It is shocking both that the Daily Times would publish the letter discussed below and that it would do so without an editorial note pointing out that the writer is ignorant about the matter of which she speaks. But, given that newspaper’s past record, it’s not really surprising.
Carol Cugler, the writer, is disgruntled that Rick Hoppes has not been appointed the City’s permanent fire chief. Her position is based upon statements made in a Daily Times’ editorial about Hoppes, whom she does not even know. Nonetheless, she feels that the editorial is “well-written.” Clearly, her ignorance is both complete and blissful.
Ms. Cugler suggests that Hoppes has not become the permanent fire chief due to some decision or inaction of the Salisbury City Council. She does not mention by name or position, much less chastise, Jim Ireton or discuss his official duty in appointing the fire chief.
If she would read the City Charter, Ms. Cugler would know that the fire chief is appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the Council. Because Ireton has declined to appoint Mr. Hoppes to that position, she should hold him responsible for the situation, not the Council.
We have criticized Ireton for his continuing failure to appoint someone to the position; unless and until he does, the Council cannot exercise its role in the matter. But we do not fault him for failing to appoint Mr. Hoppes to be the City’s fire chief. And if he does so, we will criticize him for doing so based on full knowledge, not editorials in the Daily Times.
Perhaps Greg Bassett should also read the City Charter
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
11 comments:
Rick Hoppes is not qualified to hold the position of Department Head in the city of Salisbury and may never be qualified. It is also corruption to allow Rick Hoppes to continue to serve in the capacity of Acting Fire Chief. Rick Hoppes has wasted city tax dollars to no end and continues to run Mayor Ireton and members of the city council into the ground. Rick Hoppes was also a big supporter of Gary Comegys for mayor instead of Mayor Ireton, but never the less, he has aligned himself with Bill Gordy who has ruined the Salisbury Fire Department and it will take years to recover. Rick Hoppes has also burned his bridges with the career and volunteer firefighters.The majority of members do not respect Rick Hoppes and the department will continue to be as dysfunctional as possible. They all know he is the most laziest individual and has proven himself to be vindictive. Carol Culger I do not believe for one minute that you do not know Rick Hoppes. If you did not know Rick Hoppes your letter wouldn't be so passionate to get Rick Hoppes appointed to the position of Fire Chief. A position he is clearly not qualified for or worthy of. Rick Hoppes needs to leave the fire department as soon as possible. And the fact that Mayor Ireton continues to allow Rick Hoppes to serve in the capacity of Acting Fire Chief is a derilict in duty, negligence and possibly malfeasance in office.
Mayor Ireton I implore you to make the right decision and soon!
"There is nowhere else I know of where employees and volunteers must agree on who is going to be the leader."
Reading the letter from this woman I find this is the only statement she says that makes any sense. Other than that I think she is dishonest and lying about knowing Rick Hoppes.
"Yet a year into Mayor Jim Ireton's first term and more than a year after See's departure, the department still has an acting chief, Rick Hoppes, who, by most accounts, is doing a fine job holding things together."
From the Daily Rag Editorial!
Seriously, you think Hoppes is doing a fine job, but in the same breath you call the fire department dysfunctional.
That lazy, infidel is not holding things together. He needs to go!
Since Hoppes has been Chief, he has picked the worst possible Dep. Chief (pirate) who is clueless, worthless, and just an idot in general who not one single person in that department respects.....well maybe one (pook) Hoppes has admited that since he has been Act. Chief the dept. is in the worst shape that it has ever been in EVER!. This is no secret and why anyone would want this guy as Chief is insane. The Mayor has been told that the Majority of the fire Dept. has agreed on one person yet he keeps ignoring it and saying that they can't agree. B.S.!!! JUST PICK A DAMN CHIEF ALREADY!!!! The Dept. needs to move forward and can't in it's current state.
Jim Ireton is a weaking and a slug that turns his back on the citizens he was elected to serve. Jim, do you remember who helped get you elected? He is a turncoat and a one term mayor. I doubt seriously he will even have a job with the school system next year.
When is it wise to let disobedient children pick who will be incharge of them. If you want to turn things around pick a leader, not =someone who those who can't behave say they want in charge. They wanted that reported lawless guy from Ohio from what I heard after the "interview" of the candidates by the fire personnel. The ones who are professionals will follow any good leader. This isn't fair to the city or the fire dept.
Anonymous said...
When is it wise to let disobedient children pick who will be incharge of them. If you want to turn things around pick a leader, not =someone who those who can't behave say they want in charge. They wanted that reported lawless guy from Ohio from what I heard after the "interview" of the candidates by the fire personnel. The ones who are professionals will follow any good leader. This isn't fair to the city or the fire dept.
6:43 PM
I don't believe that is the case. This guy is trouble and anyone that would support Bernie Becker from is trouble also. Bernie Becker from Ohio came on a separate night than the other 2 candidates and the same firefighters were not at both forums so how can you say they wanted him. There was only a small portion of the entire membership at the forums those to nights so I doubt you would have a fair assessment of who wants who.
Is there some sort of deadline that has to be met to appoint a new chief? Is there a hurry to find a qualified candidate?
Larry Dodd for chief
on the flip side, ireton is asking for a working relationship that agrees to all parties. if he DID excerise his power, you would be on him for abuse of power, making the wrong choice (in your eyes), and not listening to the people around him.
some people just cant win with you joe. i say that out of respect and (hopefully) youll take it as constructive criticism.
that being said, the chance to play nice (on the fire chief issue) has been given a shot. didnt work, so ireton will now have to piss some people off and make a decision already.
If Dodd was in the finals, why didn't Ireton just jump rank and put him in as acting chief the way he did with the police?
Some people may not like Dodd, but a lot do. So what's the difference? Can't make everyone happy. Dodd sure as hell can't be worse than Clueless Hoppes. If it worked out, Dodd could be permanent. If not, interview people again. Obviously the city isn't attracting much from the outside.
Outsider's opinion.
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