189 firefighters' union members vote "no confidence"
9:50 p.m. Thursday, September 13, 2007
Topeka firefighters have spoken. About 80 percent of the union voted
And of the nearly 190 votes, only one vote was against the "no confidence" vote.
The city stands firmly behind Chief Giles, but is willing to listen to the vote. But the city manager says he needs more specifics as to why firefighters want Giles gone.
City Manager Norton Bonaparte said, "I don't discount it and I've met with Mr. Dederick, I've met with Chief Giles, I've met with the leadership of the fire department, I've met with the firefighters. Actually a lot of them think chief Giles is doing a good job. I will certainly listen to what the union says and I look forward to see what concerns they have."
"I think I've given him specifics, if he wants more, I have a laundry list of members saying this is a problem," Union president Kent Dederick said.
When asked about specific problems, Dederick said," Inability to communicate with our personnel...asking questions on every issue from uniforms to working out. The inability to get a firm answer."
Next step is taking the results to the city council, the city manager and the city of Topeka.
Of course, as far as the union is concerned, Chief Giles could always just step down on his own.
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