Measure U is ‘Best for Everyone That Lives in Southern Humboldt’: Letter to the Editor

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Letter to the EditorDear Editor,

I am writing in support of Measure U in the March 7 special election, which will expand the Garberville Fire Protection District.

Although I am not a resident of Garberville, I do own property there and I shop, bank and socialize in Garberville. And that’s where I would be rushed too if I had a medical emergency.  We also have our Humboldt County Public Library, and so many other services that I use on a regular basis. 

 As a senior (who when quite young decided to live in this beautiful, rural area), I am incredibly grateful to the volunteer fire departments that serve our large and rugged Southern Humboldt area.

They respond to fires – structure and wild-land, they respond to all medical emergencies, they respond to traffic accidents, they respond to disasters.  And their service gives me the reassurance that I can continue living here with that incredible safety net.

It’s my opinion that unfortunately most of the time the bulk of our tax dollars are not distributed equitably nor distributed to issues that I believe are important. That’s what is so great about having a Fire District; it is a straightforward parcel tax that is distributed to the fire district. These funds help these amazing volunteers to continue serving more efficiently and safely.

Currently the Garberville Fire Protection District is serving an area for which it does not receive any financial support. Over 70% of their calls are outside of the current district. 

If properly funded GFPD will be able to be more effective in their response to whatever emergency they are responding to. 

The annexation and tax will allow GFPD to:

· Hire a daytime firefighter/EMT to ensure reduced response times (the majority of the calls are for emergency medical services such as vehicle accidents and general medical aid). 

· Create a fund that will support the regular replacement of apparatus and equipment, to ensure operational safety and effectiveness.

· GFPD would still rely on services provided primarily by volunteers, but the expanded district will have more revenue from multiple sources to support volunteer recruitment and retention efforts, increased training opportunities, and improved equipment.

The tax will also allow increased capacity to respond to emergency incidents (i.e., vehicle and vegetation fires and vehicle collisions) along the Highway 101 corridor, which is a fire ignition risk and an essential evacuation route. 

There will also be increased GFPD capacity to pursue opportunities and secure funding, such as grants that will support emergency response along the highway corridor.

Expanding the district to the area that GFPD already serves is the best for everyone that lives in Southern Humboldt. The website https://friendsofgfpd.com has lots of information on fees and the proposal.

Ballots will be arriving in the mail soon and will be due back by March 7th.

Please vote YES on the ballot measure and show your appreciation and support that these amazing volunteers deserve.

Thank you,

Robie Tenorio

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3 Comments
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Fireman Fred
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Fireman Fred
1 year ago

Enlarging the fire district this much is the best way to overwork and burn out the volunteer firefighters.

Dude
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Dude
1 year ago
Reply to  Fireman Fred

They respond to that area already, it makes no difference to them

Last edited 1 year ago
Guess
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Guess
1 year ago

It’s a great thing I hope it passes unfortunately I’m just outside the boundaries