03/18/2024
Vote YES to Fund the Northeast Fire District!
All too often, taxpayers see and hear examples of government waste. As an Ashtabula County resident for 17 years and a firefighter/paramedic spanning four decades in Lake and Cuyahoga counties, I am encouraged to see a positive and opposite example locally. Your role as voters in Kingsville, Monroe, and Sheffield townships is crucial. By supporting tax funding for the Northeast Fire District, the first recognized joint fire district in the history of Ashtabula County, you are actively participating in the decision-making process that will shape the future of your community.
If you look within and beyond Ashtabula County, you will find a serious problem that increases risk to you, your family, and your property—a lack of interest in public safety jobs and reduced volunteerism. Recruitment and retention are suffering here and nationally, but we still need ambulances and fire trucks for emergency services. Voting YES on March 19 will help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) within the three townships and ensure the consolidation and sharing of personnel and life-saving equipment. The proposed millage, which would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $175.00 per year, is a small price for the peace of mind and enhanced safety it will bring to the community. This equals $14.58 per month, $3.37 per week, and $0.48 per day. If passed, any existing levy would become obsolete.
As a consultant and grant writer who has worked with the fire chiefs from the three fire departments, I know their desire to provide the absolute best service to their residents, but they know they can no longer do it alone. However, they can accomplish this by working together as one adequately funded new department. If approved, operational and logistical adjustments will need to be made, but fire districts have overcome these challenges and proven their worth throughout the United States. Why would Ashtabula County be any different? I know inflation is high, and some struggle to make ends meet. You can be confident that your YES vote for this levy will (a) better protect your property, (b) be an investment in your health and well-being, and (c) serve as an example of how modern fire/EMS protection can be provided.
Will Anderson
Saybrook Twp.
Owner – In Command Consulting, LLC
Assistant Fire Chief (ret.) – City of Euclid
