By Mary Kelli Palka
Florida Times-Union
Copyright 2007 The Florida Times-Union
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A group of black Jacksonville firefighters is asking the City Council to hold off on confirming Mayor John Peyton’s choice for fire director, citing his lack of firefighting experience.
The council is expected to confirm the appointment of Dan Kleman at tonight’s meeting.
The Brotherhood of Black Professional Firefighters, which has about 130 members, also wants the council to reconsider the minimum qualifications for the assistant fire chief position, which is held by Randy White. White already has been appointed to his position.
Brotherhood President Adrian Johnson said he’s concerned about the safety of the firefighters and community because of the lack of pertinent experience of its top leaders. He said he wants the council to review the qualifications for both positions and consider a national search for new leaders.
The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, which has about 1,250 members, supports both Kleman and White and believes the community is in good hands, said Roger Lewis, association president.
Kleman and White meet the qualifications for their positions, according to city laws.
The fire director is required to have a college degree and at least five years of administrative experience in public safety or similar field. It doesn’t require the director be a certified firefighter.
Kleman, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees, has worked almost 30 years as city manager in Tallahassee and Hillsborough County administrator. He served for more than two years as Peyton’s chief administrative officer. In all three positions, Kleman oversaw the fire departments, but he isn’t a certified firefighter.
The assistant chief position requires five years of experience in the administration of firefighting, rescue or similar fields. White has been with the department 28 years, with about 13 years in management.
Johnson said the assistant fire chief should have a college degree, though it’s not required under the city law. White has completed some college courses but doesn’t have a degree.
Peyton is confident in Kleman and White’s ability to oversee the department, said mayoral spokeswoman Susie Wiles.
Incoming council President Daniel Davis said he knows Kleman has long-term administrative experience. And he said he doesn’t know of anyone in the department with as much knowledge about running it as White.
Davis said he’s confident in the department’s leadership.
Kleman’s annual salary is about $150,000 in his new role, down from $192,000 as Peyton’s chief administrative officer. White is paid about $63,000 a year.
Kleman’s administrative experience may come in handy during budget negotiations with Peyton’s office.
City officials are projecting about $25 million less in revenue next year because of property tax changes. That’s on top of another $25 million deficit due to the growth of city expenses. Peyton has asked all departments to propose 10 percent budget cuts next year.
Kleman previously came up with almost $15 million in potential cuts from the $149 million budget, including eliminating 152 positions and closing three fire stations.
But last week, Kleman asked Peyton’s budget staff to consider adding $7.4 million to the budget, rather than making cuts.
Kleman said the extra money would help increase training, part of which was recommended during a racial disparity investigation of the department by the Human Rights Commission.
It would also pay for three new rescue units, with seven people to staff each. And staffing for engine companies would be increased by 15 people to help attain staffing goals.
Kleman was appointed interim fire director in October when fire Chief Rick Barrett left for medical reasons.