Oops sorry, that last one was me. Don't know why it left my name out.

teacher, believe it or not, I am a pretty happy person. The industry in which I work dictates that I have a smile on my face, and a positive attitude. But at the same time, I live in the real world. And unfortunately in that world, all around me, people are spending my money (and yours) when every government entity is in debt past their eyeballs. Just like you or I may justify reasons we made a charge on our credit card, the government, both local and federal, uses excuses too. "It's for the children" is one I've heard way to much in my life. I was a child too once, and if nothing else, my upbringing and life's experiences have taught me, if ya ain'ta got tha money, dont spend it! How's about we teach the children some fiscal responsibility, and god for bid, they might have to do without for a little bit.

To people who are negative to positive stories,

Do you relish in negativity? Do you have anything better to do than sit around and count how "your" money is being spent? Do you remember what it was like to be a kid? Maybe you should get out of your house and go volunteer your time at one of the many schools to see that kids are kids no matter how tough the times are! Oh, you would probably say, "Why volunteer, that is where my tax money is going." YUCK! All I can say is have fun in your pool of negativity!

Or these children could learn what it means to be fiscally responsible -- especially with someone else' money. They could still have had a memorable last day party without the public expense, just as we did when we were their age. They're the future and need all the tools we can give them to make the hard decisions when it's their time to do so. Isn't that what education is all about?

As for Nicki2's question about whether I would be asking the same questions if my child went to the Tracy Learning Center, the answer is yes!

Really? Are people that upset that hundreds of kids had a memorable day? I'm pretty sure TFD could have said no, but instead they chose to give these kids a fun filled last day of school. I believe there are bigger and better things for people to worry about. Let the kids have their fun!

While the fire fighter's time may have been donated, yours and my fire truck is not donated. No one asked me first. Secondly, I do believe there is a charge for water, pretty sure I remember seeing that on my last utility bill.

I understand that this event benefits the kids, but ya know, so did the D.A.R.E. program--and to a much greater extent--and that got pulled from the shelf a couple years ago due to budget cuts. It's now run by civilians, taking away the "official" feel it once had.

We all talk of cutting necessary services to the public as a knee-jerk reaction to tough economic times. As far as I'm concerned, until local, state, and federal government can learn to close down things like the department of the department department first, we ALL should suffer.

Donated?When you are on the clock, it is not a donation. Was it there day off?

You have to wonder if mnwild's and why?'s kids went to this school would they still be asking how much or any questions. I doubt it. In case you need to know their services were donated.

What the the FEE for this service?

We finally see something positive in a time where negitivity is the norm. What do people comment about? How it's a bad thing that fire fighters are "volunteering" their time to go and help children enjoy their celebration for the end of a great school year! You've got to be kidding me! I think it is awesome that the fire fighters went to the Tracy Learning Center to help them celebrate. Great job TFD and TLC!! Keep up the good work!!

I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but did one of our fiscally strapped public entities -- the City or the School District -- pay for this event? I think the concept is wonderful, but both entities are cutting services and/or staff and the City has just put in place a fee for Fire Dept. responses. How does the overall expense of this type of event (manpower, resources) fit into the picture? If Fire is going to bill for staff to respond to a vehicle accident or medical emergency, then does the same hold true that a bill is being sent for the Fire Dept.'s services for this event? If so, who's gonna pay it -- the School District? And from what pot of money? What about going to the City pool instead?

Just asking?