The underlying theme of the recall effort being led by Hubert Smith is that Jacksonville has residents ready, willing and to able support a volunteer fire department. Making claims is the easy part; supporting claims with facts is an entirely different matter. In early December, I challenged Mr. Smith to appear before the City Council with a list of 12-15 able-bodied men and women willing to volunteer as firemen and/or medics for a two year stint. To date, he has failed to present the name of a single volunteer. From December 16 – January 3, I conducted a non-scientific survey of the very residents, merchants, daytime workers and others Smith claims are available. On January 4, I presented the City Council with more than 60 written surveys from men and women, all of whom stated they lacked the physical ability and/or interest in such volunteer work. 65% of Jacksonville’s population is age 65+, leaving too small a volunteer pool from which to draw volunteers. On the contrary, those Smith snidely claims will put down their lattes and glasses of pinot noir and pick up a fire ladder are too busy with family, career and other volunteer work to do so. One would hope that the next time Mr. Smith circulates a recall petition, as he has already threatened, that it is based on facts and not wishful thinking.
Whitman Parker
Publisher, Jacksonville Review