During this Spring budgeting season, many muncipalities have been faced with upcoming shortfalls.  These are largely caused from instituting ambitious and popular, but often unnecessary, spending programs without sufficient resources to pay for them.

When the economic cycle takes a downturn, as they always do, some cities and counties institute a policy of slashing spending.  One of the things that we have been lamenting about here is the tendency of many governments to call for across-the-board cuts for every agency.  Looking for the easy way out, they pretend that cutting back on “nice” programs is just as damaging as cutting back on public safety, so the order goes out for everyone to cut X% next year.

One place where the city council takes public safety more seriously is Vancouver, Washington.  This city of 150,000 has decided to put Fire and Police at the head of the line for budgetary protection.  After hearing from the police and fire chiefs what services would have to be eliminated, the council has decided to do whatever is necessary to keep both departments fully functioning.

The fire chief told that he would have to cancel the building of a new fire station that had already been budgeted, along with the 13 FF’s to staff it.  He would also have to eliminate a medical response vehicle and its six paramedics.

“I think the basic reason for having a city is public safety.” Councilwoman Pat Jollota said.

While they are trying hard to keep from raising taxes, they are also cutting other agencies such as parks in order to shield the police and fire from any budget cuts.

This is the kind of elected official that we should be supporting come election time.  That and a constant reminder to our citizens that public safety really is more vital than handing out booklets on how to shop for groceries.

And we still have to get this equipment checked out.  So while you get started on that, I’ll run some fresh coffee.

Vancouver Fire Dept. WEBSITE.

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