As a citizen of Maple Valley as well as the former Fire Marshal, I continue to be concerned about the direction that Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety is taking. Let me begin by saying that I am thankful for your persistence in gathering and bringing to light the information on why Tim Lemon’s contract was not renewed as well as the unbiased, objective reporting of your newspaper. You have supplied us with the information that both sides of the fence were seeking including the current candidate for fire commissioner that I am supporting, Camille Walls.

I believe that there is much more information that needs to be presented to the citizens of Maple Valley such as the pending layoff of a firefighter and office staff due to the current budget constraints. I agree that expenses must be cut; but I do not believe that eliminating the positions of talented, much needed line staff is the way to go.

I wonder if the citizens of Maple Valley are aware that after the failure of two lid lifts in 2009, a new command vehicle was purchased and administrative personnel were given salary increases of 5.6 percent while the firefighters only received 2.8 percent. In addition, in 2007 a new administrative position was created at a cost to the tax payer of approximately $180,000 in salary and benefits. In the past six to seven years, there has been a substantial increase in administrative wages and benefits which include the office staff. Now (at a time of such dire financial need), we find a commission who wants to spend $75,000 to pay for an election to increase the number of commissioners from three to five.

The candidate that I support, Camille Walls, is not opposed to the five member board, but she is opposed to the timing of this proposed election due to the cost. The current interim commissioner who is leading the push for this election would like to see the election held in February 2010 at a cost to the taxpayers of $75,000; yet if the election was delayed until November 2010, the cost would be $25,000.

As a person who just took a pay cut due to the current economic situation, and as a property tax payer, I think I would rather pay the lesser amount to accomplish this election. I am certain that I will hear opposition to this letter, and I will be referred to as a disgruntled employee. That is far from being the truth. I am a disgruntled Maple Valley citizen at the way that our fire department is being run, and I feel strongly that Maple Valley’s firefighters are some of the most talented and committed that can be found anywhere, and they are most definitely second to none in their commitment to their job. They deserve the support of a better administration. I support Camille Walls because of the sound fiscal approach that she would bring to the position of Fire Commissioner and the refreshing voice that she would be for the entire community.

David Pargas

Maple Valley, WA