Carp-Summerland Fire Needs New Stations

Here is what we believe to be true: Firefighters and paramedics are essential for our well-being; no one wants to pay increased taxes; we require safe, structurally sound fire stations that serve all the community as well as the people who work and live there; and our community is worthy of an attractive, pragmatic building with requisite equipment.

Measure Z is a $10.65 million general bond with a cost of less than $10 per $100,000 of assessment (not market) property value. How else will this be accomplished? If we do nothing, we limp along until a crisis occurs, the buildings crumble, the equipment deteriorates and the community image becomes shabby. We are better than that, aren’t we?

District voters overwhelmingly supported the Carpinteria-Summerland Unified School District bond for nine times that amount, or $90 million, in the last election. Both bonds (which encompass the same district boundaries) provide an opportunity to express the propriety and reality of our immediate and future needs.

You have heard the arguments, which can be distilled into one of two choices: Continue on the same road, or prepare for the future of our community and firefighters alike. How much can you afford to save a life, yours maybe?

The inclusion of a citizen oversight committee in the bond measure was a deliberate action taken by the Fire Board to ensure responsible and efficient use of the money.

We urge you to vote “yes” on Measure Z and mail in your ballot, postmarked no later than May 5, and make sure our fire stations are ready for the future needs of our communities.