To the citizens of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District

Jul 30, 2014 2 min read

To the editor:

I was recently asked if I would run for an open position on the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District Board of Commissioners. I’m not into politics and I am certainly already busy enough with other things in my life, but I feel that it is important to help when you can and believe that I can do this. I can do this well. My name will be on the Nov. 4 ballot and I would appreciate your vote.

In the process of all of this, I have started to become a little bit more educated in the business of running a fire district. The term, “You know nothing Jon Snow,” keeps running through my head. But I am learning.

I’m learning about how incredibly expensive it is to run a fire department. I’m learning that expensive fire equipment has expiration dates and must be replaced. I’m learning that the people in the district who live on the east side of Matlacha and the drawbridge have to wait for help much longer than they should. I’m learning that Fire Station #4 is intended to solve that problem but can’t be built because there is simply not enough money. I’m learning that the employees of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District gave up paid holidays to help stretch the inadequate budget a little farther. I’m learning that the current budget is not enough to cover the basic expenses of the district and that something must be done.

I’m from Pine Island, born and raised. Times are tough and like many of you, we live paycheck to paycheck. No one wants increased taxes but everyone wants and deserves to have help come quickly when it’s needed.

The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District Board of Commissioners has placed a referendum on the Aug. 26 ballot asking for an increase in the millage rate for our district. The increase will add a little over $6 a month to your taxes for a house worth $100,000. That means that my tax increase will be less than the cost of a McDonald’s meal per month. I can do that. You can do that. We should all do that. Please vote “Yes” on the referendum.

Tonya Player