Having encouraged their constituency to vote for yet another levy to ensure the North Highline Fire Department has the necessary tools for our safety, the Commissioners of the Fire District voted unanimously to give the Fire Chief a salary increase to $16,500 a month.

That's correct-$198,000 a year. It's incomprehensible that one of the lowest income urban areas in the state has one of the highest paid public servants in the state. Go figure! No wonder we need another levy.

At best, this was an act of complete fiscal irresponsibility and at worst, incompetence and malfeasance. These Commissioners failed not only their responsibility but also their community, and made it clear whom they really work for. Certainly not the public-and now the Fire Chief, having increased his annual salary on the back of the working poor of this community, can take full advantage of the Public Service Retirement System, announce his retirement and start enjoying that astronomical retirement income.

The North Highline Fire Commissioners owe it to their community to share their reasoning, their thought process and the serious study that went into this decision. It's now the very least they can.

Cathy Taylor

Boulevard Park

Editor's Note: North Highline Fire Chief Russ Pritchard has announced his retirement as of Dec. 31.