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What a mess.

Would it have happened if Mayor Avedisian had met with the firefighters for an hour each week as I proposed in my mayoral campaign? I guarantee it wouldn't have been worse and I believe it would have been better; a lot better, because both sides would be working together. The savings would benefit the taxpayers, the city AND the firefighters in the form of higher salaries. I met with many of them. They all want the same thing, more money. What a surprise! And they all complain that the mayor "never meets with us." Additionally, they all know that if they aren't careful the well could easily run dry as it did in Coventry. That's why I found them to be very open-minded to ideas that would save/make money IF the money was shared with the firefighters as well as the 80,000 taxpayers that are paying the tab.

Mr. Mayor, I openly applaud your new found efforts in fixing the teachers contract. I suggest you put the same management-by-open-communication efforts to the benefit of the Warwick Firefighters. Go for breakfast. I'll pay. Bring a blank pad with you so no one can accuse you of violating the open meeting laws. Listen to their money saving or money making ideas. I met with many of them during my Mayoral campaign and I got a college education of good ideas. They are smart business people and should be listened to.

As far as William Lloyd is concerned, he especially should be commended. He didn't file any grievances for three years because, as he says, "no one was harmed at that point". That shows him to be a great team-player. As soon as the firefighters were charged for Tier ll pension contributions, he took immediate action. That shows him to be a great leader.

Like I said, this is a mess, but it is easily fixable. Just meet and talk. Maybe it's time for another breakfast.

Happy Spring everyone.

Rick Corrente