Vote for those who consider all the facts
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
2 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
To Polson Rural Fire District citizens, the upcoming rural board election will effect fire and rescue service delivery for many years. I have worked with Mrs. Meslin and Mr. Laisy in my capacity as a rural fire volunteer and I find them both to be engaging, intelligent, and able to accomplish tasks that further their vision.
I confess, however, to having serious concerns. I met with Mrs. Meslin on July 7, 2008 shortly after hearing about the board's plan to build a station on Regatta Road. I, and many of my fellow volunteers, thought that the public would be much better served by building a station in an area not already served by an existing fire station.
During the meeting I learned that no analysis had been done regarding effects on emergency response, nor on insurance rates. I was promised an overall response plan for the rural district. Asking the question "How will the proposed station improve response?" resulted in myself and others being labeled obstructionists in letters and ads taken out by board members. This particular question has yet to be answered.
Today, the Fairgrounds Station has been completed and there is still no station placement or response plan for the rural district. Last year, the board turned down the offer of outside planning expertise for less than the cost of outfitting one interior structure firefighter. In my opinion, this was an act of willful ignorance. Facts were not allowed to jeopardize the political vision.
Mrs. Meslin has recently intimated in campaign writings that the volunteers are against building satellite stations. I cannot put into words how wrong and ironic this assertion is.
I urge you to vote for candidates who will consider all pertinent facts when making decisions. Please vote for Beth Hoel and Steve Stanley.
Chris McGuinness
Lt., PVFD
Polson Rural Fire Company
Polson
