The current effort to increase Haverhill’s dangerously low firefighter staffing levels has been ongoing since 2019. Since that time, staffing levels have not increased at all. In fact, the proposed 2023 City of Haverhill budget reduces the number of guaranteed on-duty firefighters by removing them from the 911 Call center and not increasing the per-firetruck staffing (better known as “minimum manning” or per-piece staffing). The current daily compliment of on-duty firefighters is a minimum of 21, though Mayor James Fiorentini’s proposal reduces that number to 20. Under the mayor’s proposed 2023 budget, Haverhill will lose 4 firefighter positions per week unless the Haverhill City Council stands for a TRUE STAFFING increase.
We endorse Colin LePage for #Haverhill‘s next Mayor, for Haverhill’s future.
Colin LePage represents some of the best that Haverhill has to offer. He is selfless, compassionate, hardworking, and principled. Colin has been an advocate for the ignored, a determined detective to uncover the hidden, a voice for the voiceless. With many years on the Haverhill City Council and serving his community in many other facets, Colin will continue to work to make Haverhill better for all as he takes the office of Mayor. He is an approachable leader and a friend of public safety, Colin has worked to improve staffing levels for the police, living conditions for the firefighters, and ensure we are on track for replacing aging equipment. Haverhill needs leadership and guidance, for the issues that need to be addressed and the needs that must be met. We need less talk and more action; we need a Mayor like Colin Lepage.
Colin has worked tirelessly over the past several years to be a keystone advocate for public safety issues facing the City of Haverhill. Colin was the boldest advocate for replacing two 33-year-old firetrucks, which were decades deficient against current safety standards. Colin and five other amicable city councilors worked towards replacing those apparatus for Haverhill, putting firefighter safety and the safety of the public as a priority. Colin has already identified millions of dollars hidden within the current administration’s budget. As the Committee to Elect Colin reminds us, “Colin LePage is ready to lead Haverhill into a better future. We need swifter decision-making on major issues and projects. We need greater government transparency for our taxpayers. We need a renewed emphasis on social equity, inclusion, and diversity. We need a mayor who will not allow opportunities to be wasted because of hesitation and indecision. Colin is ready to lead the way!”
For all of these reasons and more, we believe that Colin LePage should be Haverhill’s next Mayor for Haverhill’s future. On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, we ask you to support your Haverhill Firefighters and vote for Colin LePage for Mayor of Haverhill.
