City of Groton residents received an informational flyer recently informing them of a serious safety concern in the fire department. The firefighters' union has been fighting for several years to increase the minimum number of personnel on duty from three to four; in accordance with OSHA mandates. Mayor Dennis Popp has been fighting this issue. The fire chief and the firefighters union are in favor of conducting a study to evaluate the need. Mayor Popp is against one.

The chief and union have asked the mayor to apply for available federal grants to hire additional firefighters. Mayor Popp has refused.

The union has offered concessions to help offset the cost; Mayor Popp has chosen to fight the case in arbitration instead. He has spent about $200,000 fighting against safety. In fact, Mayor Popp filed a legal motion to prevent the firefighters from even arguing on behalf of citizens' safety.

Why is Mayor Popp fighting against citizens' safety and that of firefighters? Mayoral candidates Harry Watson and Lori Hesch both support this critical safety issue. Ask Mayor Popp about his positon and consider his answer when you cast your ballot on May 4.

EDITOR'S NOTE: THE WRITER IS PRESIDENT OF LOCAL 1964, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, AND IS ON THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF UNIFORM PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT.