Your view: Miner matters - City's view

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen regret the concern you may feel due to the media story that was recently aired about the fire department. Let us assure you the City of Miner will continue to be protected regardless of the threatened walkout.

The Fire Association is showing support for their Chief. This is commendable, but they do not have all the facts. As your representatives we feel you should be given the complete story.

Mr. Thurston began his employment with the city in September of 2003. At the time he was hired he was told he would have to fill several positions in order to warrant the job being full time. He agreed. The job title was to be Code Enforcement officer/ Building Inspector/ Fire Chief. None of these positions on their own is enough to warrant a full-time position.

Mr. Thurston was told, on several occasions, he would have to learn these jobs. The building inspector job is as important as any other in keeping the city safe. Mr. Thurston was given several opportunities to change his performance. He was given a final warning in November of 2004 to learn the jobs or his salary would be reduced. As a result of continued poor job performance, the building inspector position was given to someone else.

Recently, we have had two incidents that have put the city in jeopardy because of his performance. These types of incidents continue to happen and we cannot allow the city and its citizens to be put in that position.

As a final effort, on March 11, we offered Mr. Thurston the position of part-

time fire chief with hours of his choosing. He refused. We have made every concession we could to work with Mr. Thurston but he still has not been agreeable.

In the event the fire personnel still find it necessary to walk out,we feel assured we have other certified fire volunteers ready to step in at a moment's notice. In addition, the city of Sikeston has agreed to help out if needed. You will not be unprotected. Just the opposite, we have done our best to see that you are protected.

We feel as if we have done everything we can to be fair to both the citizens and Mr. Thurston. Any citizen who wants to speak with any of us may call at any time. We have put a lot of thought into this matter and feel we have made the best decision we could in the interest of the city and we stand behind that decision.

Mitch Thompson, mayor

Justin Medley, Ward 2

Peggy Holman, Ward 2

Deloris Smith, Ward 1

Donna Thomas, Ward 1.