Information regarding the Anderson Fire Protection District’s current investigation was allegedly leaked from a district board’s closed-session meeting to staff members and fire fighting personnel, according to an undisclosed source of Debe Hopkins and confirmed by an additional undisclosed source to the Anderson Valley Post.
In the letter -- mailed Wednesday, June 17, to the fire district's board chairman and attorney, Hopkins alleged that “Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal Howard Fincher further stated that ‘the Board is looking at recommending the removal of the Chief from office without any compensation or buyout.”
“That is totally untrue,” Fincher said.
Hopkins was not present at the meeting and did not divulge her source of information. Additionally, the Valley Post’s source is not the same person as Hopkin’s source, according to Valley Post editor George Winship.
Personnel information related to the district’s current information is to remain confidential unless the person under investigation clears it for open session, according to the district's legal counsel, attorney Mike Fitzpatrick.
“This investigation is a ‘personnel matter’ which, under the Ralph M. Brown Act, is confidential both to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy rights of the individual(s) involved,” according to district legal counsel Mike Fitzpatrick in a letter to the district. “It is my advice ... that this entire matter be handled in closed session unless ... Chief Piccinini elects to have any matters ... addressed in open session.”
Hopkins’ letter requests public disclosure of the firefighter’s union meeting held at 3:30 p.m. on June 13.
“I’d like to gain open and honest political practice,” said Hopkins, a member of Concerned Citizens for a Fair Local Government.
Fincher acknowledged he was present at the fire fighter’s union meeting on Saturday, June 13, and confirmed other statements made in Hopkins’ letter. The letter asserts that Fincher told firefighters and volunteers that “whether anyone agrees or not, we are backing the Board.”
“That is public knowledge,” Fincher said, adding that Captain Jason Bellinger’s June 11 statement to the district board on behalf of the firefighters said as much.
Hopkins’ letter also states that Fincher told the firefighters not to contribute to or read comments on the Valley Post Web site at www.andersonvalleypost.com.
“I advised them not to respond to any (comments) posted on the newspaper because . . . there is no substance to (the comments),” Fincher said.
Fire board member Butch Schaefer denied leaking information and board chairman Keith Webster deferred to district legal counsel Mike Fitzpatrick, who was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.
Hopkins’ letter also alleged that district board member Norma Comnick arrived at the end of the meeting on Saturday and offered $215 from her successful 2008 Anderson City Council election campaign account “to the volunteers to pay for an ad if the volunteers wished to place an ad in the newspaper stating their position.”
Comnick was not available for comment.
The Fair Political Practices Commission Web site stated the following regarding the legality of spending leftover campaign contributions: “To ensure that campaign funds are not used for personal benefit, the expenditure of campaign funds must be reasonably related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose. An expenditure must be directly related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose if it confers a substantial personal benefit on the candidate or elected officer, a member of their household, or any individual authorized to approve campaign expenditures.”
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 77
justchillin writes:
sooooo, what am I missing? What is the fire chief being accused of?
LuvAnderson writes:
So the stuff is hitting the fan.
Interesting that Comnick was not available for comment.
Debe Hopkins is right to ask for "open and honest political practice"(s). This micro-management controlling system Comnick has in place must be stopped. It has gone on far too long. Anderson, wake up and fight this injustice! Wake up Schaeffer and Webster! This is your last chance to shelve this matter and leave it for an unbiased, elected board. I believe both of you are good people with a heart for Anderson, but you have been in Comnick's clutches so long,you no longer feel the talons that are choking the life out of you and your political careers. Restore our Chief to run his department during this critical fire season.
snooperanderson writes:
justchillin, you have a lot of catching up to do. Cut and paste the link.
http://www.andersonvalleypost.com/new...
snooperanderson writes:
"Fincher acknowledged he was present at the fire fighter’s union meeting on Saturday, June 13"....A union meeting? Oh come on, can’t you come up with something better then that. If it was a union meeting why were there so many non-union (the volunteers) people there? This was no union meeting, it was another clandestine meetings like the one they had in Red Bluff!
AndersonMom writes:
1. Since when can a volunteer be part of a Union?
2. Since when can a Union make decisions for a volunteer without violating that volunteer's freedom of speech?
3. What happens if a volunteer stands up, declares his rights to speak for himself since he isn't in the Union and stands up for the Chief? Will they find a reason to fire him, or worse, will he find himself running into a burning building alone so they can get rid of the person with brains enough to make their own decisions?
BlueSuedeShoes writes:
Well, well, well!! Finally Comnick is caught in the act of offering a BRIBE!! Or is that TWO BRIBES? Dessert and $215.00. I hope this ends up on the front page of the Record Searchlight and on every TV & radio station in our county. At last perhaps everyone will see the real Comnick and how she works--and has worked for years. She cannot cover this one up. I bet her old friend and mentor, Trish Clark, will distance herself from Comnick on this one.
Schaeffer and Webster and the rest of that Fire Board had best distance themselves from her as well. They should let her try to "handle this one" on her own this time. If those two, part of the unholy trinity, cannot find it in their hearts to drop her like the liability she has become to them, they are not as smart as I thought. They would be smart to let her fly solo on this whole mess. Voters are awake, listening and watching. They will remember in November, believe me. They will also be watching the Webster investigation as well. The "good ol' boy" political system is on its' knees and gasping for breath in Anderson and I say "Hallelujah" to that.
