This is in reference to the front page of the OBSERVER (June 19) headlined “Lost in translation: Firefighter issue not yet settled.” It seems that Councilman Adelino Gonzalez is supporting a bilingual firefighter for the city of Dunkirk. I have no problem with that idea as long as they take a civil service exam and pass as one of the highest on the list.

Mr. Gonzalez, I understand, wants a bilingual person to automatically be an appointment to the department without an exam. If this is the case, then he better be ready for a large disagreement on this issue. I had mentioned this issue to Mr. Gonzalez about what must be done to have a bilingual person on the fire department. He or she must pass an exam and be high on the list.

I also explained to Gonzalez that if he is so concerned about Spanish-speaking people who cannot communicate, that I suggested that he hold classes for these people so that they can communicate with the rest of this community. I have friends who are Spanish-speaking who took it upon themselves to communicate and speak English. They deserve a lot of credit, so if they can learn English, why can’t others? You can’t expect those who have lived in this city all of their lives to all of a sudden change their way of life for those who refuse to help themselves like their peers did. It is not fair.

Is Mr. Gonzalez going to do the same for the other various nationalities who live in this city? He won’t find many because they took it upon themselves to learn English so they can communicate with the rest of the population.

No one in this city is better than the other. We are all equal, so Mr. Gonzalez, get used to it and help your people to communicate with the rest of us. If you want them in the department, which is a good idea, take a civil service test and pass at the top. I am sure all those involved would be proud to have a Hispanic firefighter, but take the test first.

The city of Buffalo had the same idea for its fire department without an exam, which was not fair at all. The city of Buffalo was sued for millions by those who were passed over for the job. If that is what Gonzalez wants to do in Dunkirk, then be prepared for a huge lawsuit.

Why is Gonzalez doing this? Maybe for the votes or maybe just to make a point with the Hispanic population. All this will do is create major problems.

He may have to learn the hard way. Just remember that when our forefathers came to this city from other countries, including my grandparents, they had to learn English to communicate. They also had to find a job, otherwise they would starve. My grandfather died on the job. No health benefits. No free housing. No free groceries. No free anything. And I am sure if they had cell phones in those days, they would not be free.

Richard Makuch is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com