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Mr. Murphy needs to fill time and keep the marketing or political campaign in full swing.

I am simply amazed at how this city sits at the dais, and simply melts when Mr. Murphy raises the safety flag followed by manpower stats to show that Marco Island is providing services with below industry standard means.

What he fails to tell you is that most communities operate below government manpower recommendations given a wide breath of metrics to choose, i.e. population, per capita income. etc. including the old standby, millage.

There seems to be a pattern in government, that if you create standards or recommendations that are not met, we can cajole the population in believing, we have a "true" problem or situation that "needs" to be addressed.

So again, RayPray goes right to the core of which I would like to add a request for a listing of fires that destroyed homes beyond habitation on this island.

And imagine this record was achieved in an environment where Mr. Murphy has stated ad infinitum, they were understaffed, under equipped, not enough hydrants and on and on we go. I believe the reference stick needs to be re-calibrated.

People wake up, this city is spending and requesting undue amounts of money on safety under the illusion we are in peril.

Imagine that, in a city in which building and safety code compliance is stellar by any standard you wish to choose, be it government or insurance industry standards.

I think we have more than enough resources to combat fires in light of the city's record for maintaining building and safety code compliance.

Why do I then need to add "insurance" coverage with a more costly fire department with more stuff. If you live in fear of your safety, I cannot convince you otherwise. If you do not, then I recommend you begin the call to stop the expansion of the fire department. It is breathtaking, I may need a Scottie.

If councilors believe I have it wrong, I am open to a dialog. But please do not begin your rebuttal with "if I saved one life and it was yours".

Because last time I attended a council meeting, Mr. Murphy stated that he has brought back folks from the dead. Truly, a miracle given his current resources.

For the record, I would never make such a claim, I simply believe in doing the job that one is trained to do with given resources and the rest is up to matters outside our control. I would never claim I brought someone back to life, it is not mine to make, unless of course you believe you can.