Gentlemen, and I speak loosely to both of you, stand up for right. How can it be right to keep putting a decent man and his family through such turmoil? Surely if you feel he needs discipline, be fair and just with it and then put him back to work in his rightful place. Allow Comnick to hang herself--and this time she already has the noose around her neck. This time she placed it there herself so she has no one else to blame.
Howard Fincher is, of course, denying all of this. He must, because he may still have a slim glimmer of becoming the fire chief as Comnick promised.....yeah right. If that is so, I have some beach front property in MONTANA, that I will sell you--oops, forgot, Purcell already owns it.
BlueSuedeShoes writes:
Posted by BlueSuedeShoes
One more thought-
Yes, this community will once again come together because it does have so many decent, moral, hard working people who want the best for our area.
It may be in a strange way right now. You know,I have read that when a wolf gets into a flock of sheep, they simply surround the wolf and begin moving in AS A UNIT, getting closer and closer to that wolf until they squeeze the very life out of it.
I do not know if this is true, but it fits this situation. Anderson citizens have had enough. We are squeezing the life out of the "good ol' boy" system. It will soon be dead. Hopefully those people involved in 'crooked political practices' will wise up and change their ways before they lose out entirely.
Then, and only then, can we begin to heal and work together once again to better ourselves. You feel sorry for the wolf, you say? Remember had the sheep not taken care of the wolf, the wolf would have 'taken care of' some or eventually all of the sheep.
justchillin writes:
Ok, 'snooperanderson' I read the article the first time and it states:
“This investigation is a ‘personnel matter’ which, under the Ralph M. Brown Act, is confidential both to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy rights of the individual(s) involved,”
Doesn't tell me much....what exactly is the cheif being accused of?
AndersonMom writes:
Then you obviously haven't truly read the entire story nor the 150+ comments on the multiple stories referring to this debacle. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the specific charges are not known to the open public. However, anybody who listens to Norma Comnick and her friends (who violate the Brown act often just for the sake of gossip) or have been around any of the fire fighters while purchasing groceries at Walmart or at their usual hang out know the "charges" are junk that should never even come close to ending a person's career.
Some people are mad because Chief Joe Piccinini has the guts to actually enforce the fire codes. Others are ticked because he's making the fire fighters exercise and those who are bordering on unsafely obese for such a job need to lose weight in order to be healthy and have the energy necessary to protect the public. I heard a story recently about our current "acting fire chief" and how due to his weight, he was unable to get to a drunk driver who had crashed into a garage. Due to the person having just moved into the home, the garage was full of unpacked boxes leaving a narrow opening to the driver's door. After swearing a blue streak, he had to wait for a thinner volunteer fire fighter to show up to help remove the drunk from his car. What if the car had been on fire? Would the man have died because Mr. Nichols couldn't get to him? It's a very scary thought indeed.
Oh, and Norma, for the public record...I sincerely hope members of the Concerned Citizens group will take the time and take turns to sit on the very public street in front of your house with a video camera the next time you are having a yard sale. I'd love to see how you set up for it without you forcing the fire fighters to use a district fire truck and deliver fire district tables to your home for your own personal use since you insist you are above board in all of this.
LuvAnderson writes:
The letter from Ms. Hopkins is very interesting.
How dare a city council person offer to misuse campaign funds to further her push to get rid of our Fire Chief?
If this letter does not prove to the Anderson Community at large that Comnick has pushed her own sick agenda for far too long, then too many people have their heads in the sand. Perhaps the judge who ultimately rules on this should force her to walk the streets here wearing a sandwich sign board that says CONFLICT OF INTEREST, OWN SICK AGENDA, YES, AS A MATTER OF FACT I AM THE QUEEN AROUND HERE, MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY.
Tiredofit writes:
Schaeffer and Webster had better beware. Unless they change their tunes, they are going down in Comnick's sinking ship. I only hope they can swim. These men used to be good for Anderson-that is until they boarded Comnick's boat of no return.
Do votes matter to you two? If so, you would be advised to carefully consider any action you plan to take on this matter. Voters are watching, waiting and hoping that you will do the fair, just and honorable thing by disciplining our Chief if you must, but get him back to work before the intense fire season begins.
Purcell would do well to withdraw his investigative report and hightail it back to Montana--far, far away from Comnick and this whole mess she has created. What she thought would be yet one more victim in her long list may in fact be the very thing she created to end her political career big time.
Dessert AND $215.00, now how could any responsible person in our fire hall refuse that?
Treachery_Runs_Deep writes:
Norma offering up $215 in her campaign fund to the volunteers so they could run an ad against Chief Piccinini??? Really?
Think about this. Her campaign account consists of contributions from Anderson citizens and voters, either money was given to her or she raised the funds. Either way do you think the contributors wanted their money to be used against Fire Chief Piccinini? Does she have any idea how wrong this is on so many levels?
Legally it’s wrong. Ethically it’s wrong. Morally it’s wrong. As a board member it’s wrong. She’s buying Chief Piccinini’s dismissal with her campaign money just the way she’s bought Neil Purcell’s investigative report.
