I am not debating the specifics of each station ,etc. Its clear you have a personal stake in this issue, which is fine, but my point is that times are tight and gov’t needs to look closely at what we really need.

Interesting, but I guess that you have to ask yourself that if someone (hopefully not you) falls on the green belt do you need a firefighter at all? Paramedics are not cheap and there seem to be plenty currently working for Ada County. If someone was to go into cardiac arrest (or something similar) however then everyone should go. Otherwise I also don’t see the need for all the people either and the paramedics currently arrive in a smaller vehicle.

I think a dispatching priority would be appropriate and would leave those firefighters ready to fight a fire.

I also would prefer that the paramedic that is taking care of you or I strictly focuses on being a paramedic. Not a firefighter that moonlights as a paramedic or vice versa on a house fire.

I’m not a medic or a hose dragger but I deal with both on a regular basis. I’ve been told that there are Federal rules that govern fire and ems response times and that they can lose funding if they don’t get there fast. That’s all well and good, but if I call 911 because I fell off my bike on the greenbelt, does it really take three firefighters and two paramedics to handle it? I doubt it.

I suggest training current firemen to the level of paramedics (or absorb medics and give them fire training) and give them a smaller, cheaper rig they can drive instead of an engine or ladder truck to medical calls. Those trucks can’t be very fuel-efficient, not to mention the taxpayers are shelling out a lot of extra bucks to have 5 or more first responders on every call. This seems redundant to me and a waste of money. In these tight times, we can’t afford to throw more money away on government services than we already do.

Hey Editor, maybe this issue would be a good one to dig into since I’m sure its costing the taxpayers millions.

We don’t have to look very far in recent history to see examples of elected officials being “beholding” to the unions that helped elect them (Mayor Bieter and the selection of our present fire chief). Hopefully Mr. Simmons and Mr. Bisterfeldt have not “sold out” to the fire union, and if elected,(I am supporting the incumbents), will make objective decisions in the best interest of all of the citizens of Ada County, not the special interests that bought them.

He didn’t have to embark on those missions. But, the fact that he chose to is a mark of his willingness to reach out and find consensus. That is a rare thing in politicians, especially today. I admire him for his sense of probity and his willingness to act for the benefit of area citizens. I intend to vote for him.

I know Roger less well, but I know this. The Foothills Policy Plan took the better part of 35 years to come to fruition. It is the product of 7 state, federal and local agencies, including both Boise City and Ada County, coming together to protect the foothills. It is one of the best, and most popular, acts of governmental cooperation this area has ever seen. Under Roger’s tenure as commissioner, the Plan moved forward. His successor, and current opponent, was instrumental in decimating the plan. Roger’s is the better path. I intend to vote for him as well.

Regards,
Tony Jones

Besides, the Ada County Courthouse is not too far from Boise City Hall, right? I know where to find them.

EDITOR NOTE–Not, lighten up. The humor question is: “If he likes Vern so much, why is he trying to get rid of him? 🙂 See, if Vern wins he leaves TJ’s council and…..never mind you wouldn’t understand.

It would be interesting to know WHY the BFD is endorsing the people mentioned.