To the Editor:
Whenever increased taxation is floated, voters need to know the facts. Honesty is not fear mongering. Officials must have liberty to articulate facts to taxpayers without fearing reprisal or accusations of electioneering. The failure of Everett’s levy lift is concerning, shortsighted, and dangerous. The deficit already detrimentally affects public safety and quality of life.
Everett’s resources are disproportionately strained courtesy of virtue-signaling policy implementations within (but not only) midnight blue Snohomish County that are attributable to leaders who mean well, but who cannot dodge responsibility for what they’ve set in motion.
Removing the Everett Fire Department from city rolls through formation of (or annexation into) an RFA? Hard no. Full stop. Public safety is the city’s primary responsibility. Rejiggering taxing mechanisms won’t guarantee much needed staffing increases and crucial response time improvement. EFD is lean and precariously understaffed. Frustration is felt by first responders who already cannot keep up.
Numbers don’t lie. EFD’s alarm load isn’t being met now. I’m talking about regularly abysmal response times for routine emergencies, not just multiple alarm (or protracted) incidents. Everyday, neighboring jurisdictions (disproportionately South County Fire) graciously subsidize Everett. This problem has been known and tolerated by elected officials for many years.
This is not EFD’s fault. EFD needs 2 additional stations and 2 additional full time companies at a minimum - right now. Progress is years away. Good grief.
Paul Keller
Inmate, Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Aberdeen
Formerly of Snohomish County
