This August 21 we will be facing many decisions in the Primary Election, but one of the most important is Proposition One which is the South King Fire & Rescue Levy Lid Lift. Each year you have been very consistent in voting for the continuing support of our Firefighters. This year there is a change, not in the amount of tax that will be collected each year, as that will remain the same; $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The difference is in asking for a six-year commitment for this same rate of tax over that period of time. In asking for a six-year Levy Lid Lift the Department could save over $1 million in the six years, as last year King County charged our fire district $200,000 just to have the levy placed on the ballot and it has been going up each year.
As the parents of a firefighter with 20-plus years in the Department, we are especially sincere in asking that our firefighters and EMTs go out on each call they receive with the best training, firefighting equipment and enough men and women to do the job safely and well. This year's Levy Lid Lift will make sure that happens each year for the next six years.
Many years ago at the very young age of 16 our son came to us and said he wanted to join the then Volunteer Firefighters training program being held at Des Moines Fire Station 26. At first we were rather concerned about him going into such a dangerous profession, but then we remembered how each of the boys who wanted to join, and each of the men who were already in the professional status, had Mothers and Dads, perhaps wives, who did not take a "let others do it attitude" but recognized the need and the fervor for such a job. So we gave him our support, and hoped he would be "very careful"!
Today he is a Captain in South King County Fire & Rescue and we couldn't be more proud of him and the men and women he works with.
So please think hard and carefully when you vote on August 21 and give these men and women the best support they can get to answer your call for help to assist you or your family in a time of crisis.
Please Vote Yes for Proposition One.
Tom & Judy Mannard
Des Moines
