I am writing in rebuttal to the City of SeaTac's Proposition 1 ballot mailing and its contents that was created, generated and mailed with city funds.
One: The number of on-duty Firefighters (10) has not increased since 1991.
In fact, the city has hired 27 additional firefighters since incorporation. There are now 15 firefighters assigned to each shift.
Two: Position of Fire Marshal and Public Educator vacant since 1996
In fact, the fire marshal position was filled until February 2003. Bob Meyer was the Fire Marshal from 2001 and was promoted to Chief in 2003 and now regards himself as Chief/Fire marshal.
Three: The three fire stations need to be rebuilt and the city claims to not have enough funds to rebuild all three-just the most expensive, Station 46."
In fact, the city has over $18 million dollars in their reserve account. Why is Station 46 the most expensive station at $5 million? Because they want to buy residential property and build the headquarters station in the McMicken Heights area. This does not need to be built in a residential community when the city has commercial property readily available at the already existing S. 200th St. Station 45.
Four: Since 1996, the city has had to rely on other departments for a ladder truck.
In fact, every fire department needs a ladder truck, Burien, Tukwila, North Highline, Des Moines/Federal Way and SeaTac. Where will it stop? The fire service recommended that a plan should include consolidation/mergers with local fire departments to share resources, eliminate redundant administrations and reduce operational costs.
Five: 24 percent of emergency calls happen simultaneously
In fact, by consolidating and merging fire departments and their resources, this would increase the amount of emergency vehicles and firefighters that are able to respond to this increasing demand for service. This has been proven in other local communities throughout the country and the local area without severely increasing costs to the people served.
In light of the real facts and the lack of a sound plan, I encourage the voters in SeaTac to VOTE NO on Proposition 1.
Donald Waters
SeaTac
