| Letters to the Editor for Oct. 17
I tried to dispel the rumors I had heard about Avra Valley Fire District as just that, rumors, until I started following the recent stories concerning the Haz-Mat incident in March. Now I find myself left with grave concerns as well as many unanswered questions.Chief Gerber’s lack of leadership and communication has resulted in harm to his own firefighters and could have ultimately caused many more injuries or even deaths. I believe it is time for a thorough investigation into the goings-on at Station 191. An explanation is due as to why these things are allowed to go on and someone must be held accountable.I do not blame the rank and file here. But as firefighters, I am surprised that no one put a foot down over all of these (safety) violations. Does it take a firefighter losing his life due to a lack of equipment and proper training because monies designated for these things were misappropriated? Is there that much intimidation within this fire department that these people whose families and community depend on them were afraid to report or question these things?Who is overseeing the Safety Department in this fire station? These men and women deal with Haz-mat situations almost daily; so who is training them in proper safety measures? Without that training and equipment people die.
US audit watchdog may issue subprime guidance
WASHINGTON - THE United States audit watchdog said that the subprime mortgage crisis has created 'complex accounting issues' and that it may need to issue additional guidance. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board said on Thursday the subprime lending crisis of the past year and resulting liquidity issues have raised the question of whether companies are appropriately accounting for the risk in various investment vehicles. 'The PCAOB is actively discussing these risks,' said Mr Marty Baumann, director of research and analysis for the PCAOB, at a meeting of the agency's advisory group. He gave no indication of how soon the PCAOB would decide if more auditing guidance is needed. PCAOB Chairman Mark Olson said the signs of an impending crisis in the mortgage industry and larger financial markets have 'been around for a long time and it's become a major issue'.
Montenegro—2007 Article IV Consultation Concluding Statement of the IMF Mission
In its first year of independence, all eyes were on Montenegro. Tourism potential was enormous. Growth surged, driven by massive FDI inflows. In its second year of independence, all eyes are on the government. The boom has brought its own challenges. Fiscal policy is strained by competing demands. The Central Bank lacks the powers it needs to curb surging credit. Initiatives to address energy bottlenecks, the still difficult business climate, and restrictive labor practices, have become more urgent. And the risks have increased. The external environment rocked by recent financial turbulence is less favorable. On the domestic market, ballooning asset prices fueled by rapid credit growth bear the typical signs of overheating. The passage of the constitution and signing of the SAA provide an opportunity: To boost the reform effort, refocus fiscal policy, and strengthen banking supervisory powers.
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