Legislators need to get funding for first responders
When someone has an emergency and calls 911, they need help. It could be a request for police, fire or EMS. Over the years, when the call is for a fire department have we taken their response for granted?
The state of Pennsylvania at one time had a sufficient number of volunteer firemen that would respond from their homes or work to help those in need. The number of these individuals has steadily declined.
Over the years, volunteer fire departments were formed by individuals who wanted nothing more than to protect their homes and workplaces. Well times have been changing. Communities that once had private property ownership of homes have now become havens for government subsidized rentals. Look around and you will see cases of blight with some severe cases because of individuals who reside in a structure but do not own it. Pride in ownership resulted in meticulously maintained homes and properties. These same individuals stepped up in their communities and wanted to make a difference.Fire departments were formed staffed and financed by a small group of people who instilled the volunteer spirit in their children, grandchildren, co-workers and neighbors.
Currently, the thought of having someone who lives in a government subsidized rental joining their local volunteer fire department is akin to finding a four leaf clover on a concrete sidewalk. The trend toward a lack of volunteers can slowly be reversed. The members for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate along with a supportive governor must admit that they themselves and their predecessors have caused the problem.
Two changes that can and must be made that would lead to drastic changes in our communities are only a vote away from happening. The first would be to eliminate the property tax to fund public education. This tax is destroying our communities from within.
Secondly, a dedicated up-to-date funding source for all volunteer fire departments and ambulance services. This is possible by distributing the Johnstown Flood Tax to to each of them equally. Currently, the tax has a few earmarks with the rest going into the black hole of the state budget. Members of the House and Senate are aware of the problems of membership and funding of our volunteer fire departments and EMS. Public safety is a priority.
Either they do what is necessary or we the people must make changes on election day.
Ed Zadylak
Connellsville