To the editor:

Most people will agree with Mike Becallo’s well-crafted letter in support of the Cicero Fire Department. I personally do not know anyone who does not support firefighters.

I do agree that open communication is necessary between all parties. If Mike remembers the budget hearings of November 2015, he may recall there was a lot of resistance to turning over some of the Cicero Fire Department’s financial records to the town board. So communication has to be two-way.

Also, Mike Becallo was elected to represent the residents at the town board meetings, not just the members of the fire department. While I applaud his (and all firefighters’) dedication to the fire department, he should fulfill his obligation to the residents and vote on all of the issues that do not directly affect his professional life. Choosing which fire department issues on which to vote and those on which to abstain (based on being a volunteer firefighter) is not representing the residents, nor is it beneficial to the fire department about which he is concerned.

I thank all of the town councilors who work together and with the fire departments/districts to arrive at a win/win decision.

Deborah V. Gardner

Cicero