Opinion

Sportsplex over fire protection?

Posted January 25, 2011 10:00 pm

The recent announcement by the village of Lakewood that they are planning to outsource fire protection for residents to save money has me wondering about their priorities. Isn't fire protection one of the most basic social services that a community has to offer? Even if it is an all-volunteer department, it is a necessary service.

Municipalities all over the country are making hard decisions in order to balance their budgets. The village of Lakewood has made an interesting choice. The village plans to pay for the provision of sewage to the site of the proposed Sportsplex, but cannot afford to protect its citizens from fire?

If the Sportsplex were a lucrative investment that would pay for fire protection in the future, it might not be so egregious. But the projected tax revenue for the complex does not cover the cost of attracting that business. Even if you believe we need such a redundant sports facility, I'm sure you agree that fire protection is more important.

Roberta Zachar

Huntley

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