Keep job expectations realistic

Once again I feel compelled to help with Spokane’s ailing economy by putting in my two cents. With many upcoming union negotiations in the next year I would like to remind these unions that having a job in these hard economic times is a privilege and not a right. I applaud the Spokane firefighters for working with the city in general and Mayor Verner in particular.

I also admire the mayor’s self-imposed salary cap. I am an emergency room registered nurse who has worked closely with police and fire and emergency medical services personnel for 18 years. Here is what I have learned:

Our community needs our services. Spokane has fewer fire, police and EMS funding than many communities. Now is not the time to take. Now is the time for holding our ground, and I pray that these unions will work with the mayor and negotiate for the good of the community.

It is a privilege to work, and if you don’t believe me ask the more than 10 percent of your neighbors who can’t feed their families.

Jim Lyons

Spokane