In Defense of Mayor Harkins, Stratford EMS

By Lou DeCilio, Chairman, Stratford Republican Town Committee

The calendar says the election season is fast approaching, and last week's letter from Democratic mayoral hopeful Joe Paul is indicative of the fear and smear campaign the Democrats will be running this fall.

Thankfully, Mayor John Harkins has made important, long overdue changes at EMS for the benefit of all Stratford residents. But Mr. Paul showed his ignorance of the vast improvements at Stratford EMS over the last couple of years.

Stratford EMS has more active volunteers and takes more calls than at any time during its history. Additionally, an ambulance has been stationed at the Oronoque fire station, assuring faster response times throughout our entire town.

As for Mr. Paul's assertion that the town is "Paying twice for a single position," again he is incorrect. The EMS Director position is funded almost entirely by the EMS fund, which is comprised of payments from insurance companies and out-of-town service recipients, NOT by the taxpayers. Public safety is obviously not a priority to Mr. Paul, and that should instill fear into the hearts and minds of every Stratford resident.

It is crystal clear that the Democrats, including Mr. Paul, are intent on turning back the clock to the Miron years. Whether that meant hiring the former mayor's brother or the unqualified son of a supporter, it didn't matter. To them, hiring friends and family, whether qualified or not, was the only way to fly.

Joe Paul’s comments clearly show he approves of this practice rather than to challenge these type of hire’s in a court of law. This ultimately leaves us, the taxpayers, holding the bag.

Over the last four years, led by Mayor Harkins, Stratford has made tremendous strides in repairing the damage caused to our town’s reputation by Jim Miron and supporters like Joe Paul. Pride in our community has once again become evident, and we aren't about to go backwards now.