Community Corner
Community Update
I am a long time University City Resident and a retired St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer with 32 years of employment. I believe that the police officers and firefighters deserve a fair wage and adequate benefits. I did not support the candidates that the IAFF supported. There were many factors that led me to choosing who to vote for. I was not happy with the vicious verbal assault that was directed at Steve Kraft in particular. I was particularly offended by the direct name calling that Kurt Becker carried out. It does not foster civility or professionalism. In the long run it may have hurt the chances of the supported candidates.
I do hope that the firefighters and police officers do fare better in the next round of negotiations. The law suite against the city is being appealed by the IAFF. This is the best way to seek a remedy for what they believe to be wrong with the negotiations.
I hope that the picture issue with the 6 firefighters results in the most lenient action if in fact there was a violation of the statute. I did think that the picture was provoking but may not constitute a violation of the rules. This is a citizens opinion based on the limited information available to me.
I thank the firefighters and the police officers for all that they do and will do in the future. I do believe that all of the firefighters and police officers will continue to do the job that they love. I pray that you all will be safe and that you will be adequately compensated for the very difficult dangerous job that you do.
Nick Frederiksen
314 346 0779