone of those people continue to comment and aren't driven away by some of the nonsense that seems more common everyday. There is plenty to discuss and debate but if its only name calling then it'll never get past that. It's been so bad lately it almost feels deliberate. It doesn't reflect well on anyone and I hope it changes.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    It just has to be a firefighter who sent it ? Your sure of this beyond a reasonable doubt ? How did you come to this conclusion?

    Could it be someone impersonating a firefighter? Anyone can send a letter, if your that worried bring it to State Police and the URI forensic lab.

    The ridiculousness of the accusations is getting tiring.

    Oh one more thing Captain Blabbermouth when you left Providence Journals at FD Headquarters with post it's why didn't you sign your name ? No balls ?

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    There's an old saying-"birds of a feather flock together ", and that's patently obvious with Captain Criminal and Johnny Pajamas. Same old conspiracy theories, same old nasty posts, and same old invitations to meet up for a physical altercation. It's time for Captain Criminal and Johnny Pajamas to get some new material, such as the two of them finding gainful employment or some sort of hobby. And just an FYI-following city employees and hiding in the bushes with a cell phone camera doesn't count, and neither does hanging out at the Oakland Beach sea wall making obscene gestures at city employees.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Daydreambeliever

    All the WFD are impersonating firefighters. So pick one?

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    Why aren’t these nitwits sued for slander?

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Thank you scal1024 for your sensible comments and voice of reason. Captain Criminal and Johnny Sweat Pants are losing whatever shred of credibility they ever had with their juvenile remarks. And your comments about running for office were spot on-Johnny Pajamas once took out papers to run for council, but then backed out, and Captain Criminal never even ran for dog catcher. And they call other posters cowards? What a couple of hypocrites.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Mr Howell, please shut down this thread. This is ridiculous.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    It’s crazy that ADULTS act like this...The Warwick Beacon should be embarrassed with all these comments! Shut this embarrassment of a thread down

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    I agree.... SHUT IT DOWN

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    You know i read these article and watch these comments and I am just SHOCKED that some of you have ANY credibility with ANYONE.

    I may not agree with Block and Cushman about everything they say, but overall they at least seem respectful and truly interested in what happens in warwick.

    Cote, Stacia and this John guy...they VERY CLEARLY have personal agendas. They very clearly, for whatever reason, HATE city employees. They dont actually care about the citizens and taxpayers of this city. Honestly, im pretty sure they are all mentally ill.

    Block and Cushman..my opinion...separate yourself from those three. They are not helping your cause. They are HURTING your cause. Over the past couple of years we have all heard about the rediculous stunts they pulled...killing animals, crashing funerals, picking on transgender childrwn...spewing hate filled comments right here in the comments section. You dont want to be associates with these people...i PROMISE you...they are hurting your cause!

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    so captain rob, those amounts were all overpayments to firefighters? wow $74k could buy 3 more ladder trucks from westerly with enough left over for a years worth of grocery trips to stop n shop!

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Mike J, well said. I could not agree more. Cote has lost credibility on all issues. Stacia NEVER had ANY. You CANNOT yell and scream fraud, or trumpet an FBI investigation where you label others criminals and have NOTHING turn out to be true, you just can't. How can he be taken at his word in the future? Hard to earn the public's trust after that type of swing and miss.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Honestinfo

    I would sue these nitwits for slander. That is why they don't use their real names. Try and keep up please.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • ErinBrockovich

    Clearly which nitwits need to be sued for slander is not so clear to some....

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    That actually makes sense that someone using the fake name Erin Brockovich would think like that. LOL

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Honest info asks: "why aren't these nitwits sued for slander?" It's because nitwit number 1, captain criminal is one step away from bankruptcy, due to his failed dive shop business, and number 2, Johnny Sweat Pants squandered all of his TAX FREE disability pension paying lawyers to try and get him more TAX FREE money from the city of Providence. That's why you see these two COWARDS wearing soiled cowl neck sweaters and pajama bottoms at city council meetings.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    In all seriousness, does Johnny Sweat Pants own a business suit or any formal attire, or does his wardrobe consist entirely of sleepwear? Just asking for a friend.

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Johnny pajamas

    You make my point exactly... COWARD ...

    Saying this under false name really shows your credibility, and that you are indeed a lying, coward, scumbag.

    Make my day, and come talk to me. But everyone knows you won't, because YOU ARE JUST A COWARD!

    I USE MY NAME ALWAYS, SO WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH?

    CASE CLOSED!

    Monday, January 13, 2020 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    Wow, another Red Flag. The guy with blatant mental health issues who wants to “meet up” with people to discuss differences of opinion, and brags about his firearms, now is using the term “Make my day”.

    I don’t know if this is by design or not, but Mr. Simoneau you should probably stop.

