Merging fire districts is a sensible vote

Thumbs up to the proposed merger of Fire Districts 44 and 17, if for no other reason than it just makes sense. And that might be the best reason of all.

In terms of meaty election issues, this one is fairly lightweight. But it’s also one with no apparent downside and seemingly nothing but positive gains for the public.

District 17, with the full support of District 44 (also known as Mountain View Fire and Rescue), has requested the merger and the all-mail election scheduled for next Tuesday. Mountain View has operated the two fire departments as a single unit for the past two years under an interlocal agreement. District 17 has no fire stations, aid vehicles or personnel of its own and hasn’t run its own fire department for more than 10 years, since the city of Black Diamond annexed it and took over the operations of the agency. Black Diamond later contracted with District 44 to provide fire protection and emergency medical service in the city and District 17.

Merging the districts would simplify them organizationally and formalize a relationship that essentially already exists. Merging Jan. 1, 2009, as voter approval would dictate, would give District 17 residents a direct voice in District 44 operations, continue the existing system of funding under state property tax laws, and maintain the status quo of emergency services to the public. It all makes perfect sense.

Thumbs up to the organizers of the environmental sprucing up of Soos Creek today and any volunteers who join in. The plan to spend five hours on creekside maintenance is a splendid example of community stewardship.

Editor Pat Jenkins

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