I find it almost comical that the only time the fire department is mentioned is during an election. I have the utmost respect for our fire departments, both paid and volunteer firemen. They deserve a lot more credit than what they get.

We live in a society where when we do something wrong or when we don’t get our way, it’s someone else’s fault. I am wondering how it’s the fire department’s fault that the city mismanages the budget for Ottumwa.

There is another scenario regarding some of the 4-H members. Their disappointment at the council for not leasing city park land is not the council’s fault. The root of their problem stems back to the disagreement between the Wapello County Fair board and the 4-H board. There comes a point where we as individuals must take responsibilities for our own actions.

Another thought that occurred to me as comical, is the leaders of our community who want a volunteer fire department to save money, but also say they want to bring more jobs to Ottumwa. Isn’t that speaking out of both sides of your mouth? I wonder if this could be the reason for low voter turnout. Things that make you go hmmm.

Doug McAntire

Bloomfield