    Maybe you should use a pseudonym, I’m embarrassed for you.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Part of me feels bad for him, then I remember the disgusting language he uses. Blatantly obvious there is a disconnection from reality, or superiority complex. Which given his past employment would make sense.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    John yes I do repeat myself sorry about that but I would like it to be a fair playing field not so one sided and opinionated.

    I will keep mentioning that the police department has exactly the same healthcare for both active and retired as the firefighters but it’s the firefighters who are getting lambasted and called out continuously.

    You may hear it’s unsustainable from the chosen few but they never come out and say the the police are screwing the city with these ridiculous perks compared to the fire department. Why is that ?

    They are exactly the same benefits !

    As for all the name calling it’s gotten way out of hand and I’m mentioning the ones who chose you also.

    I’m hoping we have better morals than that but reading some posts here I can see some disregard their upbringing.

    Our parents would be so proud. As for trying to embarrass anyone for working two sometimes 3 jobs good for that person if they do choose.

    We complain about freeloaders who milk the system but now we antagonize a guy who is a firefighter, owns a business and has done well for himself ?

    Ingeneri is no Trump, Paolino, Noel or any other developer but they all obtained there wealth by hard work and taking a chance.

    I have no issues with anyone who wants to work.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Daydream, you are spot on. I can't fathom anyone having an issue with someone working multiple jobs. On one hand, there are some who consistently claim members of the WFD are fairly well off by "raking in" the overtime and then, in the same breath, those same people criticize any WFD members who work others jobs or even own their own businesses. I don't think these critics can have it both ways.

    Much like the "grocery shopping criticism", I feel this one is a losing issue. As you said we criticize those who "freeload" and then turnaround and do the same to those working multiple jobs. I would hope these critics can find a new hobby other than looking into who works where and who owns what company. As long as there are no conflicts, and let's be clear there is ZERO evidence to suggest there are, then I don't see what the issue is?

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    I have never said, nor do I have a problem with, people working as much as they want. To each his own. My problem is with, and always will be with, COWARDS that slander people using fake names. If you have beliefs, and opinions, by all means state them if you desire. Just have the intestinal fortitude to put your name to it. Children on this thread just throw out lies about people anonymously, and then cry when people verbally fight back and call them what they are, COWARDS. Enough said on this foolishness. I got more important things to fight about. Like progressive Governor and her type at the State house coming after our rights. Here is my response:

    On Thursday, January 23rd 2020 @4PM we send our elected officials a message by organizing the LARGEST Second Amendment rally our Governor has ever seen. Spread the word to your gun clubs, coworkes, firearms retailers and social media pages. ADVOCATE FOR YOUR FIREARMS RIGHTS!

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    if you are still arguing this far down in the comments, maybe it is time to consider moving out of mom's basement and into the real world.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Simoneau you are slandering and lying about firefighters in Warwick. Actually personally attacking certain people with threats and name calling. However if someone states something about you it’s a whole different story. How old are you? Grow up and go away

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    JJ- ,COWARD.

    I didn't start it, but I will fight back even harder than those that did. You get back what you put out. I fight fire with fire, slander with truth, and I put my name to it. Unlike you, and the WFD COWARDS that post here. They came after me with slanderous attacks because I spoke out at the council meeting against the, in my opinion, scam contract they decided to pass for their cronies on the WFD. It was my right to stand at meeting, give my real name. and state my opinion. The unprofessional thugs of the WFD don't want anyone doing that, so they come on here and spew slanderous comments using fake names. Then the COWARDS go a step further and send anonymous filthy language mail to my house. This is high school type stuff that you would think overpaid so-called professional public servants, and I use those terms losely, would be above.

    Obviously not in the WFD. I will continue to do what I do as long as they continue. If they weren't COWARDS. they would have no problem speaking to me face to face. No physical confrontation. Just speak like men, but obviously that isn't their MO.

    I will continue to call them what everyone here knows they are COWARDS!

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    Don't you love when Stacia comments under Johns name in an attempt to make John sound more literate? We all know Stacia's writing style...and John cant string a sentence together without insulting, threatening or slandering someone.

    In order for something to be considered "slander" it has to be false. Nothing stated here about Cote, Stacia or John are false. They did all the things people are talking about. They are also the only ones slandering an entire group of city employees cause they are BIG MAD about the contract. Honestly i think every single comment supporting any of them, is written by them.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Nobody speaks for me except the one time a COWARD tried to post as ne last week, and I called the COWARD out. Now grow up and stop continuing foolishness, or I will have to start back up. Should agree to always disagree about WFD andl just leave it there.

    I'm done with your childish shit. For now be thankful WFD won contract, with 5 soon to be ex-council members help, and go on from there. Enjoy while you can.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this