Our community has counted on Fire District 43 and Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority for many years to provide fire and emergency medical services, and annexation will not change who responds when you call 911 or the area they serve. Our area has successfully benefited from this partnership, on a previous ballot with the remodel of the Maple Heights Fire Station and in permitting for the Hobart Station". Annexation is the logical next step to secure these services long term while giving Fire District 43 residents greater representation within the RFA governance structure.
Right now, our community benefits from the RFA but has no voting representation in its decisions. Annexation guarantees Fire District 43 voters and two seats on the RFA board and the right to vote on future RFA ballot measures, including taxes and the fire benefit charge. That means more local control over the choices that affect our safety, staffing, and station resources for the long term.
Annexation also supports a more stable and balanced funding structure. Property would be taxed based on fire risk rather than a single standard rate for both commercial and residential properties. This model distributes costs according to service demands and property characteristics, so all property types contribute appropriately for the services they rely on.
For stronger local representation, long-term financial stability, and no change to the level of service you receive, please vote Yes on Proposition 1.
Statement Submitted by: Andrew Montero, Warren Iverson
