As a member of Engine Company 1 for 37 years and, more recently, also a rescue driver, I appreciate the work of Cape Elizabeth’s four dispatchers and strongly oppose closing the town’s dispatch center. Here are some of my suggestions for addressing the upcoming budget problems:
• The town manager is recommending pay increases of 2 percent for many town employees, including fire and rescue workers. No pay increases for non-union workers.
• Cut the salaries of the town’s highest paid employees, including the town Manager, by 2 percent and look for a neutral arbitrator to renegotiate union contracts.
• Emulate Falmouth: close Town Hall on Friday and possibly Tuesday. Reduce the hours of the town planner and code enforcement officer.
• Have the fitness center run completely by volunteers. We already do this successfully at Fort Williams at the gift center.
• Add more “silver bullets” (or empty them more often). An overflowing silver bullet discourages people from recycling, instead of encouraging them.
• Charge tour bus and trolley visitors at Fort Williams. Let them pass on the expenses to their customers.