Endorsement: Yes to build and equip new fire stations in Pingree Grove/Countryside

When a community grows, certain inevitabilities follow - the need for infrastructure, schools, new public servants. Certain responsibilities come, too. Among them is safety.

On Nov. 6, the Pingree Grove & Countryside Fire Protection District will again seek yes votes to build and equip two fire stations and issue bonds at a cost of $8.5 million. This is the third time since spring 2017 the district has sought approval. Last spring, the question failed by just over 80 votes.

The fire protection district cites area growth, the need for effective response times and outdated facilities as reasons for the new stations. The plan is to sell Station 2 on Rippburger Road and Station 4 on Plank Road. They were built in bad locations for response time and not meant for firefighters to live in.

In addition, the district bought land on Dittman Road and wants to buy on Highland Avenue for the new stations. The old ones would be sold.

No one likes more taxes; this will cost an owner of a $300,000 house about $89. But because of the need in the fire protection district, we recommend a yes vote.