This is an interesting issue because it was discussed at two City Council Meetings, one in May and one in June. I've watched the tapes from both meetings on Channel 26 and I'll be darned if only 3-5 people stood up to voice an opinion on this issue. One was in favor of this effort with a recommendation to be fair to those less fortunate and four were opposed.

At the time, apparently either this issue wasn't important enough for anyone to take a few minutes out of their evening to come out and voice their opinion;

or,

We're really not interested in finding solutions to the challenges that face us.

Either way, I for one applaud the City for at least trying to find a solution to these difficult issues.

Whether it's providing an incentive for buying a new car or trying to recover a cost that is driven by those who use a service as opposed to everyone paying more for increased costs of services they never use.

I also applaud Council Member Abercrombie for standing up and voicing his opinion by providing a no vote. I think more of us should come to the Council meetings and speak up if we don't like the way things are going, rather than criticizing everyone for trying to solve the problems that face us.

I realize we all have an opinion, and under the First Amendment we all have a right to voice our opinion, but come-on... If you've got good ideas and you want to be heard do the democratic thing and show up at a Council meeting and argue your point where it will do some good.

Whocares

Eithr wayU get $200 in U poket.

For decades, Oneida County has been responsible for ambulance service to city residents. A call into 911 brings both the Rhinelander Fire Department crew and the county ambulance – a doubling of EMS services that has cost city taxpayers both money and minutes.

http://www.newsofthenorth.net/article/Government/City/Rhinelander_takes_over_county_ambulance_service_for_its_residents_makes_a_deal_with_Aspirus/24664

wecares

Hey CN, what do you think about our new guy Jerry?

Hope you are well. Anything like this stuff happening in Oregon? $300 ambulances or cities giving out $500 cards to car dealers for their customers? or is it just our crazy Californians?

whocares

upay yor taxs or do not pass jal

ubuy a car or do not go foftoworkUgo

wecares

Actually, you can't blame the dealers for taking a handout from the city council via our wallets. They love to spend other peoples money. Must make them feel important or powerfull.

Car dealers cut their own throats a lot of different ways. And now we throw money at them to keep them around. Badly run businesses normally fade into the sunset, which they deserve. The economy is only seperating out those that know how and those that don't. Why reward those that don't.

Short term, long term - doesn't matter in my book. If the demand is there then someone that is capable will come in to fill the gap left by those less worthy.

Au contrare...the city will also be building 2 new fire stations at a cost of $8 million. Scheduled for service in 1 1/2 yrs. Now our city council has voted to charge residents $300 for each call to 9-1-1 for fire/paramedic services. Tracy's fire chief, Botch, has said there were 6,200 calls for service for the fire department. If the number of calls remains constant, Tracy could receive enough money, via 9-1-1, to have the stations paid off in just over 4 yrs.

Now to stay on line with this blog, the $300 for fire services will go on to repay the city for the money doled out for keeping local car dealerships afloat with the city councils $500 gift card per sold new vehicle.

Looks like city council left the dinner table first leaving the residents of Tracy to be stuck with the bill.

LEon is making back the money,revenue 911 scam. Civic government at its WORST!

off , oyaaaa alreday ferget ford didin git gov respsnse

two locel delrers closid da door ya jus thinkin shorty term werker

Really, and just how does it help the economy? What's our return? I understand that the city has lost revenue on this issue (not received as much as given). Why, so that the city can help the car companies stay in business and not close their doors.

It is typical elected official ignorance to think that business owners need their help to stay in business.

Typical gov. employee response

helps the economy and ya donna gonna hear ford complainin