Guest Opinion: Why we need Measure O to pass

Updated 6:44 p.m., with correct bond cost–

By David Warren– As election day approaches, focus is upon national races, i.e., the President, the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.  Surprisingly, advertising for the race between Rep. Josh Hoover and Dem. Porsche Middleton, for the seventh assembly district in which the City of Citrus Heights is located, has been surprisingly robust.  Consequently, there is too little attention being directed at two bond issues on the ballot, i.e., one for school improvements and the other, Measure “O,” for investment in the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (“Metro Fire”).

Measure “O” authorizes $415,000,000 in bonds to maintain 911 fire/emergency medical response times, attract/retain qualified professional firefighters/paramedics, support local fire protection, and prevent firefighter exposure to cancer-causing air pollution by upgrading outdated/deteriorating lifesaving equipment, engines/stations, most specifically the expansion and/or relocation of existing fire stations, including those in Citrus Heights, and perhaps most importantly, acquire and/or replace life-saving fire and emergency medical vehicles, apparatus, and capital equipment.  Approval of the bonds requires two thirds voter approval of the measure unless Proposition 5 is approved by the voters which would lower the mandate requirement to 55 percent of the vote.

The official statement describing the ballot measure is dry reading to say the least.  There are three Metro Fire stations located in Citrus Heights which were built between 82 and 56 years ago which makes it difficult to house modern firefighting apparatus, firefighters and paramedics.  Much of the equipment used for fire suppression and rescue located in Citrus Heights is nearing the end of its useful life, which means apparatus will either cost a great deal to maintain or have to be simply trashed.  Wherefore, if we want a timely response when we dial 911 for help, we as taxpayers need to act now and not ignore the problem.

I provide you with an unfortunate example.  One of my family members has needed repeated transportation to the hospital.  Typically, the response time from placing a call to the arrival of the paramedics and the fire engine to assist the paramedics is five minutes or less.  However, on one occasion it took thirty minutes for an ambulance to arrive from Elk Grove although the fire truck arrived within minutes.  I say to you that you never want to be the spouse or parent of a person who requires transportation and be told that it will be a thirty-minute delay before the nearest ambulance arrives.

Of greater importance, and something we tend to take for granted because we watch too much television such as Chicago Fire and 911 and see brand new equipment used in the melodramas, Metro Fire does not have the taxpayer revenue without the approval of this bond measure to purchase replacement vehicles and modern equipment necessary to maintain both a satisfactory response time as well as ensure the safety of the men and women upon whom we rely when we make a 911 call.  Measure “O’s” true importance of having modern equipment assures the safety of the men and women who provide us with emergency services as well as the public.

Additionally, some fire stations were constructed before there was ever a thought that Metro Fire would employ women as fire fighters and paramedics.  Some station toilet and shower facilities are not adequate to provide facilities solely for male fire fighters, let alone for both men and women, although efforts have been made to do so.  Fire stations should not have the same limited shower and toilet space as a Navy submarine.  This is the 21^st century and the Metro Fire equipment and stations should be equipped to meet today’s needs, not those of the 1950s.

Interestingly, the Sacramento County Republican Party’s position on support or opposition to the measure is “neutral.”  Evidently, even among the most staunchly conservative, the need for the bond funds is recognized.  Additionally, the soon to be delivered ballot measure information from the County Registrar of Voters includes supporters who reside in Citrus Heights.

The bond is expected to cost $19.00 per $100,000 of assessed value of a parcel of property (note that the assessed value is typically far less than market value), which is my case is less than half the market value of my home, which means for a little over $5.00 per month, less than the cost of a Big Mac or a Subway sandwich, I can have the peace of mind of knowing that when I place a call to 911, an adequately equipped and well trained group of men and women will timely arrive now and into the future.

I leave you with this thought to ponder if you are undecided on how or whether to vote on Measure “O.”  Imagine placing a call to 911 because your child or other loved one is in danger from a heart attack or an automobile accident and the dispatcher tells you that because of equipment failures not to worry, someone will arrive within 30 minutes.  Although it may not happen tomorrow, it will ultimately occur if we as voters do not assure that Metro Fire remains properly equipped and continues to field the best possible firefighters and paramedics.

Please vote yes on Measure “O” to keep firefighters, paramedics and our family members safe as a consequence of a medical incident or an accident.

David Warren is a legislative advocate at the State Capitol with Taxpayers for Public Safety, and can be reached at David@forpublicsafety.com.

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