FreeBird

So is it a "pumper" or an "engine?" Personally, I like the Pierce engines that Cobb runs. I think they are big bucks compared to the standard used by Paulding although I have always like engine 6 appearance. I think it is the odd-ball of the department.+

Effective 9/1 many areas in the county had a lowered ISO protection class rating. This was due to the hard work of the fire department, voters approving SPLOST allowing new equipment to be purchased, the BOC approving expenses, the approval of the "fire tax" allowing increased staffing levels as well as other factors that I may not be aware of. My homeowner's is with State Farm and my property now shows the new ISO rating of 5. This is just a FYI to check with your agent to ensure that your property is propertly rated if it is due the decrease. My understanding if you were previously

Good the older units are being retired. I know when we toured station 6 I found it interesting that the engine, or maybe it was the tanker, only had somewhere around 40K miles on it - and it seems like it was a 20 year old truck. The firefighters said the wear/tear comes from the number of hours it has been running. I do see engine 11 out a lot which is a good way to remind residents that the firefighters are always there to come to their aid if needed.

I think right next to Paulding International and offer free chopper rides to bring people in from a large parking area off of I-75 and I-20.

I have not tried to attack Clark, his employees, or their service. I only tried to relay facts as I have leaned them over the years. Sure, 5 years ago I did have a strong disliking for the service provided for the remote areas of the county. The former BOC chairman convinced me that with the subsidy Sam would make an effort to improve service. I gave it the benefit of the doubt and have hoped that results would be seen. I know units have been added, units have been replaced, and shifts (like the day truck) increased in an effort to improve service. I have not requested response times in severa

I am speaking of the requirements to keep the EMS zone -- one truck for the zone. The subsidy is an attempt to improve service without asking for guarantees of service or response times. The only way to gauge if there has been any ROI on that is to request response times from the GA DHS.

I am certainly no accountant so I would be of no use reviewing any books or records. The earliest Response Out--At Scene records I have are from Jan-June 2004. At that time the Average response time was 9.5 minutes. What current figures do you have? Has the average response time improved since the subsidy began? As with the free market and enterprise of America, I just feel that this subsidy should be reconsidered if an organization can guarantee a certain service level. For liabilities sake, I am sure no one could ever do that so we are stuck with what we have. You state several c

Probably 8+ years ago -- at least. It was 2004 timeframe when I suffered poor service due to placement of EMS units and began my education on the subject. From my conversations at that time the request had to have been probably even earlier than 2002. I think there was another post stating 1999 is when Clark first came asking for money. DHS in Rome was involved in the process and gave me a lot of that information. It was later confirmed by Shearin.

Not that I know of -- remember the former BOC Chairman? Both he and the DHS EMS coordinator for our zone told me that. As far as I know neither have personal interests in private EMS services. The question is more of asking if anyone else knows that is true -- that Clark would not open their books many years ago when he first began asking for money from the county. If you want an outside party the DHS is a really source.

I have been told that Clark was asked to open their books to external sources but they declined. Anyone know if that one is true?

I've had my share of education by the DHS personal in Rome. All Clark has to provide is one truck. I know he has been adding units around to improve service to all areas. I thought I had given the outfit credit for that previously. The proposed FY2011 budget states $300K cash and $75K fuel subsidy. I don't know what the final adopted budget figures were. Whether it is $375 or $475, I still think if a private organization is going to carry the zone then they should be doing it on their own. Obviously, that has not been an option with current provider, hence the county subsidy to

Thanks for the explanation. More government to correct a job that they aren't doing well today with.....

I have had my "hate Clark" rampages in my early years, but I certainly do not wish for his employees to suffer or miss a pay check. Any private company that takes on the EMS zone for our county should be able to fully provide a good level of service for ALL areas of the county without county support. Providing service to deadbeats for "stomach aches" is just part of business. I doubt you will find any businesses out there that do not write off some amount of bad debt. Deadbeats have always been the excuse. The bottom line is that a private business is getting $375K subsidy year. I

It is our business if Clark can't provide the EMS service that he currently provides.

Having the EMS zone and providing service is part of the package that the EMS zone provided signed on for. A private business recieved a lot of county support and it is important to know if the company is having financial problems. While Clark has made steps over the past 5-6 years to improve service and increase staffing, I guess the EMS business is a tough one to make money in. If they can't cut it then they should give up the EMS zone and allow someone else to come in that thinks they can provide good service and make a buck. Personally, I think the county could take the zone b

If there is no increase then where does the 1 billion come from?

I wonder how long this one will stay open..... Fuel + $400K

If I purchase something there is a mysterious 1B generated? How? Does he mean that he will drop taxes 1B for all and then generate 1B via another "revenue stream?" Not my candidate. I am in a different district. Whitey has along history of hating taxes - but he can live with an additional "revenue stream."

Hey Whitey, do you know that your Avery buddy is all for generating new taxes, er, revenue streams? I found this Q&A of him by the League of Women Voters: Q: The 2010 General Assembly has received significant criticism for failing to resolve critical financial issues of the state. If elected, what will you do to ensure better success in 2011 and future legislative sessions? Will Avery: The most striking problem I have seen with the General Assembly is a failure to open up all non-income tax revenue streams. A levy on the purchase of cigarettes would yield an estimated $600 mill

Sad news indeed. I guess the hangman's noose is getting ready for election time. Time for a full cleaning of the house in Washington. No more Bush to blame things on.

I am with Kaiser. $30 office visit, $60 after hours, $150 ER, waived if admitted.

It just depends on the amount of representation you can afford.

those with children got more of their money under the current tax plan - so everyone goes back as even - a dollar is a dollar as opposed to a dollar going to a family with kids. This will be the best thing the demorats could do to hang their selves even further.

But you are only a felon if convicted of a felony. There is no conviction in this case, just "white collar" justice and a promise to do better next time.

I thought the runners out there might be interested in this benefit run for the Be the Match organization taking place on 10/30 in Centennial Park in downtown Atlanta. details: http://www.bethematchfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BTOR_Global_home