Letter to the editor: Mixed messages from fire chief on funding

Once again the referendum to increase real estate taxes for the Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District has been defeated. As the Herald stated, this was the sixth defeat for this tax increase. The district keeps asking for a more than 60-percent increase. Last November, I contacted John Nixon, the fire chief, and he was kind enough to respond. It is obvious that he cares deeply about his job and takes his responsibilities seriously. We are lucky to have him.

However, one must assume residents' safety and well-being are being put in danger because they continue to operate without any increase in funding.

I'm sure Mr. Nixon would dispute that statement, but he can't have it both ways. He can't say they have been doing their job adequately and then say they need to increase their funding by 60 percent! That 60 percent increase translates into approximately $1 million this year and every year thereafter. If they truly have been fulfilling their responsibilities, why in the world would they need an additional $1 million? Remember, this is not a one-time increase, this is every year.

I find it hard to imagine that a significantly smaller increase wouldn't suffice. Additionally, a smaller increase would have a much greater chance of passing.

Alan Gasteier

St. Charles