Walt wrote on Oct 28, 2008 7:04 AM:Amen! Prevent a firestorm before it even starts. Or at lease prevent small incidents from getting out of control.Aside from the current question of utility for more firetrucks, long term the nation needs to apply significsnt resources to modern technology that can do just that under all weather conditions including night.The framework for this approach was prepared over 30 years ago by competent enginers supporting US Forest Service intersts. Emerging satellite detection and identification cabilities was the instigation at that time. Vastly improved capabilities now, along with precision of unmanned military aircraft for delivering pellet form retardant vastly improve performance now. With dozens of costly and deadly out of control wildfires since, including two recently in San Diego, still no serious program exists to take the innovative approach. Here is an opportunity for San Diego leadership to take charge with the long view.

FF wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:04 AM:Vote no, but not for the reasons Mr. Parkinson gives. This county needs a fire department, not an administrative "agency". Stop focusing on the big wild fire, what about the small fires, medical calls, vehicle accidents, etc. We need 24/7 fire protection and all it provides. Elect supervisors that will provide a fire department now (they already have the money).

And don't listen to someone living east of all the problems who is just trying to save $52. No matter his credentials.

Sylviz wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:32 AM:Yes, I have voted NO on this. It's another tax on we city folks who are already paying for fire protection. Let the people in the back country fund their own fire departments.

ConcernedTaxpayer wrote on Oct 28, 2008 10:48 AM:I am voting YES on Prop. A. Here’s why.

Years ago, the County back out of providing fire service to the residents of San Diego County. In response, Cities developed their own departments and localities formed Special Districts that provide fire, emergency and other local services to the communities they serve. For the most part, those separate entities have managed their funds and services well. I know that the District where I live is one of the finest, most progressive Fire Departments around (North County Fire) and in that regard, I consider my tax money well spent.

Mr. Parkinson suggests that a Board member saying their Board could “spend our $500,000 that we receive on anything we please,” is in some way inappropriate. In context, the comment was made to demonstrate that the District could use the money received from Prop A. in any way the elected BOARD OF DIRECTORS feels best serves the community. Since they only provide fire/emergency medical services, that's all it CAN be spent on. In addition, under Prop. A, Cities are mandated to use those funds ONLY for the enhancement of fire protection. I believe that our tax dollars are best served at home in the District in which I live AND in which those taxes are collected. Frankly, what happens in East County or any other place, and any area's failure to step up to the bar for their own fire protection, matters less to me than that at home.

Having a larger government entity to dole out our fire resources is not the panacea suggested by those touting the consolidated fire department. If you lift up the corner of that sheet, you’ll find the backing of firefighter self interest, bigger departments mean bigger salaries - Period. All the other benefits, combined resources, training, policy development and services are already exist within our county. For those not in the fire service, San Diego already has cooperative entities, such as the North Zone Operational Area Zone Coordinators (see: http://sdnorthzone.net), dropped boundaries and mutual aid. Our departments are not islands in the stream, but a large well-coordinated group of professionals.

Mr. Parkinson is correct about one thing, when the Santa Ana winds are up, drought conditions and low humidity collide, it’s nearly impossible to provide adequate protection. Just look around the state during this last round of fires, there just were not enough resources ANYWHERE to provide protection EVERYWHERE. Do not be fooled into thinking that a larger department could ever be in enough places to stop the type of raging conditions we saw in 2003 and 2007. At best, more resources will only help to slow down or extinguish a fire in the early stages - that's all anyone can really hope for under those conditions.

But, don’t listen to anyone else, do your homework, spend some time with your local service provider (like I have) and find out if you are getting what you want from your tax dollars. Make an informed decision, don’t let someone else tell you how to vote.

Lastly, North County Fire Protection District, the Board, management and staff – YOU ROCK!

Bob Bell wrote on Oct 28, 2008 6:04 PM:I say vote NO... My wife and I own vacant parcels of land in Borrego Springs. This tax is over half the amount of current property tax and will do no good for Borrego Springs. With only half of the revenue going to our small district it seems unfair.