Vote 'yes' on Prop. A

I am a retired fire department captain and a longtime Fallbrook resident. I take strong exception to the comments by the De Luz Fire Chief regarding Prop. A. He is urging a “no” vote on Prop. A.

Fire protection in San Diego County has been woefully under-funded for many years. That is a good part of the reason that thousands of homes have burned in the wildfires since 2003. The fire protection system in the county desperately needs a shot in the arm. Prop. A can provide that shot in the arm.

The De Luz Fire Chief is incorrect in saying that the volunteer departments will not get some of the funds generated by Prop. A. In fact, they do get a piece of the pie.

There are also too many fire departments in San Diego County. There are 65 departments in the county. Orange County, which has a similar population, has about 12 departments.

The County recently took a first step in consolidating some of the small districts in the east county. Much more needs to be done to develop a 21st century fire protection in San Diego County. That can only be done if there is a proper funding base. Prop. A will go a long way toward reaching that goal.

Economic times are difficult right now for many. I hope that voters keep in mind that the $52 they will be contributing toward the fire protection system will be assisting them and their neighbors in the event of catastrophic wildfires.

Mike Reardon

Captain, LA County FD (Ret.)