I’m sure she’ll say she didn’t realize her actions were wrong or she was misunderstood. If she’s really that senile she definitely has no business on the board/fire council making decisions.
She’s a dirty, dirty politician. Concerned Citizens for a Fair Local Government will be asking for a copy of her campaign expenditures.
ForAnderson writes:
Concerned Citizens should certainly ask for a copy of Comnick's campaign expenditures. Who knows if she has spent voter's hard earned money lawfully? Certainly offering it to the fire fighters to run an ad against their Chief was a dumb move on her part. Perhaps she is too senile to remain in office. Recall is coming!!
She should be ashamed that she has behaved so reprehensibly towards the Chief simply because he refused to bend the fire code rules for her friend Tom Brown.
Anderson citizens are tired of the "good ol' boy-dirty politics system". The unholy trinity should be VERY careful in handling the rest of this "investigation!" Perhaps they should resign to save face before the recall goes into action! What a shame that they have this awful blemish on their records-all because they cater to Comnick's every wish and command.
Put our Chief back to work so we all feel safer in our homes.
TomJenkins writes:
I have been proud to call Joe Piccinini a very great friend for nearly a decade. Joe has been a mentor, counselor, advisor, and most importantly - a very dear friend over the years. Joe is a hard-working, straight-shooting, honest individual who is willing to get his hands dirty to see that the job gets done. The citizens of Anderson could not ask for a better Fire chief. However, here is a newsflash: Joe isn't perfect. Neither are any of us. You must remain vocal and protect this very talented man.
FaceintheCrowd writes:
Fincher sounds like a dictator. He's made the unilateral decision to keep the firefighters from contributing to the blogs because in his opinion there is nothing of substance in our comments here. How dare he think the citizens of Anderson don't have anything of substance to contribute...we are HIS bosses you could say. Considering Fincher, Comnick and Val Corbel are the ones who mainly instigated the anonymous letter against the Chief, no wonder he doesn't want the firefighters hearing the truth and our dissatisfaction with the fire board, i.e., Schaefer, Comnick and Webster.
Interesting how Andy Nichols THINKS he'll be Chief if Fire Chief Piccinini doesn't return. Howard Fincher will knife Nichols in the back while smiling as he does it. Fincher has not put in all that alone time scheming and planning with Comnick for it to all fall apart.
Fire board: You need to put Chief Piccinini back in office. What a charade our town has become. Listen to the people who want him back, put aside your own agenda and let's move forward in a positive way.
AndersonMom writes:
The Union decided for non-Union people (volunteers don't have a paycheck from which to take Union fees). That would be like my husband's union telling me what to think and say about something because I volunteer at times with the same type of job my hubby has. They don't have the right and I'd tell them where to put their attempt to make decisions for me. Of course, where the fire volunteers are concerned, they could not be able to work or work in fear that they wouldn't have backup in they went against the union. I know that sounds harsh but its true...and since the Fire Union is trying to make these decisions for volunteers, it makes me wonder how deep that dictatorship is going.
justchillin writes:
Well, AndersonMom, I HAVE read all the articles and comments but STILL see no allegations. I refrain from getting my FACTS while shopping at Walmart or a local pub.
It's hard to comment on a situaion like this until the accusations are made public. IF you have evidence of allegations then bring them here or go back to Walmart and get your gossip.
Tiredofit writes:
You know, justchillin, you are missing the whole point here. The investigation is illegal, and has been from the very minute Comnick instigated it.
It began with an anonymous letter, which should have had no credibility. All Comnick had to do was whisper to Val Corbell what she wanted and out goes the letter.
Whisper to Nichols and Fincher that she would place them in Chief's position, and that glues them to her side.They want the prestige big time, even though neither is educated enough or trained enough to handle it. That would be why they are running scared and trying to force the volunteers to be on their side. They cannot afford to "allow" the personnel to read any blogs. It might make them stop and think.
Then she tells the Fire Board, who does her bidding unilaterally, to bring in her old friend, Purcell, who, by the way, has no legal credentials in California. Oops, she did not think of that. Now he could be charged with a misdemeanor according to California laws. They may be seeing each other through bars soon.
Next she tries to bribe the fire personnel with dessert and $215.00! Boy, this woman is just plain dumb or senile.
Need I say more? At this point, it really does not matter what the charges may be. The whole thing was not done according to the law. Anyone read the Brown Act or California Business Law lately?
This time Comnick did not dot all her i's and cross all her t's. She is so stuck on herself, that she thinks she is above the law. Well, the good news is she is not. Likely she, also, will be facing charges. Gee, isn't she rather old to be cuffed and taken to jail? She is in deep water and from what I hear, barely staying afloat. When Webster and Schaeffer wake up and cut the apron strings, she surely will sink. Surely they are smart enough to see where this is going. If they listen to us, the voters, they will back off from this unholy mess.
That will bring the Anderson political arena to a whole new level of accountability and that is a GOOD thing.
BlueSuedeShoes writes:
This message is for Schaeffer and Webster.
I believe you are good men at heart who at one time sincerely wanted the best for Anderson. Then you sold out to Comnick and became her puppets. I ask you to step back, take a look at the way this whole thing has been handled from the very beginning. What were you guys thinking? You may be able to redeem yourselves in the eyes of those who voted you into office in the first place by stopping this nonsense. There are many, many reasons why this is oh so wrong.
