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This November, we must again decide whether to support bond financing for a new Scotts Valley Fire District fire station. With this, their fourth attempt, costs have grown from $8 million (2006) to $24.5 million (2024).
The 2023 Measure W request of $22.5 million missed approval by a measly 12 votes (66.42% approval). Clearly a majority of eligible voters support safer, more versatile facilities to house the district’s essential services. The question voters should consider this cycle is: “Can my vote tip the balance?”
The answer is a resounding “yes.” Your vote can help ensure continuity of all-hazards emergency response, whether it be medical, fire, earthquake, hazardous materials or other emergency. Think about it, if you call 911 for criminal activity, police are dispatched – for every other emergency, the fire department responds. In the case of SVFD, the response includes paramedics every time. Firefighter/paramedics provide rapid medical intervention to stabilize patients until the ambulance arrives for transport.
The expanding and aging Scotts Valley population should have those services delivered from facilities that remain intact throughout any emergency. Please join me in voting yes on Measure S.
Rob Campbell
Scotts Valley