This writer is very puzzled on how I should vote on Proposition 1, the Fire Department Levy.

Yes they do a very good and dangerous job for our community. But what I object to is how our tax money is spent on what I consider unnecessary and even luxury Items. For an example, in one fire station a painting or mural was painted on the wall at a cost $1,500. Or a fireman's sliding pole that goes nowhere. There are many other questionable items that need scrutiny in how our tax dollars are spent.

What really is a sore spot are the fire commissioner's giving a tremendous raise to the former fire chief to the tune of $165,000. My understanding he will receive more wages in retirement than when a fire chief.

It is our money. Let us spent it wisely.

Dick Thurnau

Seattle

Editor's note: Mr. Thurnau writes about the North Highline Fire Department (Fire District 11) levy. The Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department (Fire District 2) and South King Fire & Rescue (including Des Moines) have identical levy requests on the Aug. 21 primary election ballots.