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By:
Frank Heumann, Chair Nearly twenty years ago, our fire service leaders began to meet informally in what was to become the Joint Council of Fire Service Organizations. They saw the benefit of collective wisdom, energy, and personal networks in educating the legislature, the public, and each other on various fire service issues. They knew the value of collaboration when possible and acceptance of differences when not possible. They understood that no single organization had the ability of representing all areas of the state and all organizations, nor could they anticipate "unintended consequences" of the political process that affects us all. Many groups very effectively, in both the public and private sectors, utilized this model. The Joint Council is an association of delegates from fire departments and related organizations from throughout the state of Utah. In past years, it has been an effective "clearing house" for bills being presented; yet we proved to be relatively ineffective in distributing this information to fire service members so they could make informed decisions and network within their departments, districts, and associations. Today, we have evolved as an association with by-laws and a sixteen member Council Board which is responsible for representing the fire service in Utah. The Board members are responsible for disseminating understandable information through their networks with the help of an effective web site. Our purpose continues to be that of collectively focusing our ability to monitor, educate, and influence legislators. Decisions by the Council are made exclusively through the consensus process. In effect, this allows departments, districts, or associations to support legislation that affect all of us and at the same time influence legislators on bills where a consensus cannot be reached. The Joint Council meets weekly throughout the legislative session, reviews legislation, and takes positions where necessary. Through the Council Board, it informs legislators and members of the fire service. The mission of the Joint Council is to provide a unified stance, when possible, on legislation affecting the public, EMS, and fire service communities. We will do this by providing detailed background information, professional fire and EMS service prospective, and sound written opinions derived through consensus of the Council Board. Our goal is to serve our elected representatives and fire service community alike. Soon the 2010 Utah legislative session will be in full swing and many of us will be concerned about what is going on in the legislature and frustrated by not understanding the bills and their impact on the fire service. Again, our web site will hopefully help you understand the bills that are affecting us and will provide valuable links to other sites. Our Representatives and Senators are very interested in hearing from us. Like us, they are professionals trying to do the best that they can for their constituents. Politics is all about building relationships and these relationships are what will open doors to influence others. To do this effectively we must have involved members who are willing to contact their representatives. This can effectively be accomplished by a phone call or e-mail. Remember, however, emotional appeals or threats simply do not work. Rather they tend to alienate and polarize legislators as many have discovered in the past with efforts to protect the funding stream for the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. Attending committee hearings, phone calls, and e-mails did eventually restore the funds but the full thrust of that zeal could still be felt with cuts in future Fire Academy budgets. Knowing how and when to talk to your legislators is crucial. To do this effectively we would like to suggest that before you make a phone call or write a letter or e-mail that you take time to educate yourself on the particular bill or proposal, develop discussion points, both pro and con, and present them in an organized non-confrontational manner. As in the past, during the 2010 session we will track legislative bills that we are watching, supporting, or opposing. We would like to hear from you, regarding legislation you wish us to support, which can be accomplished through any of the Council Board members or through the "contact us" button. We look forward to your involvement during the upcoming session. Return
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