Our Opinion: Let voters decide on fire station bond as planned
Friday, March 21, 2008 11:53 AM PDT
It is often a rare event to hear an elected leader backtrack on a high-profile issue, especially after the individual has been a vocal advocate for a particular cause.
Yet that is what Payette Mayor Doug Henderson appears to be doing regarding a proposal to gain voter approval for a bond to fuel construction of a new fire station.
Right up front Henderson should be lauded for gaining the courage to back off on his earlier pro-fire station bond views. Henderson recently proposed the City Council vote to postpone the upcoming May fire station bond election after previously supporting it.
It takes a certain kind bravery to sit back, reevaluate and then reverse a view, especially if you are a politician. For one, it shows a certain degree of honesty that should gratify voters.
All that being said, though, those same voters deserve a chance to make their own decision regarding the new fire station.
Henderson brought up some good points regarding the feasibility of gaining a bond passage for the new facility now that the American economy appears to be slowly falling into a recession.
Voters are, understandably, often hesitant to fork over hard-earned dollars for public infrastructure even in the best of times. As the economic picture worsens, it makes the call on this issue even more difficult for residents.
Yet, in the end, Payette desperately needs a new fire station. This challenge is not a run-of-the-mill finance issue that can be put off for years.
It is a public safety issue and, therefore, transcends relevant and fundamental fiscal worries. In a sense, it falls under the emergency category and, therefore, demands more than a simple wave-off by the body politic.
Voters should have the opportunity to review the issue and then vote on it.
If the majority believes the poor state of the economy trumps valid public safety concerns then so be it.
Henderson deserves credit for a brave political act, but, in the end, the bond effort should go forward and voters should make the final call.
