Reading Peter M. Leschak's commentary on the shrinking number of volunteer firemen and women ("Needed: A new generation of volunteers. ... Anyone?" Aug. 21), I couldn't help think of the recent veto of Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak regarding the fire department budget ("Rybak stands by fire layoffs," Aug. 20).
The City Council had voted to use funds to avoid layoffs in the department, but the measure was vetoed by the mayor. The fire chief stated the layoff of 10 firefighters could mean an added five minutes to response times.
I expect the mayor to make decisions that consider all Minneapolis residents. Is he willing to have it take longer for the fire department to respond if it's his house?
ELLEN MITCHELL GALLAGHER, MINNEAPOLIS
