Congratulations to the mayor-elect and council members-elect for their victories. Each of them will have a share of the future of Black Diamond in their hands. Please remember that our public safety is their number one priority.

On Nov. 7, the (Black Diamond) City Council held a public hearing on the proposed establishment of a community facilities district that will allow the construction of eight infrastructure projects for road improvements, water and sewer facilities. These infrastructure improvements will be built and paid for by YarrowBay but will benefit all of the current residents. There will be no cost or risk to the city. The costs of the projects will be borne in the cost of new homes in the new developments.

One project to be built and paid for by YarrowBay — only if the council passes the CFD — is a satellite fire station, including emergency response vehicles, located in the main part of the city, perhaps in the Lawson Street area. The station would be staffed 24 hours, seven days a week. This would give the central part of Black Diamond much needed fire protection and life saving services.

The Lake Sawyer area has excellent response from Fire Station 98 on Lake Sawyer Road. I live near this station. My father-in-law had a heart attack while visiting our home. I called 911 and we had emergency personnel, vehicles and fire trucks in our drive way in 2 minutes. He received the fast, excellent response that all residents of Black Diamond deserve.

Mayor-elect Gordon is opposed to the CFD as it taxes residents in the new developments differently but that is not uncommon. The city has multiple school districts and three different utility districts all taxing us differently. The different valuation of homes means a different amount of taxes are paid by current residents. The safety of our citizens should be the priority.

The city council has the resolution to accept or reject the CFD formation on the Nov. 21 agenda and must act to either approve or deny the CFD application by Dec. 8. They have a chance to give equal protection to all areas of Black Diamond by approving the CFD. Let the City Council members know that your home and life are your priority by signing the on-line petition at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/petition-to-provide-life-saving-emergency-services-and-a-fire-station-in-black-diamond-washington.html or call City Hall at 360-886-5700 and leave a message for all five council members. Let them know you want the fire station. Attend the council meeting and let council hear your concerns. You deserve this perk from the new development!

Bill Boston

Black Diamond