PROP 1

Vote yes

I am writing in support of Proposition No. 1, the August ballot measure to restore the maintenance and operations levy rate for Vashon Fire & Rescue.

In 2017, I wrote in support of the levy to restore funding because corporate healthcare leadership sharply curtailed the type of after-hours medical care my colleagues and I had delivered for over 35 years at Vashon’s Sunrise Ridge Clinic. This action in 2015 caused an increased demand for the medical services of Vashon Fire & Rescue.

Access to emergent and urgent care at the clinic level has not improved since then. I am working with several individuals in an advisory role to address this issue via the Vashon Health Care District. Even if a new delivery model is developed, Vashon Fire & Rescue medical services will be an integral part. They need our full support both to maintain current resources and enhance them as proposed.

Please vote yes on Proposition One.

— Gary A. Koch, M.D.

PROP 1

Vote no

As a person with a disability, I personally know about inequity.

In addition to facing discrimination, financial inequity is way too prevalent today. As such, I oppose the VIFR levy lid since it reduces affordable housing and equity in the community.

A big factor contributing to a lack of affordable housing on Vashon is property taxes. While many longtime residents have spent decades retiring from their mortgages, they continue to be crushed by property taxes that grow faster than their income.

At the same time, the poor, who are disproportionately people of color, see their rent increase as landlords pass through tax increases. These property taxes also go to Thriftway, restaurants, and all businesses which pass these costs on to the consumer.

As the survey in the VIFR Strategic Plan indicates, Vashon already is receiving excellent service and 911 response times by Firefighters/EMTs were rated as excellent by 92% of Vashon. Of islanders who used the services during the past 5 years 78% rated the service as, “meets or exceeds their expectations.”

By raising the levy lid, it is said that this will be even better when seven new firefighters/EMTs join the force before the levy lid vote. Therefore, the levy lid will result in overstaffing and unnecessary property taxes that already will add an additional $700,000 to the current VIFR reserves during 2023.

While the Levy Lift may not significantly increase overall property taxes, in the first year of implementation, its increase will have a major impact on our population already struggling to make ends meet. If someone already cannot afford to pay existing rent or is struggling with other monetary needs, an annual expense increase of $400-500 a year is a big deal.

The choice is clear. Are you going to “walk your talk, Vashon” and vote “no” for the levy lid, or are you going to turn your back on the elderly, poor and people of color who live on the island?

— Dr. Steven Nourse (Doctor of Education)