To the editor:

Bob Bouley and Billy Coutu continue be swayed by blatant misinformation about Fire District 2 and interim Chief Greg Edgcomb, therefore misinforming voters to get themselves elected in April, as the two newest members, of which there are three.  

Neither man ever bothered to learn the real facts and now, even with real facts, steadfastly refuse to admit they are misinformed. They are now costing voters and residents of District 2 valuable time, money and an unsure future of care and coverage by our fire department. It’s total blind ignorance at this point.

Bouley and Coutu show no respect and refuse to listen to Ralph Medeiros, the 18 year veteran committee member, who knows the job well. 

Whatever Ralph suggests, these two automatically deny. 

It is a constant show of two older men acting like flippant teenagers. They continue to hire an attorney, costing hundreds of dollars her hour,  to “sit in” on these meetings. 

This money comes directly out of the department’s budget (which is their job to keep an eye on.). This budget is supposed to be used on equipment, gear and supplies, not to be eaten away by unnecessary attorney’s fees. Another huge waste of residents money.

Bouley and Coutu want to “look outside” our district for a cheaper Fire Chief, because they think $115,000 (which is a very modest salary by today’s standards) is too much to pay. However, the voters originally voted for this salary this past May.

Someone “outside” our district will never have any interest in it, or the betterment of it. That person would be trying to work with crew they have not trained, worked along side with, or have the respect of.  

Someone who has not had all the education, 26 years of paramedic and firefighting experience and the added bonus of being able to successfully write and receive grant money ($45,000 so far this year), which is usually a knowledge and position departments pay outside “grant writers” for. Not necessary if Greg Edgcomb stays.

The Prudential Committee needs to keep Greg Edgcomb, who is willing, enthusiastic  and more than capable of doing this job and has proven so, over and over again since last November, when the former chief left. 

District 2 needs to have the safety and care provided by interim Chief Edgcomb and his wonderful and dedicated crew.

Susan Borges,

Dartmouth