I am not a “Johnny Come Lately” in voicing my concerns about Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) and the levy. Here’s my history. I attended almost every fire commissioner meeting from 1992 through 2011. Starting in 2015, I spent hours and hours offering my professional services as part of the district’s Strategic Planning Oversight Team, where we talked about the state of their resources, identified problems, watched fire administrators institute viable solutions and developed a comprehensive plan to obtain community needs assessment input. I was the one who insisted VIFR examine their own data system for informed planning purposes, and I worked with Assistant Chief George Brown and the King County data technician to make that happen. Throughout this process, I continually asked VIFR to identify items affected by the $400,000 they claimed they would lose when paramedics transferred to King County. I never got an answer.

When discussion about a maximum levy proposal began, I had lengthy conversations with a VIFR commissioner stating the same questions and concerns I am raising now. I did attend one of their public meetings where my issues and presentation of facts obtained from their own data system were belittled. In fact, it was that experience which caused me to realize someone needed to publicly speak up against what was proposed. When I reluctantly took on this role, I found myself given two days to write an “against” statement for the voter’s pamphlet. The fire district was responsible for finding someone to do it but had only posted a notice on their website rather than in The Beachcomber.

In summary, I am not a newcomer talking about the status of the fire district. My concerns are based on a long history of involvement, looking at facts and asking questions.

— Alice Larson