To the Editor:

Returning home from the fire district meeting on November 18, I was ashamed, disappointed and concerned whether there would be a fire department in a year.

Attorney Richard Pringle swore in the new commissioners and he had them raise their right hand and take the oath without having the left hand on the Bible. Where is God? This was the responsibility of Fire Chief Don Adams.

Reorganization of the new board for chairman was a disgrace. Commissioner Linda Carter nominated herself, a nomination for Shea, for Becker and for Berndt. After two votes, Berndt was elected chairman.

The same confusion went on when the vice chairman was elected. It seems like everyone wanted to be boss with no workers.

I want to refresh your readers’ memories on the campaign promises: cut excess spending, reduce salaries, and eliminate ambulance service.

Under new business there were 12 items of which nine were tabled for a workshop meeting, date not set.

Commissioner Linda Carter wanted the meeting changed to 6 p.m. so more people could attend even though people would not be able to get their supper.

Commissioner Kevin Shea wanted the complete report on handling brush fires as he felt that unnecessary equipment was being sent to the sites.

Commissioner Shea felt that the commissioners should receive a salary as he was going to spend his time on financial spread sheets.

Commissioner Linda Carter wanted to be paid for postage and mileage and Commissioner Becker wanted just to be paid. The past board voted not to receive a salary because of the hard economic times. They have not changed. Where are these people’s civic duty?

I am concerned that the new board does not understand the major problems the fire district is facing.

New stations will be needed, the Gunnery Rd. station is too small for equipment and there is a need for a new fire station at Sunshine Blvd. and West. 12th St.

There is new growth planned in the Lehigh Acres Fire District: three new gas stations are under construction, two public schools are planned, a new 9,200-square feet department store is planned for Joel Blvd. and Florida Gulf University is planning a 500-acre research complex in Buckingham. (The Lehigh Fire Dept. would respond as mutual aid).

I hope the commissioners will respond to their public duties and stop the negative thinking.

Ralph Hemingway

Lehigh Acres

Hemingway retired from the board after serving 10 years and did not seek reelection. – Ed.