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Viewpoints

Cutting Public Safety
By Darlene Guzman

 

October 30, 2010
Saturday AM


Every year Public Safety is on the chopping block for positions. I understand the hard times this community is going through but without police officers and firefighters it could be harder times for the citizens who need them. Public Safety is partially funded by sales tax in the amount of $3 million dollars a year split between police and fire. Excluding the proposed fire station, that is nearly half of the fire department's budget.

I have watched this department grow for 24 years and each position is justified as the need for service increases. If the department were to lose these positions we will be operating below minimum staffing which is a serious safety issue and it could create more overtime that what is budgeted. PLEASE Ketchikan, voice your opinion at the City Council meetings. We do not want to lose public safety positions; it's your life in their hands.

Thank you for your support.

Darlene Guzman
Ketchikan, AK

About: "Born and raised in Ketchikan, getting ready to retire from the City Fire Department."

Received October 29, 2010 - Published October 30, 2010

 

 

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