City of Beaumont v. City of Beaumont Firefighters

Crisis in Beaumont
by
Jeffrey J. Ortiz

So, there is a fight in Beaumont over $$$ between the City of Beaumont and the heroes of their Fire Department.

KFDM - TV reported that during Tuesday's council meeting, Samuel said he wanted to get firsthand information about the firefighters salary dispute with the city, as well as hear their concerns and ask questions. Councilman Samuel explained why he's calling the meeting. "I would rather get all of the facts myself and allow each party to present their position and allow each party to rebut the other's accusations," said Samuel. "That way, I can make a decision for myself." "I was clear yesterday in letting them know this is a meeting for me," said Samuel. "The public can be informed through the media. This is for me to help make decisions on issues relating to firefighters."

Well, Mr. Samuel..where were you during the talks to begin with?

This meeting should be opened to the public . Period.

What are you trying to hide?

In the words of Mike Aguilar:

I smell “BULLSHIT”. I will be make some calls this week and dig deeper into this mess. A couple of questions that maybe the “unbiased” local media could look into – Since this meeting/debate is in a public building and the media is being allowed in – is this an opening meeting? Is it a violation of the Open Meetings Act? How many meeting/debates in the last oh, 5 years have been open to the media but not to the public?

I agree with Mike!

Media get on it! Ask the questions! Report back!