Support emergency services
When tragedy strikes, we feel safer knowing our volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel are the first ones on the scene. To ensure that service to residents, our local firefighters must devote more than 80 percent of their volunteer time raising funds. That valuable time could be suitably spent on training new recruits and preparing for emergencies. On Nov. 5, you have the opportunity to help. This election will include a statewide ballot question, asking voters to allow Pennsylvania to borrow $100 million at very favorable interest rates in order to finance a program to assist volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue companies for the next several years.
Two years ago, Pennsylvania’s budget included $25 million in grants to aid volunteer emergency responders. That initial program was utilized by many of our area’s local volunteer fire departments and ambulance services to meet critical financial needs and purchase lifesaving equipment.
Unfortunately, the Ridge/Schweiker administration cut the program the very next year.
Those of us in the legislature who fought for that $25 million viewed it as a beginning, not as an end. The state has a responsibility to help these companies meet public safety needs.
We have an opportunity to make $100 million available through the statewide ballot question.
I ask residents to cast a positive vote and get the money back where it can do the most good. It’s time to help those who volunteer to help us.
Rep. Bill DeWeese
Waynesburg
Vote ‘yes’ for firefighters
Bond least costly solution
I am compelled to respond to your recent criticism of my call for a yes vote on the election-day ballot question that would establish a $100 million bond program to help volunteer fire and ambulance services stay afloat.
While I understand the point you made, I stand by the mailing’s accuracy. It is important to point out that since the bond would be paid over many years, usually 20 to 30, it would most likely not necessitate any tax increase. Conversely, if we had to pay for fire protection in the state, the price tag would be approximately $6 billion annually in salaries and benefits alone. Naturally, the latter would result in a tax increase. In fact, this figure represents 23 percent of the overall state budget this year.
Our volunteer fire and emergency service departments statewide are struggling to keep members and make ends meet. A new ambulance costs $150,000. A new fire truck costs $400,000. While fundraisers like barbecues and spaghetti dinners help, volunteers devote too much time to fundraising, and not enough time to fire fighting. Your recent editorial on Oct. 27 points that out.
Rejecting this reasonable investment in the men and women who volunteer their time to serve their local communities would compel many of these volunteer organizations to close down.
This issue brings to mind the old advertising slogan, “You can pay me now, or pay me later.” Rejecting this bond would cost taxpayers far more in the long run.
Voting “no” on this referendum is akin to voting yes, on the lone alternative to volunteer service – and that is a completely taxpayer-funded service. Paying for what volunteers provide practically for free would result in either a massive 20 to 30 percent state tax hike, or a sky-high local property tax increase. Apart from saving lives and property, these volunteers provide a host of other fine community services ranging from transporting the sick and elderly to pumping out basements during floods. They are an integral part of our communities and deserve support.
State Sen. Richard Kasunic
Dunbar