Redmond Fire & Rescue’s request for an expensive levy to fund and expand current operations reminds me of the old silent movie where a man uses his fingers to plug holes in a leaking dam. No matter where he plugs a hole, another leak develops. Very soon he runs out of fingers and the leaks continue while he is powerless to prevent it.

While there is no doubt the money is needed, without dramatic changes to how the fire department uses staff on fire trucks and ambulances the leaky dam will continue to overwhelm the staff they do have. You do not need every firefighter and officer to also be a paramedic. You do not need every paramedic cross trained as a firefighter.

A majority of 911 calls are for medical emergencies and the fire department could staff ambulances distinctly separate than fire apparatus. Other cities around the USA do this while still providing high paying quality union jobs to EMTs and paramedics and do it at a lower cost to taxpayers — and without hiring a private company to do the work.

The design of our fire and EMS system can and should change to reflect the realities of how our city is changing and growing. A “Yes” vote simply finds a few extra fingers to plug holes in an overwhelmed leaky 911 system, it is not a permanent fix. Vote “No” and force planners to find a more long-term and cost-effective solution to our city and regional growing pains.

Jason Herring

Redmond