From a community and public relations perspective things are not looking good in Flint, Michigan. First, response time was questioned in the tragic fire last Saturday night that took the lives of four children ages 1-4, and now the Mayor of Flint announced today that 23 firefighters will be laid off tomorrow. The layoffs will leave just 65 firefighters in a city of 118,000. Flint can also lose two fire stations, which would leave just 3 for the entire town. The city is trying to close an $8 million budget shortfall.
How do you justify such an announcement when the city is still mourning from a horrific fire? Personally, I would have attempted to soften the blow and perhaps delay such a somber message for a few weeks out of respect to the children. I understand that this would cost the sinking city additional money, but I find this proclamation delivered by Flint Mayor Dayne Walling at this time to border on tasteless.
You may disagree with me, but not the way I would do business.
Also on The Fire PIO…
- How do I Address a Judge? – November 18, 2010
- Even the Walls have Ears – November 24, 2010
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