BY RICHARD MARINUCCI
As you read this, the country is in the middle of the campaign for President, and campaigns for a variety of elected positions are underway across the country. Though the process seems to have been going on forever, we are now entering the final flourish that will ultimately determine who gets elected and what direction the newly elected officials will take.
Many people are frustrated and overwhelmed. My boss calls this the “silly season,” which means that anything can happen, with logic and common sense taking a back seat. This is a good time to review some of the basics of politics so that an innocent mistake doesn’t transcend into major problems for you and your fire department when the election is over.
The economy, finances, and government spending have been campaign issues for a long time. President Reagan accused the government of spending money like “drunken sailors,” but at least the sailors were spending their own money. President Clinton answered a question during his campaign by saying, “It’s the economy.” With many state and local governments in dire financial straits, people promising to rein in spending were elected in the past couple of elections. The problem is that to reduce spending on a state and local level to the point promised means that human resources are going to be affected. In the fire service, this has translated into a reduction in staffing and significant concessions from firefighters. If you or your department has experienced this, the next election may well determine if more of the same is on the way.
You cannot separate the economy and politics in today’s world. Communities facing severe financial hardship can only look to their human resources to find the amount of money needed to balance the books unless they are willing to ask their citizens to pay more. Even communities not in dire straits are using this opportunity to cut back on what they think are wasteful programs, including excessive pay and benefits. Those politicians elected on a promise to control government spending believe they have a mandate from the people to cut back on the size of government. In the recent past, some firefighters have bought into this campaign because they would like to see government shrink. The only problem is that to meet the goal, reductions in the fire and emergency services must be part of the plan.
FIRE SERVICE OPTIONS
There are options available to members of the fire service. There must be more effort to demonstrate that there is value in the fire service in terms of quality of life and the greater good of the community. I have often heard politicians say that they can cut the fire department because the number of fires has decreased. They are frequently the same politicians who greatly praise members of the fire service when lives and property are saved because of adequate staffing, proper equipment, and training. Although it may not be uncommon for those seeking office to speak out of both sides of their mouth, I would suggest that the fire service needs to continually remind everyone of their value to the overall good. The use of anecdotes and statistics can show positive actions and also gain support. When lives are saved, pain and suffering minimized, and properties protected, the community needs to know so that citizens understand better the role the fire service plays in making a city or town a great place to live.
Fire departments need to be constantly aware of the effect of customer service. Great service gains true supporters. Likewise, poor service can damage a reputation. This part of the job needs to be as near to perfect as possible every time out of the door. Poor service is much more newsworthy and is likely to get more coverage. It would be a good time to have a customer training program for all of your members. They could probably use a “booster shot.” They may also get some pointers as to how to go from good to outstanding in this area.
Establishing a great reputation is important all the time—and even more so as elections approach. As an example, think of all the positive election results shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Firefighters and the fire service were greatly valued and were sought out by politicians looking for an edge. The fire service image was at an all-time high because of the sacrifices made. Fast forward slightly more than 10 years, and politicians are pointing to the “outrageous” pensions of firefighters along with other perks of the job. In a very short time, politicians went from seeking support from members of the fire service to using them as an example of out-of-control spending.
I am not a big fan of firefighters and fire departments getting directly involved in campaigns and endorsements. I believe that some of the actions taken recently were by elected officials harboring a grudge against fire departments that supported the opposition. Campaigns and endorsements are usually good only if you can deliver a victory. However, there are communities where fire departments have no choice but to aggressively help candidates who have demonstrated legitimate support for public safety, including the fire departments. If you are in that situation, it will take more than lending your good name. You will need to be active in the campaign and deliver. Failure to do so will just about guarantee more challenges until the next election.
Relationships may be the most important influence that fire departments have in the political arena. This would be a good time to review your existing relationships and look toward expanding this circle. Friends of the fire service generally remain friends after an election. There is value in knowing the players and having them trust you. Although money and votes are essential in getting candidates elected, relationships last longer. Strong interpersonal skills by all members of the department are extremely important in developing strong supporters.
In this “silly season,” one must always be on guard. Politicians generally want the support of public safety and will do many things to make it appear as though they are closely linked to the fire service. They may want their picture taken next to a fire truck and firefighter to put in their campaign literature. They may use an innocent comment as political fodder. They may question loyalties. There are untold examples of politicians trying their best to co-opt members of the fire service into becoming part of their campaign, sometimes inadvertently. Always pay attention. Even things that appear to be “no big deal” can become a big deal if the right “spin” is applied.
In general, unless you are boxed in a corner and are desperate, stay out of direct involvement in campaigns that affect your employment. I realize that some people have no choice and are considered political appointees. If their candidate doesn’t win, they are out. I am not referring to this situation. Public neutrality probably is the best position to take for the long haul. Continue to do outstanding work and provide added value whenever possible. Develop a public backing that raves about your service to the point that it is noticeable in your community. Enhance your customer service. Work on your relationships. As the economy improves, your organization will be better situated regardless of who gets elected.
RICHARD MARINUCCI has been a fire chief for more than 27 years and has been chief in Northville Township, Michigan, since January 2009. Previously, he was chief in Farmington Hills (1984–2008), president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and chief operating officer of the U.S. Fire Administration. He is a speaker at FDIC, a columnist for Fire Engineering and Fire Apparatus magazines, and editor of the 7th edition of the Fire Chief’s Handbook. He is a faculty member at Eastern Michigan University and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
