But because all 11 are white, the mayor said he could not hire them because that would violate a consent decree requiring racial diversity in hiring.
Councilman D. Michael Collins again criticized Mayor Carty Finkbeiner Friday for flatly rejecting an idea that would save the city $1 million next year when Toledo is facing a nearly $10 million shortfall for 2009 and a bleak outlook for 2010. Mr. Finkbeiner took the unusual step of vetoing a council resolution adopted 11-0 Tuesday urging him to immediately hire 11 firefighters, which would slash overtime costs next year. But because all 11 are white, the mayor said he could not hire them because that would violate a consent decree requiring racial diversity in hiring. The decision has frustrated councilmen, some of whom have been at odds all year over the mayor’s strategy to balance the city’s general fund budget.