I am not a fan of the operation of the Valley Regional Fire Authority. It was created because the cities realized they had allowed firemen salaries to greatly exceed the tax monies collected to pay them.

When created, the taxes on the average house increased by $60 per year to cover this difference and provide some capital monies, which have been used to build two new stations and, in effect, completely rebuild a third while having monies left over to spend $1.2 million on a ladder truck with a reach of 110 feet.

We even hired an administrator with no fire experience – but he is a great friend of the Auburn mayor and was about to lose his government job.

Now, I want to point out an expenditure that is not so obvious. I frequently eat lunch at Sunny Teriyaki on 12 St. N., across from Fred Meyer. Behind that restaurant is a parking lot. I have never been through that lot when I have not seen at least six SUVs belonging to the fire authority sitting totally idle. I wonder why they were purchased. Does the authority have so much money it can just buy six SUVs for fun?

– Dan Shields