Thanks for working on this, Jawj! Looking over the proponents’ argument, here are some ideas on possible responses…
When there’s a discrepancy in pay or benefits, it doesn’t necessarily mean that those employees getting less are underpaid. Rather it is often the case that those getting more are overpaid.
Salaries for 911 dispatchers start at $106,000 a year! (See Work at San Francisco 911 | San Francisco). So why is there a supposed shortage of employees?
Maybe there are too many laws. Too many people being encouraged to call 911 over things that don’t require it. Like seeing someone doing something without a permit, such as the famous “barbecuing while black” incident with “BBQ Becky” at Lake Merritt in Oakland (see 'BBQ Becky,' White Woman Who Called Cops on Black BBQ, 911 Audio Released: 'I'm Really Scared! Come Quick!' - Newsweek).
Maybe too many potential employees are being turned away as a result of unnecessary job requirements. Is it really necessary for 911 dispatchers in San Francisco to have drivers licenses for instance? Why? They’re not taking calls while driving! Many San Franciscans don’t own cars, and don’t have a reason to obtain a drivers license, but would be perfectly capable of answering calls to 911.
Similarly, why should a 911 dispatcher be required to have a high school diploma? Shouldn’t the standard simply be whether or not they can do the job?
qAnd is a background investigation of prospective applicants really necessary for this work? If someone is going to be on recorded 911 phone calls with members of the public, not with them in person, why should it matter if the person has a criminal record? Not unnecessarily restricting the employment of people with criminal backgrounds can help ensure they don’t return to lives of crime.
Government doesn’t need to be involved in health care. Nurses can work for independent health care providers. This would save the public far more money, because almost everything done through government tends to take longer, and be more expensive and of lower quality.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))