As Bothell grows, our fire and emergency medical response needs to grow with us. Proposition 1 gives our community a proven way to deliver quality emergency care when every second counts. That’s why the Bothell Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2099, has endorsed this measure.
Regional fire service is the standard model in our area for good reasons. By joining the Shoreline Regional Fire Authority, Bothell Fire will become part of a larger organization that can share resources, coordinate personnel, expand specialized capabilities, and improve operational efficiency. Instead of spending local taxpayer dollars to duplicate administrative systems and equipment across multiple independent agencies, annexation combines resources with neighboring communities—maximizing those resources where they belong: out in our neighborhoods serving our residents.
Joining the RFA also helps Bothell plan for costs ahead. Sharing the cost of future facilities and equipment across a larger regional tax base lightens the financial impact on our city, protecting Bothell residents from bearing those costs alone while improving service in our community.
With a Yes vote, we retain a significant amount of control over the direction of the fire service in Bothell. Our city will have a substantial voice in how the RFA is run with three of the nine seats on the RFA’s governing board.
Vote Yes on Proposition 1 to keep strong local decision-making about fire and emergency medical service, give our firefighters and residents the resources of a larger regional department, and set Bothell up well for future service improvements.
Statement submitted by: Wesley Wang, Brandon Keith, Mason Thompson
