Having served on the Fire Board for many years until stepping down in December, I am familiar with the issues and the people involved in Measure Z. In my estimation the need for the station improvements in Summerland and Carpinteria is unquestionable, and passage of a bond now will allow our community to fund these facilities while interest rates remain very low. Years of planning went into placing this measure on the ballot, having in mind all the while the need to bring forth modest cost proposals. That is what was done.
The handful of folks on the other side, many or most of whom live on Padaro Lane, don’t want to pay any more property taxes — although they couch their position using other arguments. None of us are enthusiastic about paying additional taxes, but when it comes to providing basic community infrastructure for critical fire and life-saving services, there’s only one right thing to do.
Please mail in your ballot today in favor of Measure Z.