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Scott Susman <br />PO Box 3186 <br />Kailua Kona, HI 96745 <br />susrn.an.kana@aiohamet <br />Regarding: County Charter, Article Vil, Chapter 4, Fire Department <br />Dear Charter Commisioners, <br />I am providing a sample of Chapter 4 with edits I propose for your consideration. I <br />believe more clarity is needed to define what would be reasonably expected of a Fire <br />Commission by the public in its relationship to the Fire Department. I'm a current member of <br />the commission but these suggested changes are from me only as a retired firemen and citizen, <br />and not in any way representing the commission which has already submitted its suggested <br />changes (which I don't consider adequate). <br />It boils down to what we hope for these commissions to accomplish and providing the <br />clearest blueprint we can for guidance to those who serve. Make it unambiguous. As it stands, <br />the chief is quite autocratic, denies access vigorously, and the commission evaluates his <br />administration and the delivery of services via his own narratives at monthly meetings. Efforts <br />to look under the hood are classified as "interference in the administrative affairs of the <br />department". It's inadequate and gives too much unchecked and unwitnessed power to one <br />person. It's a formula for problems. <br />If we want real oversight of this 50 -million -dollar department, we need to say it and <br />provide for it in the charter. If not, we may as well just give it back to the mayor and eliminate <br />the expense of a commission that is weak and ineffective. <br />I will be glad to talk more about this any time to any of you. Best wishes to you in your <br />important work. <br />Scott Susman <br />Comm. No. 5.4 <br />