Return Chief to his position. We need his expertise to help keep Anderson safe. Remember the fires the past few years in our area?
Drop this faulty investigation so we can all move on.
AndersonMom writes:
It's hard to comment, justchillin? Then don't comment. And why should I violate the Brown act by putting the allegations here? I happen to be a citizen who obeys the law, unlike Norma to whom you obviously bow (or perhaps see in the mirror).
But that's the problem this town is in, sticking their heads in the sand and not paying attention to the people or the laws around them. If we are going to continue this nasty habit, then we need to take down the "Welcome to Anderson" signs and replace them with "Welcome to Ostrichtown, where we don't see or hear what is actually happening because we'd rather let Norma run things." You want evidence and allegations? That is what the Concerned Citizens are asking for. Since I haven't seen a AVP report saying the information has been given regarding Neil Purcell, I can't help but wonder if the board and Acting Chief Nichols are afraid to give it. Surely they were keeping track of the money being spent on Purcell.
But you want facts honey? Let's have the facts!
FACT...Nobody can find a Private Investigator's license in public record for Neil Purcell to investigate in Anderson?
FACT...Neil Purcell was given an unmarked Anderson Police car (you know...the one we all recognize on the spot) to drive during his investigation. The Fire Board had no right to give out a police vehicle. Since a vehicle's owner (not driver) must have insurance in California, this means he drove on our dime. Tax payers also paid for his gas and any wear and tear on the car.
FACT...Norma Comnick is well known for using Fire district property for her own needs (for example, a Fire district truck dropping off and picking up Fire district tables at her home for a private yard sale not to mention her redirecting the new Fire Truck being brought to Anderson to where Purcell is now living for a short visit).
FACT...Comments at the June 11th meeting were limited to 2 minutes when legally all those present were to be allowed 5. (Nothing like shutting people up early even if there is no law I can find to support the 2 minute limit)
FACT...There is already enough evidence to proceed with a Grand Jury investigation into the actions of the Fire Board in general but Norma Comnick specifically.
FACT...People need to wake up and stand up. There are over 4K voters in Anderson and many many more than that in the Anderson Fire Protection District. If just 1 in every 4 would be willing to stand, a true change could be taking place and there would be comments under a story about Norma being fined, indicted, or possibly arrested for so many of the laws she has violated.
FACT...I and others are here and are here to stay. We aren't silent nor afraid of Norma, Butch, and Keith any longer.
LuvAnderson writes:
You have your facts straight, AndersonMom. Seems to me Comnick has a person or two who keep trying to take the focus off of where it is-and should be.
Justchillin' should remember that Anderson Voters are smart and gaining more confidence to stand up and be heard on a daily basis now. Comnick's rule is over, no matter which of her two supporters try to say otherwise.
The law is the law is the law. At least when Comnick is prosecuted she will have two people visiting her-unless they also run far far away at that point.
I hope Anderson citizens all own boots, soon it will be impossible to walk around here without them. Alas, RedStilettos and BlueSuedeShoes will have to buy army boots, but I bet they are up to walking tall in those as well.
Red_Stilettos writes:
Anderson Mom, I swear you need to be voted in office immediately as Mayor. You make frighteningly fabulous sense, your answers are intelligent, thought out and on point. If only the Unholy Trinity could take a cue. But alas, no. Instead we get to continue walking behind them with a super-size-me pooper scooper.
LuvAnderson, I'm more than up to walking tall in army boots, how about cartwheels?! You're right, Anderson voters ARE smart and we know our voices are making a difference.
justchillen, your name should probably be justshillin since I think you're more than likely trying to seek, as in "buy" support since Norma is a pro at that. Just ick.
I have this really spine-tingling feeling that things are rocking and rolling in all the right direction for the Fire Chief. Can't wait until he's back!!!
McGruffTheCrimeDog writes:
Norma's actions now go beyond fire board. She has carried them over to her position as city councilwoman by giving Purcell a Police vehicle to drive. Andersonmom pointed this out. Since when did the fire board have control over police vehicles. They don't. James Yarbrough and Melissa Hunt were cut out of this decision that should have been made by the entire city counsel. Norma overstepped her bounds on this one and abused her power as a counsel woman. I think it is time to flood city hall with complaints about Comnick, Schaffer and Webster and see how quickly we get a investigation into them. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander. For the record It is time to get in front of a judge and get an injunction halting any ruling by the fire board until an investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing can be conducted and until it is determined as to if Purcell's investigation was even legal as he has no authority in California by way of licensing of any sort. I believe he is involved in wrongdoing here as well. So if we are going to bring the den of iniquity down lets get everybody, The little three, the attorney, the union, the acting fire chief, the investigator, and the businessman who doles out bribes. To quote the old saying you have made a nest and the chickens are coming home to roost. Now sit on that one and hatch it!
