By: Robert Bergman, Council member, Nevada City City Council
NEVADA CITY, Calif. February 7, 2012 - Every now and then something comes up that we need to pay attention to and then do something. This is one of those times, and the 'something' is to step up and support the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District.
Consolidated is asking the voters in the Special District to approve its 'Fire Protection & Emergency Medical Response Services Measure.' The District needs a two-thirds majority to pass the measure, and that makes each vote more important than is usually the case. Missing this mark will have consequences for all of us. All of us.
The Grass Valley and Nevada City come directly into play because of the shared responsibilities under the current Joint Powers Agreement between the cities and Consolidated. That cooperative arrangement, i.e., mutual aid, gives the entire area a stronger level of service and faster response times.
(On January 25th, the Nevada City City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2012-03 endorsing Consolidated's ballot measure.)
Regardless of where you live in the western part of Nevada County, you will be affected by the outcome of this measure. Consolidated is the first or second responder for Nevada City, Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Rough & Ready, Higgins, Ophir Hill, North San Juan, the Tahoe National Forest, the town of Washington, and Cal Fire. And although it is outside the District's boundaries, Consolidated responds to vehicle accidents all the way up to Bear Valley - because nobody else will.
If Consolidated's ability to supply its current level of service is impaired, as it will be if this measure does not pass, that will have a direct impact on the entire area. Responders may have to travel farther and fewer of them will likely be available to answer calls - when seconds can make a critical, life-affecting difference. But, if this important measure is approved, adequate funding will be restored and Consolidated's readiness to react as fully and quickly as it has all along will not be compromised.
In a sense, most of us look at public safety as an entitlement, a set of services that the government will always have available to protect us. As a member of a community we want to know that there will be an immediate response to calls for help. Generally, though, we don't pay enough attention to just what it takes to give us the level of service we need and expect, or really how strained the current system is. That's the nature of expectations.
Opposing this measure is very, very short-sighted, and I just cannot see any good reason for dissent on this issue. Of course, no one wants Consolidated's capability to hold its current (high) level of service to be jeopardized in the slightest, and Consolidated would not be coming to you if the need now isn't genuine and compelling. The revenue realized from the measure's success isn't a growth or expansion opportunity. Not at all. Funding from this measure will do no more than sustain the District.
This ballot measure isn't about ideologies, and it shouldn't be allowed to get lost in political agendas. This is about public safety and the well-being of our community, and nothing more. There is a cost attached to the measure, yes, but I don't see how anyone can fairly claim that the nominal assessment Consolidated is asking for (less than 15¢/day) is not a remarkably prudent 'investment.'
Finally, think about this: Voting in favor of the measure and encouraging others to do the same carries with it a clear statement that you see the dedication that Consolidated's personnel - and all of the men and women who work hard to ensure the public's safety - have. I know that that message will be heard widely and it will resonate with them.
Put simply then, Consolidated's commitment to this community is an honest one. Our reply to the District now should be just as strong and equally honest.
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