Appeal to Tacoma Leaders

This email was sent to Tacoma's elected officials tonight. I encourage everyone to express their views. Email addresses for both Tacoma and Ruston officials are listed below.

Dear Tacoma Council Member,

I am one of your neighbors in the Town of Ruston. As you are probably aware, we are experiencing some controversy about our fire department. There are some who are pushing to disband our department and contract with Tacoma Fire for emergency services. This is a small but powerful group who control the majority of our Town Council.

At its December 17th meeting, the council authorized itself to negotiate a contract with Tacoma Fire for services without any public input on its motion. This action is contrary to the recommendation of a citizen committee that was appointed to research and advise on this issue and despite strong community testimony supporting our fire department on numerous occasions. The council has allowed very little public discussion or input on the committee findings, much less on a decision to disband our department.

As part of its review, the citizen committee carefully considered a proposal for services from Tacoma Fire. That proposal offered services for about $80 per Ruston resident, while Tacoma citizens pay about $250 per resident. At the same time, I understand Tacoma is facing shortfalls in public safety funding. Taking on this additional burden, especially when there is community opposition in Ruston and an excellent fire department already in place does not make sense for either municipality.

Keeping Ruston's fire department may actually increase safety for Tacoma residents. Our EMT's are closer, well-skilled and available to help when your personnel are busy. The north-end Tacoma fire engine was not available for 25% of its calls in 2006 (they were already on a call) and other engines had to be sent to help from outside the area.

This is a politically charged issue that deserves time and input - neither of which is being allowed by Ruston's elected officials. So I strongly encourage you to take action that is in Tacoma's best interest and withdraw from any contract negotiations with Ruston for emergency services.

Thank you for your consideration. You may contact me with questions at (253) 228-8529.

Karen Pickett

Tacoma Officials:
Mayor Baarsma bbaarsma@cityoftacoma.org
Deputy Mayor Ladenburg cladenbu@cityoftacoma.org
Council Member Anderson Julie.Anderson@cityoftacoma.org
Council Member Evans bevans2@cityoftacoma.org
Council Member Lonergan mlonerga@cityoftacoma.org
Council Member Manthou Spiro.Manthou@cityoftacoma.org
Council Member Stenger Thomas.Stenger@cityoftacoma.org
Council Member Talbert rtalbert@cityoftacoma.org

Ruston Officials:
Mayor, Michael Transue: cmjtransue@comcast.net
Council Member Jim Hedrick: jim_Hedrick@comcast.net
Council Member Bradley Hudson : bhuson@wamail.net
Council Member Wayne Stebner : waynestebner@comcast.net
Council Member Bob Everding : bob@pygmalion.ws
Council Member Dan Albertson: dmalaw@att.net