Veryangrymom writes:
I am not sure where to start but I am the mother of one of those boys at the secret meeting Howard Fincher called. My son has pleaded with me not to get involved and embarrass him since he loves being a volunteer and wants someday to be a firefighter and is afraid his chances will be hurt. And let me tell you he is very afraid that if he doesn’t do what they’re suggesting or insisting or whatever they’re calling it, he won’t get to volunteer anymore. This is wrong! Who is this Howard Fincher to tell my son what he can and can’t do on his own time? He wouldn’t tell me everything but did tell me enough that I am concerned and worried. These are very impressionable kids and what this man is doing is setting a very bad example. Why should my son need protecting if he doesn’t back Howard or the board, (who I take it is Norma Comnick)? This woman is old enough to be his grandmother and should know better than to behave in the manner she is, and I’m about ready to read her the riot act. He was actually scared over this and still is. He has always liked the fire Chief, Joe Piccinini and so do I. I found him to be a very genuine and caring mentor to these kids and wished there were more people who honestly cared. In this day and time so many people are superficial and don’t have time or care to help others. I’ve had occasion to see the Fire Chief around town and he has gone out of his way to speak with me and he came across as one of those lucky people who really love what they do and represents firemen in a good way. I didn’t even know about the blogs or the letter from Debe Hopkins until a neighbor called me. How can this Howard Fincher’s supervisor let him do these things with our kids and not be called down for it? I’m just not happy at all but I don’t want my son to lose out on an opportunity to be a fireman down the road. I guess I’ll have to see how things go but right now I feel like getting a lawyer and suing the department for even thinking of treating my son this way. Thank you for letting me vent. Chief Piccinini I hope you are back in the office soon, keep your chin up and know there are so many people in your corner. God bless you.
Manx writes:
Check into everything "given" to Neal Purcell. Possibly even confidential information provided by the police department. Certain personnel, including their "minions", break as many laws as they enforce. All in the pursuit of justice? uh huh, self serving justice. I can see them now, sitting behind closed doors, sharing all of this "confidential" information, over their morning Starbucks. It's too bad that Chief Piccinini has to suffer publicly for change to finally occur.
ForAnderson writes:
Thanks for your comments, VeryAngryMom. You have every right to be angry about your son being coerced. This just proves how much we need to get the word out to the Anderson community as soon as possible. There are still many people who do not realize what is happening here. Spread the word!! The people involved are looking at recalls, charges being filed and more. They should back off to try to save their necks.
Tiredofit writes:
To VeryAngryMom
Fincher's supervisors/bosses would be the Fire District Board,I believe. So, he will not be reprimanded for trying to influence impressionable young people,since this whole mess was started by Board Member Comnick (who is now allegedly caught in the act of trying to bribe those firefighters with dessert and $215-to add to her other illegal activities) and the rest of the board is fully backing everything she and Fincher do. Acting Fire Chief Nichols is right in there with them. These two men want Chief's job so badly they will do anything, I repeat anything, to try to get that job. Think about how safe your young firefighter will be in a fire with them!!!!!!! There is no 'brotherhood" with these two.
What a sad state of affairs for Anderson. We must RECALL Comnick, Schaeffer and Webster in order to stop this whole gestapo like regime's agenda. It has gone on for far too long. The only way, at this point, that Schaeffer and Webster can save themselves is to either withdraw their support of this whole thing and vote to leave it for an impartial, elected board to handle, or discipline the Chief if they feel they must and then put him back to work. Fire season is here. We need this educated, gifted man protecting us during this season of the year.
With Purcell possibly facing allegations that his investigation has been illegal from the beginning (see earlier blogs), there is no fair way the fire board can now even make a decision. When the cost of this whole mess is revealed, the whole community will be up in arms at the unholy trinity's misuse of critical funds in the Fire District(I assume they will also pay the city for the multitude of things Morgan OK'd such as a car, secretaries, city office, etc.)
Might I add, that I never saw this on a city council agenda for the council to approve such unusual and unwise expenditures.
Spread the work, AngryMom. This travesty of justice must be paid for by the people instigating and condoning it. They should be recalled so Anderson can have a fair and honest government.
BlueSuedeShoes writes:
RedStilettos-
I bought my army boots and just for good measure,a gas mask. I also bought a huge pooper scooper to use behind the unholy trinity.
We will need a dump truck to follow as well, since I am sure with all the scooping that is needed, it will make several trips to the dump.
Things are rocking and rolling and I believe the unholy trio will be shocked at what happens. Those two men better cut the apron strings fast and stand up for our Chief before this house of cards comes down around them.
Reading the blog from AngryMom made me stop and think-Hey unholy trio, now you are getting the Mamas mad at you and when Mamas defend their cubs-well, I'm just sayin'even the devil trembles at the sight of Mamas. Keep up the work, Mom and help us spread the word.
shortandcute writes:
This whole mess reminds me of a bad episode of the tv show survivor. Survivor-Anderson... lets see the fire board and the firemen have an "alliance", the fireboard and investigator Purcell have an "alliance" all wanting chief Piccinini out. To those of you on the fireboard with any character and integrity I say stand up and be recognized and do the right thing and put chief piccinini back to work. Form your alliance with the voters of Anderson. You along with the fire chief will be the real survivors. To those of you with no backbone you should be voted off the "island", or rather off the earth!
AndersonMom writes:
The comments from VeryAngryMom reminded me of an email I received a while back. It said, "Be the kind of woman that every morning when your feet hit the floor, the devil says 'Oh crud, she's up!'"
