Was anyone else but me jolted to see in the Aug. 9 Call that the preliminary 2008 Mehlville Fire Protection District budget predicts a deficit of over $200,000?

Mr. Hilmer, Mrs. Stegman and Mr. Ryan — the MFPD Board of Directors — have made it their business to try to cut tax revenues for the MFPD, but now the district must cut into its reserves to meet 2008 expenses? Although this “could” change, Mr. Hilmer states.

And there have been no pay increases for six years? That doesn’t sound like financial genius to me.

I was also dismayed to read at the end of that same article the disrespectful tone Mr. Hilmer uses to describe the firefighters and paramedics of the district. “What have the employees done to help us …? Nothing except lawsuits, personal attacks and circus stunts like this petition.”

Note: A petition is a reasonable method by which to make yourself heard in a democratic society. It is not a “stunt.” He seems to claim that only the board cares about making the MFPD work for the community.

I’d like to know when to expect to see him in this triple-digit heat put on the fire gear and ride with the firefighters on a call. Then maybe he could earn a little of the respect deserved by these men and women.

Lisa Marin

Concord