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SEE INSIDE: Plateau Business | Page 5 . . . . Both Hornets Win | Page 10. . . Marianne Binetti | Page 13 Your hometown newspaper for more than 100 years!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013 | 75 cents
What’s Inside Obituaries.........................Page 3 Business.............................Page 5 Views...................................Page 6 Sports.................................Page 10 Classified...........................Page 16
Nick of Time...
The Nick of Time Foundation, in partnership with Enumclaw firefighters and King County paramedics, conducted a heart screening Oct. 2 for Enumclaw high-school athletes. The screenings consisted of a heart health survey, an ECG and in some cases a limited physical exam or echocardiogram. The results are reviewed on site by cardiologists and sports physicians. Photo provided by Firefighter John Bloomer.
Weather The forecast calls for partly sunny skies today, Wednesday, with areas of fog in the morning. Highs to 60 and overnight lows to 42. Thursday chances to cloudy skies with a chance of rain and highs to 58. Friday call for partly sunny skies and a chance of rain returns over the weekend with highs to 60.
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King County Fire Commission 28 debate: Part III Editor’s Note: Angela Stubblefield and Elbert Reed are running for Fire District 28 Commissioner Position No. 2. The two candidates agreed to an in-paper debate. This is the third week and includes responses to questions from the candidates to each other and an editorial question Candidate Question: Without reducing service levels, how would you fund the projected dollar shortfall in 2015? Explain rational. Reed: I put this question to Ms. Stubblefield first; she then later passed it back to me. For the sake of the argument, I believe this question assumes the levy lid lift (Proposition No. 1) does not pass. The function of the fire department is to save lives and property. This requires rapid response with the minimum complement of critical resources to achieve the mission. Reducing the number of fire fighters or increasing response time will save money, but possibly at the expense of greater property loss or loss of life. The tax payer
needs to decide if the gamble is worth the risk. Any scheme that increases response time will negatively affect the rating of the fire Elbert Reed department. This will then result in higher property fire insurance rates for tax payers’ homes. Hence, pay it now or pay it later. Two paid positions can be eliminated during 2015 and this will not immediately reduce the level of service. These staff reductions will need to commence in 2014 in order to be effective in 2015. However, firefighters’ overtime will increase to take up the slack (no free lunch here). Commencing in 2015 additional staff reduction will have to be made, and this amount of reduction cannot be made up with overtime. Thus, service levels will be reduced in 2016. Some might suggest a greater use of volunteers or an all-volunteer department to maintain the cur-
rent service levels. Such a plan would require volunteers available 24/7. The current volunteers are very dedicated and we appreciate their Angela Stubblefield cont r ibut ions. They have regular jobs and are not available during the peak fire/EMS call period of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. If volunteers have to travel to the station this adds additional delay to the response. This assumes they can leave their place of work on a moment’s notice. Who reading this is willing to volunteer to be on duty and ready for immediate dispatch during the peak period, complete the rigorous initial training, and participate in weekly training sessions? The department has been looking for you, but so far without success. Stubblefield: I respect the hard earned money entrusted from taxpayers and will not waste your money. My opponent, Elbert Reed
supports Commissioner David Hannity’s past and present actions. Like Commissioner Hannity, Elbert also represents the firefighter’s union – not taxpayers. Prior to signing a blank check over to the district, you the taxpayer need to know what the long-term plan is and how your money will be spent. That has not occurred. Until that plan is presented, here are my tentative painful solutions. • Drastically reduce overtime. Require commissioner approval first. • Adjust required training that is conducive to regular hours not overtime. • Pursue joint teaming with other districts to enhance purchasing power, possible training and other ventures. • Recruit and revitalize volunteer program. Emphasis on career department has devastated volunteer participation. • Furlough and reduce administrative staff (if necessary). • Wild-land State Mobilization
SEE DEBATE, PAGE 4
Enumclaw School District land transfer denied
Music & Arts
By Katherine Smith Staff Writer
A land dispute between the Tahoma and Enumclaw school districts was settled in favor of Tahoma. The Puget Sound Educational Service District Regional Committee on School District Organization unanimously denied the Enumclaw School District’s proposed land transfer of the North Triangle, located in Black Diamond, from the Tahoma School District to Enumclaw Oct. 3. The North Triangle, which is about 54 acres and is slated for commercial development as part of the proposed Lawson Hills master planned community by YarrowBay in Black Diamond, is currently undeveloped. Enumclaw officials initiated the petition in late
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Emily Randolph, left, performed at the Enumclaw Music and Arts Festival Saturday. Matteo Valadez and L’Brinklee Jackson sang together. Mia Vermillion performed on Chalet stage. Photo by Dennis Box
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