The fire and emergency services measure appearing on the upcoming ballot may seem complex. In our opinion, it is pretty straightforward.

The city of Port Townsend needs to become a full and equal member/partner in both the governance and financing of this vital service. The city no longer has its own fire and emergency services department. No personnel, no equipment, no buildings.

For several years, the city has received fire and emergency services from a coalition of neighboring fire and safety districts. Port Townsend has had a couple of courtesy “advisory” members who participate in board meetings, but they don’t have a legal or binding vote in the decision making.

The city needs to have a full, legal voice, and both the responsibility and authority that go with that voice.

I, Dave, as a retired school superintendent, former hospital commissioner and former chair of a fire and rescue district in three different communities, and I, Jeanette, as the former manager of the Cispus Learning Center near Mount St. Helens, believe Port Townsend residents of every age, health condition and level of income will benefit from this measure.

Consider the economies of scale in the high level of personnel training and experience, the level of quality and utility of the available and expensive equipment, and the distribution of coverage from a newly aligned fire and safety district as proposed by this measure.

It is 2019. The resolution of this matter is overdue. Port Townsend cannot go backward on this vital public responsibility.

Vote yes.

JEANETTE AND DAVE WOODRUFF
Port Townsend