As a participant in the citizen advisory task force that reviewed the South Bay Fire District 8 strategy for improving service and controlling costs, I have had the opportunity to understand the details of their bond request. In fact, Proposition 1 is largely the result of the work of this community group. The task force queried the commissioners and fire department staff, reviewed the financial data, and visited the existing facilities and proposed site. The commissioners were open and responsive to all questions and requests for information and revised their plans based on the direction provided by the community.
Currently, emergency response times in the northern part of Fire District 8's area do not meet standards. By consolidating the two unmanned facilities into one fully manned station, the response times in the Johnson Point area will be significantly reduced, saving lives and reducing property loss. This is particularly important in medical emergencies where every minute is critical. In addition to improving service, this consolidation will reduce operating costs.
Some suggest that the existing facilities could be staffed to reduce costs. The advisory group looked closely at this option and determined that modifying the existing facilities to allow them to be fully manned 24-7, if even possible, would be much more expensive in the long run than the proposed consolidation.
I strongly urge the voters to support the South Bay Fire Protection District 8 bond measure.
Larry Beagley, Olympia
Pust knows Olympia better than anyone
Voters in Olympia have fortunate choices in the mayorial race this year. While I have respect for Steve Buxbaum, I would most enjoy working with Dick Pust.
The reason is Pust will bring a fresh perspective, plus a lifetime of experience and knowledge about the many issues facing the city. Pust is a responsible and family-oriented person who has given his time and talent to the city over his lifetime. As mayor, Pust would serve on multiple interjurisdictional committees. Pust's seasoned voice would bring wisdom and a depth of knowledge to area wide issues.
Judi Hoefling, Tumwater
Pust has been a community treasure
No one knows the Olympia community better than Dick Pust, our choice for Olympia mayor.
During his many years as our morning voice in Olympia, Pust has likely interviewed almost every politician, community group and local business leader. He knows us all very well. He understands a large variety of issues and is ready to work to address them with the whole council.
We have had the opportunity to observe Pust first hand, from working with him in non-profit organizations and observing him in the community. Hek is always well prepared with knowledge of our community and the right questions to elicit better understanding. He does his homework and will be up to speed when he joins his opponent on the council.
Pust respects our diverse close-knit community and will see that everyone's ideas are heard fairly and respectfully. He desires to help move forward our shared goals of a vibrant downtown, a healthy environment, stronger economy, and a safe, supportive community.
He is gracious generous and thoughtful. His experience as KGY general manager, managing employees and his understanding of the private sector will be an enhancement among council members.
Elect Dick Pust. His opponent will still retain his opportunity to continue collaboration toward campaign claims, since each has an equal vote.
Pust will provide an important and historic balance to our City Council. We are fortunate this gifted man will carry his unique knowledge forward in service on the council; representing our city as mayor.
Linda Lamb, George Lamb, Olympia
Hospital not caring for employees
As a community member and health care worker I am usually the first person to defend my employer, Capital Medical Center of Olympia, when I hear criticism from the public. Earlier this month CMC opened a $5.5 million dollar profit machine for imaging on McPhee Road. Within the same breath they announced to all of their staff company wide this week that they are being forced to "curb costs" by "suspending the company's discretionary matching 401K contributions" as a way to battle the possible conflict or perceived potential threat the national deficit reduction, declining medicare reimbursements, and possible state budget cuts could have on health care. That sounds like a lot of "possible" or "perceived" excuses to me.
It is offensive and outrageous watching yet another giant corporate entity make massive investments in profit based markets while yet again not investing in or caring about its employees. I am disappointed and feel people should make a statement that feel the same way I do.
Gina Arland, Olympia
Don't let salmon farms damage wild stocks
Wild Game Fish Conservation International supports the recommendations by Dr. Alexandra Morton, Sen. Maria Cantwell, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and others for further research to better understand the impacts of Atlantic salmon feedlots to wild Pacific salmon and other marine life.
Concerns regarding the ongoing and expanded practices associated with open, floating, Atlantic salmon feedlots are many and varied.
They include, but are not limited to: several known and unknown diseases, life-draining parasites such as sea lice, Atlantic salmon escapes, impacts to marine life (animals and plants) under and near the feedlots and lethal removal of hundreds of marine mammals (seals and sea lions) to protect the exotic salmon in these feedlots.
Other concerns directly related to Atlantic salmon feedlots sited in British Columbia are the impacts to ESA-listed and non-listed wild life (whales, bears, eagles, etc.), salmon reliant cultures and salmon reliant industries.
Now is the time to exercise the precautionary principle in order to avoid negative impacts to ongoing, successful efforts to protect and restore wild Pacific salmon.
James Wilcox, Olympia
