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I have been involved with the Arcata Fire District (AFD) and the Arcata Volunteer Firefighters’ Association (AVFA) for about three years. I have only lived in Humboldt County and with-in this fire district since 1992, 28 years (so not a local). We have not ever been very politically active but have met a few local politicians and various Board members across the County. We have watched the local communities try to address various issues by thinking globally and acting locally. We have observed this community always pushing for openness and inclusion. If there is one thing any public entity in this community knows they must try to be transparent. But if you as an individual want to see and understand how your tax dollars are being spent or how you are being served by an organization or group you are funding or contributing to, you have to try. You have to make an effort, make a phone call, send an email, log into a web page, walk in the door and ask a question. You could ask a neighbor, read a letter to the editor, or listen to a local commentator. They may have all the information. They may have all the details. They may have done the research necessary to fully understand why something is happening or how something is accomplished. They may fully understand what has changed in a service being provided and why. Or they have merely read a letter to the editor or was just repeating what they heard.
To support the AFD after the failure of Measure R in March I volunteered to help out with communications of the planned November measure to again ask the voters for adequate funding to support the district. “Friends of Measure F” was formed by community members to try to get information throughout their District about the needs of our emergency response organization. To communicate how your District is funded and the level of funding needed to adequately and safely support the 62-square miles and 37000 residents. Some voters speculate about the real need for three stations, about the over response to service calls, the high salaries received by firefighters and the lack of transparency of the Fire District. Have you talked to the Board members, the Fire Chief, or looked on their web page for the budget and expenditures? Did you attend one of the six community information meetings held before the vote in March? Have you really tried to see who, what and why they are? Please do the research, get the information needed to help you understand why your fire district needs your support in November on Measure F.
Roy Willis
Bayside
