Letter to the editor: Mary Foley

Jan. 27, 2022

Here’s the short version: a dozen or so PHD & EMS people have all publicly admitted they want a merger with Fire and EMS because they agree it is what’s best for our community. But because they don’t like the Fire Chief, they are fighting to keep that from happening.

What?

Yes, you heard correctly. Because they don’t like the boss, they are willing to ignore what the majority (don’t let them tell you otherwise) of citizens have said they want.

By his own admission in a couple of recent press releases, PHD Superintendent Nathan Butler said while he supported integration of the 2 agencies, he no longer wishes to work with the Fire Chief. Following the advice of someone with no EMS experience, the PHD board canceled their plans to do what they also admitted in press releases and official contracts is best for the community. Are they now working for their employee, Supt. Butler or were they elected to do what’s right for their constituents?

Dumping what’s best for the citizens because of a personality issue is also what the paramedics and several EMS staff members are doing. They say that they believe combining the 2 agencies is the right thing to do, but they don’t like the Chief, so will not be supporting what they know is best for the community.

This adolescent behavior is shameful. Vote no and do what is right for everyone.

Mary Foley
San Juan Island