I can't help but believe that is what has happened here. Mamas, Papas, White Collars, and Blue Collars are all saying that enough is enough.
And she is right, it is absolutely not okay for any Fire Fighter whether paid or volunteer to be told what he/she is to think and support in this matter. While I understand the need for unity, I also understand the need of free speech. Remember where we live, folks, the lands of unalienable rights...and the liberty in that quote does mean freedom.
justchillin writes:
Whoa! I'm getting slammed hear and even accused of being a 'buy in for Comnick'!
I'm a very loyal Anderson-ite and have been for 60 years! Not only that, I'm a retired fireman and have no use for lazy and worthless politicians! I've learned, by hard knocks, to get the facts before jumping into something and I was merely looking for detailed and confirmed acussations!
I support firemen of all departments and will back them 100%. Politians are all out for the take in one way or another but we put them there. So, will all of us show up to vote or just sit back and forget about this situation? We'll see.
LuvAnderson writes:
Saw Webster heading south on I-5 today-wonder if there was another secret meeting in Red Bluff? Better yet, maybe he is high tailing it out of town-you know, getting out while the getting is good?
Treachery_Runs_Deep writes:
For whatever reason I understand a few of our posts have been removed. It takes a total of 3 requests to have them pulled. Care to hazard a guess of which 3 people flagged them? If only we could recall Schaefer, Webster and Comnick from the fire board that easily.
I did see Chief Piccinini at the fair this evening and he was surrounded by people, nice to see his smile and warmth even though he's going through such a challenging time.
ForAnderson writes:
I went back to check, Treachery_Runs_Deep, and was shocked to see a couple of posts removed. As I remember nothing off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy,(as stated above),I think you must be right. The unholy trinity, which I had hoped might become the unholy solo,(thought by now Webster and Schaeffer might have taken their 'smartenin' pills) must be at it again.
Comnick's web of deceit must be pretty hard to untangle when it has surrounded them for so long. Surely they own scissors and can cut the strings. If they have any hope of retaining their local political careers, they will do an about face on this whole matter.
Here we go into yet another challenging week for the Chief and his family. Imagine putting such nice people through such a mess for such a long time. Again I implore Schaeffer & Webster to stand up on your own for once, discipline the Chief if you must, and then get him back to work. Fire season is upon us. Do not let yourselves continue to be led around by the nose. Think on your own for once. Change your image. Get out of Comnick's shadow. Stop doing her bidding.
It will be interesting to see if Finchers announcement to the firefighters was his own hopes and you had not already leaked Comnick's premeditated decision to him.
This whole thing is so full of bad decisions, Brown Act violations and violations of the law, it is pathetic.
You should do the right thing while you have a chance and put our Chief back to work.
LuvAnderson writes:
JustChillin-
If you are a retired fireman who hates lazy, worthless politicians, then you should know all about the Brown Act and Comnick as well.
As stated so many times in this post, the Brown Act prohibits detailing accusations at this point to protect both the accusers and the accused.
As for worthless politicians, need I say more? Read the letter from Debe Hopkins (on this website) about the secret meeting where Comnick tried to bribe firefighters with dessert and campaign funds. That, of course, is only the latest in her long career of bending the rules for her friends(she has a few left) and trying to make herself look good to the public. But, I warn you as so many people have found out, do NOT cross her. If you do, she will move heaven and earth, if she can, to beat you down in any way possible. Her ways may not be legal but they have worked for her so far.
However, Anderson voters are sick of her reign of terror. Recall is in her future.
Believe me, this situation will not be forgotten. It is time for the pied piper to be stopped in her tracks. All the rats following her should be retrained if that is possible.
HeardEnough writes:
I got an earful recently. I heard that debe hopkins is norma comnick's former daughter in law and that butch shaefer and debe hopkins used to be good friends as well as former chief purcell. is this political or personal? it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
FaceintheCrowd writes:
It appears to be all personal. By Schaefer’s reaction to the public support of the Fire Chief it looks like a personal vendetta. It’s also most likely personal because the Fire Chief is a friend of Debe Hopkins, Comnick’s ex daughter in-law. It also VERY personal when Norma brings in her good friend Neil Purcell to do the investigation. It’s also personal when it’s well known that a member of the fire department wants the Fire Chief’s job.
If there was anything politically correct here, the board would have done an internal investigation, or if they went external it should not have been with Purcell, their “personal” friend.
Treachery_Runs_Deep writes:
For Anderson, I did notice a couple of mine were missing. Maybe they struck a nerve with Val, as in how she "pretended" to be the Fire Chief's friend in order to knife him in the back.
Veryangrymom writes:
Thanks to everyone who spoke up and let me know how they felt and also let me know a little bit of what is going on here in our community involving the fire board and the people inside the fire department. I admit I’m confused trying to make sense of all of this, I’ve gone back and read other posts and I am shocked and totally dismayed by it all. I don’t understand how three people and especially one of them can be so controlling and try to steamroll their own desires above the fire board as a whole. Am I missing something, I mean how can Norma Comnick act as though this is her board and she can do whatever she wants without any fear of being reprimanded. But who would reprimand her? I’ve seen mention of a recall and I think it’s a good idea. I would be the first to sign such a petition considering how unprofessional she has acted. I still go back to how worried my son is and she has helped make him feel that way. Howard Fincher seems like a bully to me and I don’t think he should be allowed to be around the volunteers, especially the younger ones. He sets a bad example too and I for one don’t like him interacting with my son. Something you all might find interesting, I was contacted by one of the news media about doing an interview and I’m seriously considering it. My neighbor works for them and mentioned my story and they are interested. I have a lot to say about what’s going on, but again my son is worried and doesn’t want anything to go against his volunteering at the station. I’ll think about it and try and decide what is best. Thanks to all of you for the kind words, you’ve helped me so much.
