Tainted Links

Thinkprogress.org has an interesting take on the Tennessee County fire that is now national news. Zaid Jilani's take - the consertives and Republican's on the board: "The conservative vision was on full display last week in Obion County, Tennessee."

The city of South Fulton in 1990 (due to what the television report said was budget concerns), implemented a $75 firefighter service fee for those outside of the city limit. Mr. Cranick counted on the fire department coming with their service even though he didn't pay the fee. The television reported that in 2008 a house was allowed to burn down because it's owner did not pay the fee. Mr. Cranick knew that the fire department followed this policy and yet ignored the risk.

Before I go to my suggest on how to correct this policy, I would like to point out Mr. Jilani's bias. Mr. Jalini kindly points out "Crocker, a Republican who was elected in 2008 and serves with a county commission where every seat is also filled by a Republican, likened the policy to buying auto insurance." He is implying that only Republican's have a hand in this policy. However, the policy was implemented in 1990. Crocker was elected in 2008. He also stated that every seat in the county commission is filled by a Republican. I am sure he meant the city commission (which by all indications is where the policy originates from) is filled by Republicans. According to the city's website, longest serving member was seated in 2000. Unfortunately my searching ability is not to the point where I can find who was seated in 1990 and what party they belong to. That would be a very interesting fact to learn.

Now for the fix. The problem isn't the $75 fee for the fire fighting services. The problem is the fact that those who didn't pay the fee have no recourse for help if they need it. The policy should outline the costs associated with a call and state that those who decide to fore go paying the $75 dollar fee will be require to pay for the full cost associated with the call. Some of the itemized expenses outlined would include milage, water, and the firefighters "hourly rate".

Trying to blame this on a mayor that was not seated at the time the policy was created is ridiculous. Trying to blame this on city commissioners that may or may not had been seated when the policy was create is ridiculous. Trying to blame this on a political party that may or may not had been in power in 1990 is ridiculous.

Mr. Jalini has no basis for any of the blame he lays in his post. He has no facts to back up his claim that it was only Republicans or conservatives that put this policy into place. Overall his post is disingenuous. He should have suggested solutions to this failed policy. However, all he is looking for is to blame someone and make people feel guilty.