In my suburban NY town, something very similar is happening. There was a federal grant for some paid firefighters a few years ago. The grant expired and the fir

In my suburban NY town, something very similar is happening. There was a federal grant for some paid firefighters a few years ago. The grant expired and the firefighters were laid off. The union complained about how unsafe it was. The city hired consultants to look at the situation and they said most calls were not fires and medical care was needed most. You'd think that would be the end of it, but one of the laid off firefighters is now running for council in a move most everyone reads as a "I'm going to give me and my friends our jobs back, so you should vote for me, otherwise the town will burn to the ground" move.