Editor,

The Sept. 16 Whidbey News-Times had front page news that the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue needed voters to pass a levy so they could replace aging equipment and keep our fire insurance premiums from going up.

Today’s WN-T front page news is that the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue sent equipment and firefighters to help California battle wildfires.

What effect does this have on our fire insurance premiums? Did our aging equipment go to California or did it remain here for our protection? Who is paying for the cost of sending equipment and firefighters to California? Fuel, meals and lodging just to get to Chico, Calif., and back, and the wear on our equipment are significant expenses which I hope are being reimbursed by California taxpayers.

During this time of COVID-19 and our governor’s stay home, mask up and maintain social distancing, was this in the best interest of North Whidbey residents? Will you all be tested upon your return for the virus? Will you be required to go through a quarantine period? Will the equipment go through a sanitizing process before being returned to service.

The message that North Whidbey Fire and Rescue is sending is that they want more taxpayer money, but they really don’t need it. I will not support your request for an additional levy because I do not think that you are doing what is in the best interest of the North Whidbey residents.

Ladd E. Dick

Oak Harbor