Voters in the North Bend area have a chance to help ensure our families are protected in an emergency by voting yes on Proposition 1 in the February 8 election.

Prop 1 will raise money to build a sorely needed new fire station for our community. The current fire station has many problems, the most serious being that it is structurally unsafe and will likely not withstand another large earthquake. In addition, the fire house doesn’t meet current health and safety standards. An unsafe work environment for our firefighters jeopardizes their ability to respond when we need them, in addition to risking the health and safety of these valued first responders.

As a community, we can take advantage of the economic downturn and build the new station at a good value to taxpayers. For a home with a value of $350,000, the tax will only be $66 annually. That seems a very small price to pay to give our community a fire house that is safe and up to date. I value the services our local firefighters provide to my family. I want to know that they will be able to respond when there is an emergency. Please join me in voting yes on Proposition 1!

Nancy Thomas

North Bend