— from Carl Buttke —
We live on an island where people, employees and volunteers with our fire department are willing to risk their health and even life to protect our lives and property. The least we can do in gratitude for these services is to support their need for up to date training, equipment, personnel and compensation.
As a member of Artworks, I witnessed our fire department of men and women employees and volunteers put out the fire at the Artworks Building last July. I observed firsthand what it means to have professionally trained men and women with up to date equipment save the building from total destruction while risking their health and life. I saw several fire fighters taking time out to revive them selves from smoke inhalation. Some would carefully carry pieces of art out from the building and hand them to us so they might be saved. I was impressed to say the least.
We on Orcas Island are asked to continue the existing Orcas Island Fire and Rescue levy of $1.05 per $1,000 of assed value for next ten years. That is what we’ve been paying in the past years and this continued levy is to improve the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue services for the next ten years. When have tax levies stayed the same for ten years with a continual growth of services?
Please support the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue mission and vote YES on proposition 1.
Carl,
This was a “temporary” lid lift! Now the fire department has grown fat and cozy with having piles of money.
They got their palace and all new gear now it is time to tighten up their ship.
Until they do, my vote is “no”.