Support the proposed Fire levy | Letter

Published 5:08 pm Tuesday, February 18, 2014

“You can’t eat your cake and have it too.”

It is an old and simple adage, but one I feel illustrates a certain island dilemma.

Each year we encourage increased tourism, proudly announce we are a “best place to retire” and continue to promote our camping facilities and camping opportunities.

While these efforts bring income to the island, they also dramatically impact the need for emergency services. This is not even taking into consideration the cost of an unforeseen emergency, such as we read about every day and have just experienced in Deer Harbor.

We have 64 island residents who volunteer their time, skills and commitment to go out on call at all hours and complement Orcas Fire and Rescue. Without their invaluable and irreplaceable services we could not begin to contain costs or meet the island’s growing demands.

In tribute to them and to the fine long-term planning Kevin O’Brien has brought to OIFR, I strongly support the proposed levy.

Milly Vetterlein

Deer Harbor