In my opinion Kyle Hayes is using tax increases and job layoffs as a scare tactic. Simply because he doesn't have anything else. Mr. Hayes, don't insult our intelligence. You are an embarrassment to this city with your persistence in pursuing this matter. As is our elected city council for supporting you. Taxes have increased before for reasons much less significant than our firefighters whose lives are on the line 24/7. The firefighters deserve every dime they are asking for and then some. When my mother was alive they were first on the scene every time we called 911 and when she accidently pushed her first alert button, which was quite often. They were always so kind, attentive, and sympathetic toward her, as though she was their own relative. The two times 911 was called for me, they were first on the scene and basically saved my life on one occasion. Some of the kindest, most caring, wonderful people in this city. We are so dependent on them without even realizing it because they are so taken for granted. I have seen them in the rain, cold and sweltering heat on street corners holding a boot collecting donations for Muscular Dystrophy. Has anyone seen Kyle Hayes or any member of City Council doing the same? No! Kyle Hayes sits behind a desk and draws his big, undeversed salary, and wouldn't belittle himself to stand on a street corner for any GOOD reason. During Hurricane Rita, the firefighters played a tremendous roll in the evacuation of the disabled, handicapped,aged etc. How much of the taxpayers money is being spent on this ridiculous fight against the the recommendation of the arbitrator and the ruling by the very respected Judge Mehaffy? What an insult to him and his very reasonable decision. Mr. City Manager, Kyle Hayes,why are you wanting to tear down city hall, the library, and the civic center and build one large building to replace these three? What a waste of taxpayers dollars. No reason to do that. Can't you find anything more important and more necessary to spend the taxpayers money on like the firefighters whose lives are on the line 24/7? Finally to all of the citizens of Bmt. Where do your children and grandchildren get educated in fire safety? None other than the Bmt. Fire Dept., by these wonderful and dedicated firefighters. Mr. Hayes and ELECTED city council members, you should be ashamed of yourselves for what you are doing concerning this matter.