ForAnderson writes:
Veryangrymom-if you go public, I doubt the bully, Fincher, could make it too hard on your son. There are several firefighters inside that I know would stand up with him. Remember only 14 out of 40 stood up at the Fire Board Meeting last week. Also, should your son report any little thing said or done to him, Concerned Citizens would raise such an outcry that they would hear it in the next state. If we have to, we can walk the sidewalk in front of that fire hall.
How dare Fincher try to coerce these wonderful volunteers? Just think, this man wants to be fire chief? I don't think so!!! Just because Comnick promised it to him does not mean he has it in the bag.
I wish the news media would expose this whole mess. Comnick and her minions have gotten away with far too much for far too long. I would love to see the letter from Ms. Hopkins on every TV station and newspaper in our county. How dare Comnick try to bribe our fire fighters with dessert and her campaign money (from local voters, no less)? That is only the latest in a long string of illegal activities sponsored by Comnick.
If Schaeffer and Webster are smart, they will back away from this mess very slowly and carefully. Webster himself is being investigated by the state for, among other reasons, not reporting $15,000 he received from a company he was part of that dealt with Bob Johnson of Bibb's Ribs-you know,---"worth the wait"-those must be darn good ribs since we have now been waiting for how long? How dare Webster be so hard on Chief? Isn't that like the pot calling the kettle black? Webster has been a proponent of Anderson most of his life. What a shame to see him losing that title over this awful mess. He had best remember what he himself is facing when he decides how to vote in this matter initiated by Comnick.
Schaeffer and Webster, back away from Comnick, not slowly, but at a high speed pace. That is the smart thing to do, and quite frankly, could be your only salvation. Comnick is going down, and it appears at this point, that you two are going down with her and her personal friend Purcell.
Until this community is rid of Comnick's own brand of venom, we will never be truly free. Recall, recall, recall. Grand Jury Investigation, Grand Jury Investigation, Grand Jury Investigation. Lawsuit waiting to happen, lawsuit waiting to happen, etc. Need I say more?
Heardenough-yes, it is personal in that Concerned Citizens are tired of Comnick's personal attacks on people who do not do what she wants. Ask yourself why she has few friends, why you NEVER see her with any of her immediate family, including children and grandchildren. How sad that she has so many personal vendettas-enough to last her for the rest of her life.
snooperanderson writes:
As far as Webster being investigated by the FPPC, I guess now we can get a two-for-one deal as the FPPC investigates Comnick for offering $215 from her city council campaign fund. As George Winship pointed out in his last editorial, let the one without sin cast the firt stone.
BlueSuedeShoes writes:
Didn't think of that, snooperanderson-hmmmmm-the outcome of that will make for interesting reading. I doubt that Comnick has a minion in the FPPC. This time she may really have done herself in. One can only hope for an end to her sick madness.
Think about that, Schaeffer and Webster. Make your own decision this time without bending to Comnick's wishes. As you have heard here repeatedly, discipline our Chief if you feel that is the fair thing, but get him back to work before the severity of summer fire season hits us.
Remember, we all, as humans, have a need for mercy at some point. As we give, so shall we receive. As we sow, also shall we reap. Sow a wind and reap a whirlwind. Sow mercy and kindness and reap mercy and kindness. Schaeffer and Webster, are you listening?
Treachery_Runs_Deep writes:
For Anderson, I wish Veryangrymom would go public with the story. I do understand her reluctance as evidenced by the mess our city is in because of the way Comnick has run her brand of politics. I know she really does have to worry that her son will be chastised in some way, and being a mom myself you don’t want your child to go through that. But, there comes a time when enough is enough. If Fincher had treated my kid that way I would be all over him.
What a joke that Comnick offered to hand over campaign funds to run an ad against the Chief. That tells you right there that no matter what the citizens want, or how unfair it is that a BIASED investigator did the report, Comnick will vote the way SHE wants. She thinks she is untouchable and nothing matters but her own opinion. She is a dirty politician with no conscience.
What is really sad is that Keith Webster is being investigated by the Fair Political Practice Commission , and when they really begin the full-blown investigation no one from our town will support him because of the way he’s treating the Fire Chief. Webster will wish he had at least a tenth of the support that Chief has right now, people who are willing to stand up for him and make a difference. Let me say again, the Chief I’m sure is no angel, but the issues could have been dealt with by the board and discipline handed down, he doesn’t deserve dismissal if that’s what they’re really thinking.
