Community Update

Attending the “citizens meeting” the other night, I was
amazed to see about 2 two thirds of the attendees being fireman; not all of
them being from Enumclaw.  The voters
there were intimidated by this overwhelming influx of the fire fighters. This
did not set well with a number of those in attendance.

 I noticed the “large”
ad for our local politics, Fire Proposition 1 support sponsored by the Fire
Fighters Union.  I have no problem with
the idea of funding our EMS and fire dept. I will always support the people
that put themselves in harm’s way for me, my family and friends and fellow
citizen's. I just don't like the idea of how the union is going about this.  The union is fighting for the jobs here and is
there are less jobs, their dues will be smaller. A core problem with public
sector unionism is that it creates a uniquely powerful interest group. In
theory, bureaucrats are supposed to work for and be accountable to the elected
representatives of the people. But suppose those bureaucrats organize into
large, well-funded, powerful unions that can tip election results. In effect,
public sector unionism thus means that representatives of the union will often
be on both sides of the collective bargaining table like with our KCFD 28
commissioners. Not just influencing pay but how our dollars are spent in the
department.

Now this particular meeting was basically against this
proposition and yes it was biased. 
They kept bringing up the bad decisions that have been made In the past
and that everyone is aware of.  The past is not our future. 

I believe in our American voting system. Let the people
decide. But not like this. Not when they do not even mention that which has
created the issue. The issue being that they need this money to replace what
was un-wisely spent.  I would like to see
more needed equipment, like new air pacs than buying a piece of land for a new
fire station that is not needed at this time. Sell the land and buy the
equipment.

 It would appear to me
that our KFCD 28 is trying very hard to pull the wool over the non-informed
voter. And I do not agree with it.  In
the past I have fully supported the fire departments. But, our economy is
forcing us to look at the financial responsibilities we have as citizens and to
recognize that we cannot just keep saying “yes” to everything. It’s our money,
it needs to be handled appropriately. 
The Fire Department raises were mandated by the union agreement, did the
voters get a raise……I doubt it.  They
increased their own expenses! Without consideration of the voters! You may be
able to afford to keep turning your dollars over to them, but I cannot, and
neither can the voters of KCFD 28. 

We all have to live on a budget, lets make KCFD live within
their budget.  We need citizens on the
fire board that will reflect the view of the voters.