Let’s focus on issues in March city elections

To the Editor:

With the upcoming Presidential elections in November, it’s not too early to look at our own city elections approaching in March. In the hopes of avoiding the “politics of personal destruction,” I’m sure voters will focus on the issues and not focus on the mudslinging that has plagued our fair city for the past few years and made us the laughingstock of South Florida. This city has grown tremendously since the early 1990s; good, bad or indifferent, current and former city leaders helped shape our city to become a desirable place to live and raise a family. Personally, I made the trek “north” from my hometown of Pompano Beach 11 years ago, and enjoy what our town has to offer. Much like the Presidential election, we stand at a crossroads where we need to focus on the issues at hand. Our next city commission will have its hands full with a variety of issues, as we move into the next decade. Let’s hope the candidates that desire to lead our city will focus on the issues and not personal attacks.

Bill Mei

Deerfield Beach

Open letter to Mr. Davis, Mr. Nace

and Deerfield Beach Fire Department

Mr. Davis:  Seeing your credentials of 18 years, I thought I would state mine: citizen of 72+ years, taxpayer of 33 years, all-in-all Deerfield Beach family man of 52+ years.

Yes, the firefighters/paramedics have a dangerous job. So, do police, miners, steelworkers, etc. I would hope at the age of 18 to 25 or so, the person would know or ask what they were getting into – conditions, pay, health coverage.

I think the Deerfield Beach Fire Department pay rate is good. Yes, I’d like to see them get more. Times are very rough now — stay the road, look ahead. My Social Security increase doesn’t cover the cost of gasoline. I sure hope the city has enough dollars to roll the engines and pay the firefighters. I know they have enough to pave the roads and pretty up the beaches. I’ve seen this for 33 years and it’s nice, but expensive.

Mr. Nace: I don’t know about the percentage rates and increases, but more taxpayers should be concerned, write and speak out. That’s the problem in Deerfield. “I’m too busy, LET THE OTHER GUY DO IT.”

I see that the city and Deerfield Beach Fire Department have come to an agreement. GOOD! It’s nice to see the Council agree to something REALLY IMPORTANT.

Mr. Nace and Mr. Davis: I know a little about firefighters/paramedics as seen today. But where there is smoke, there is fire. I learned that as a volunteer for 10 years with a $200-per-year clothing allowance. I am proud of what I accomplished, and to be an exempt fireman from Wood-Ridge, New Jersey.

To Deerfield Beach Fire Department: Money is very important, but stay at the job because you love it and like helping people. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Harold O. Fin

Deerfield Beach