Let's give it some thought

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            There is much discussion in town regarding the viability of the fire department.  With this talk, there has been just as much speculation that later turns to “fact”.  We recently heard the “fact” from one selectman and later repeated in a letter to the editor that the fire department is planning to build an extravagant fire station that will cost the taxpayers upwards of $800,000.

            The fact is that the department has not been allowed to do any planning.  They have no building in mind; there are no plans; there is no design; there are no numbers; they have not even dug a test pit.  Some townspeople might be shocked to hear that no testing on the site happened after the town voted to allow it at last March’s town meeting. (It would have been done using money raised by the fire department at the auctions, not through taxes.) It didn’t happen because the selectman called the attorney general the day after the meeting to have her declare the testing illegal.  Rather than spend lots of money on lawyers, the fire department let the decision stand. 

            “Okay, so never mind that a fire station isn’t going to happen.  Let’s get rid of the fire department all together because they keep wanting stuff,” some people say.  People feel that we would be better off to just go with the Lisbon fire department.  Lisbon would love to see it happen, as they would get money from our town so that they can build their own fire station. 

            Landaff is part of the Twin State mutual aid system.  When a fire happens in town, Landaff fire fighters go to it along with adjoining towns according to the run card.  Conversely, if a fire or accident happens in another town, Landaff goes to provide support and equipment in that other town.  It is an important system that works well.

            The fire department is an important part of our community.  They have done the auction at Old Home Day every year. They have paid for a band to play and have often been instrumental in the dinner.  The sense of community is the best part of our town.  The Old Home Day is always a time to connect with neighbors.  I have always been proud of this connection.  That whole thing will go away with shutting down the department.

            Admittedly, there is an ebb and flow with the department.  Right now, they could use more fire department personnel.  That is not a reason to abolish the department. 

            This is a time for discussion, not a snap decision to shut down the department.  My wish is that the warrant article to get rid of the department gets defeated and a reasonable discussion begins, to address the concerns of the townspeople.  If, after a reasonable, fact-based discussion, the decision is to close it down, at least it would be an informed decision.