This situation has been handled badly from the start. I’m not even sure his “wrongdoings” are the issue anymore. Neil Purcell as the investigator is one issue. Since he’s not licensed I think the investigation needs to be thrown out and criminal charges filed against Purcell. He knew what he was doing was wrong. The three fire board members or the “unholy trinity” are all dirty in their own rights. Butch shouldn’t be allowed to carry a gun since his temper is so bad. I still can’t get over the way he threatened a citizen in front of everyone the other night. Why didn’t Dale Webb do something when he saw what was going on, since he was there? Of wait, I know…..he’s a friend of Butch’s and wasn’t going to protect any citizen from Schaefer since Schaefer is also his boss. I’m sure Webb will say he was busy in the back of the room or something like that and didn’t see anything. How convenient.
The fire board needs to be investigated for hiring Purcell. If you would ask someone to describe justice, I bet the Anderson fire board isn’t what anyone would think of first, second or third. Enough dirty politics, put the Chief back at the Fire Department and quit jerking your citizens and voters around. We’ve made our voices heard.
Manx writes:
Dale Webb will most definitely NOT do anything to any of that group. He knows where his bread is buttered. He has a lot more to worry about right now, any wrongdoings or possible confidential information given to Purcell would have his "prints" on them. Blue Suede Shoes you are soooo correct; You will reap what you sow.
shortandcute writes:
I wonder if anyone in the town of West Melbourne, Florida, is reading the Valley Post and watching what is going on in our little town. How the city of Anderson has helped a private citizen from a different state conduct what appears to be an illegal investigation, how the city of Anderson has gifted public funds to this person in the way of supplying a vehicle, personnel, office space and other equipment. How we may have two City Council members being investigated by the FPPC. Just a thought.
LuvAnderson writes:
Heard a song on the radio tonight. One line literally jumped out at me and I immediately thought of the unholy trinity. The line was, "you made your bed now lie in it."
I want to admonish the unholy trinity that they are "making their bed" when they make a decision regarding the Chief this week. If you guys expect to remain in the Anderson political arena, you had best "make your choice of beds" carefully.
BlueSuedeShoes is right-we do reap what we sow. I hope you will show mercy in your decision concerning our Chief. Do not expect Anderson voters to understand if you do otherwise.
Amazing that he has had near perfect reviews until this last one. Now all of a sudden you are ready to get rid of him? This should have been an internal investigation from the start-but it could not be, I forgot, Comnick already had Chief fired the minute he refused to allow her buddy Tom Brown to build without a sprinkler system in his building plans. Her plans to bring her "friend" Purcell in to 'investigate' shows that she thought he would give her the report she needed to get rid of Chief.
Remember, Schaeffer and Webster, when you cross her 'made up mind' and do not side with her, she will be after you as well. However, her reign will not last long. She is done in Anderson. Her dirty politics have run rampant for far too many years.
Citizens are watching and waiting. You would do well to remember that!!
snooperanderson writes:
LuvAnderson: how right you are, they will be watched, all five of them though not just the three. The two board members who are not city councilors need to know as well that they too are being watched. And we will remember their actions WHEN and IF they run for the fire board in November. As for the others just a point of interest - there are 4,091 registered voters in Anderson, it takes only 10 signatures to initiate a recall and only 1023 signatures to implement a recall. Doesn’t sound like too much of an effort to me.
shortandcute writes:
Andersom fire board what are you thinking...do you really think Anderson will be better off without chief Piccinini? The city doesnt even have a diaster plan. If we should have a major catastrophe in Anderson, the fire department will probably all look at each other and say what do we do now. Chief Piccinini is the first fire chief after all these years to address this situation. Please put him back to work, Anderson and its citizens will be much better off.It scares me to think about how the fire department will be run without him.
Red_Stilettos writes:
Wow, I can’t believe how few signatures are needed to initiate then implement a recall. With so few needed we could probably knock that out in a weekend at WalMart.
The old number one vote getter came in third this last election, and next time she’ll be last which means she won’t get a seat (if she even runs). If she manages to squander all her campaign funds she can’t afford to advertise or buy off people.
34 days that the Chief has been on administrative leave. Can you believe that? I guess it takes that long to make sure the report you bought and paid for is to your liking. Neal probably had to do re-writes a few times. I can just picture Norma reading the report and screeching, we need more bad stuff about Chief, and so she pencils in “steals hubcaps from police cars” in the margin. Not to be outdone Butch mentions he thinks someone told him that the third ex-wife of a second cousin four times removed and best friends of someone he knew in third grade swears they saw him remove a mattress label, then laugh that the cops will never pin it on him. Of course Keith being Mr. Anderson and all, swears the Chief took a short cut once that did not include a trip by the teen center and that’s just plain wrong. Behead the Chief! Maybe a public hanging!
But to be serious, this is all so sad. The Chief is being put through a lot of crap that should not even be happening. All this because he stands up for what is right and this sets off Comnick and her bestest friend Tom Brown to make the Chief sorry. He’s sorry alright, but not for the reasons you think. I’m sure he’s sorry that justice is not being served in this case. That you can buy people and their loyalties and he’s sad that people he thought he could trust he couldn’t.
The Chief is a fighter, never count him down and out. I’m sure he’ll take the reprimands due him and continue on being the best Fire Chief this town has ever had.
CuriosityKilledtheCouncilors writes:
Hey snooperanderson - you make some terrific points.
Just so you and others know, you can also register voters while collecting signature for a recall, it makes things go that much quicker.
Go Chief! I'm on team Chief.
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