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GUEST COLUMN: Please Renew EMS Levy

Please vote yes for the SJ EMS levy

posted 01/31/2010
On January 21, 2010, the residents of the Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island and the islands of Brown, Henry, Pearl, Stuart, Johns and Speiden will receive their spring elections ballot. On that ballot will be the San Juan EMS Levy renewal. Our EMS District runs on a 6 year renewable levy currently at 0.35 which will expire at the end of 2010. This levy is separate from the levy that operates the Inter Island Medical Center.

We are asking for a renewal of the EMS levy at 0.35 for another 6 years for the provision of emergency medical services and medical transport. We have a long history of not taking the full levy, but only what is actually needed. We are good stewards of your tax dollars.

We are hoping that you will support our effort by voting YES4EMS on your January ballot, and encourage you family and friends to vote YES as well.

Further information is available on our website at www.yes4ems.org or by email at info@sanjuanems.org.

Sincerely,

Polly White, Chairperson
Michael Roger, Co-Chairperson
Deanna Banry, Secretary/Treasurer
Michael Edwards, DDS, MD
Cady Davies
Weyshawn Koons
Jim Cole

YES4EMS Levy Renewal Committee

Vote Yes for San Juan Island Levies

posted 01/30/2010
By now you have received your mail-in ballot. We hope that you consider thoughtfully the two proposed levy areas and return your YES votes in support of Proposal #1 for our school district and Proposal #2 for our EMS.

As educators we believe that schools are four walls with the future inside. We believe that a YES vote for the renewal of the M & O Levy is an essential investment for continued student success. We can be proud of the excellence of Friday Harbor Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Let's keep it that way.

The State of Washington does not fully support schools financially and the M & O Levy makes up one-fifth of the total school budget. This 20% flows directly into the classrooms and after-school instructional programs providing teachers and staff with reasonable class size, staffing for music, visual arts, advanced placement vocational technical classes, on-line and alternative options for all our students.

And then...vote YES for the renewal of the EMS Levy. Don't you agree with us that their service for us is essential? Can you imagine our island without them?

Voters in the past have approved our essential levies. February 9th election with both M& O and EMS levies ARE essential as they ensure sustaining quality education in our schools and maintaining our island quality of life. Your YES vote today protects our tomorrows!

Sincerely,
Carolyn Haugen and Emily Reed

Supports SJISD M&O levy request

Dear Editor,

posted 01/28/2010
While partnering with Island community leaders to work toward a new Critical Access Hospital in Friday Harbor, I have been privileged to get to know some of the people and programs serving the Island communities’ healthcare needs. San Juan Island EMS provides a wide range of education and prevention services to citizens, in addition to life-saving care for serious illness and injury.

EMS is a critically-important component of medical services, and it is vital for these pre-hospital care providers to have appropriate staffing, training and equipment. A "yes" vote on the EMS levy is necessary to maintain the excellent services already in place, and I am pleased to add my voice to those who support this vital program.

Nancy Steiger
CEO/Chief Mission Officer
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital, Bellingham

Support for the SJISD M&O levy request

Dear Editor,

posted 01/25/2010
We are such a fortunate community to have the skillful, hardworking, dedicated and caring EMT's that we do. They are always there for us. Putting their own lives on hold to rush to our aid day or night, good weather or bad. I have had the privilege of watching them in action.

Two years ago in March my husbands heart stopped with no warning at all. Had it not been for our incredible EMT's quick action, skill and never give up attitude he would not be here today. It is still very hard for us to talk about, it was that close. He was defibed six times, and given numerous medications.

I was there watching and trying to help in any way I could, they were amazing. We have all herd how great our EMT's are but when you witness them in action and the way they work together then you really know how GREAT they are. I hope you all understand that if you ever have an emergency you will have these wonderful people on your side. We all need to support them in any way we can, now is our chance to show them our appreciation. Please join our family and vote yes on the Levy renewal.

Thank you for supporting our EMS,

Laurie Connelly, Friday Harbor

Support for the SJISD M&O levy request

Dear Editor,

posted 01/25/2010
Dear Editor,
As PeaceHealth's project lead for the new San Juan Island hospital I've heard from dozens of islanders about SJI EMS. By all accounts your EMS is held in high regard for its expertise, quality of care and responsiveness. I have also read about many real life stories of heroic, compassionate and at times life saving care provided by the EMTs and first responders.

And I'm aware of national measures of performance for which the SJI EMS is rated amongst the very best in the country. To reach and maintain that level of peak performance your EMS requires professional, well trained and devoted staff, excellent and dedicated leadership and state of the art equipment.

All of which require appropriate resources. That's where your YES vote will make all the difference. An outstanding EMS is critical for the life safety of island residents and it is essential for excellent ER and hospital care. I urge you to vote YES for the EMS levy. Let's keep the SJI EMS at its very best as we build to the future.

Sincerely,
Jim Barnhart

SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2010

editor@sanjuanislander.com

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