BALLOT MEASURE (continued from page 1)
the circumstances of the city budget and the
lack of revenue to sustain our own city fire,
police, and paramedic programs,” Walsworth
stated. He stressed the importance of educating
the public on this issue and asked for the City
Council’s help.
Many members of Emergency Services also
spoke in support of the initiative and asked the
City Council for its support.
Councilmember Edward Garcia drove
the point that Sierra Madre wants to stay
“autonomous” and not have to outsource
emergency services in the city. “We want to be
able to have a Council elected by the city and
have autonomy over the leadership of our own
police department,” Garcia noted, paraphrasing
the people’s opinion back in 2016 when the
city moved from a volunteer to full-time staff.
Garcia said the people wanted to retain police
and fire services.
“With the changes we have in our town now,
the services are getting better…and as science
and technology increase, and we must keep
up with that and provide our citizens with the
best service we can,” stated Councilmember
Kristine Lowe, a former firefighter in Sierra
Madre. Lowe also mentioned the importance
of being part of a mutual aid program.
After quoting a few budget numbers and
showing the increasing deficits rising into
the millions over the next five years, Pro Tem
Mayor Parkhurst highlighted the situation’s
urgency: “The problem is here now. And we
need to solve it today,” Parkhurst said. “We are
behind you 100%, and we are going to make it
happen.”
City Council unanimously submitted the
initiative without alteration for inclusion on
the November 5, 2024, General Municipal
Election ballot. The City Attorney will prepare
an impartial analysis, and two town hall
meetings will take place to inform the public
and allow public comment on the initiative.
2
Mountain View News Saturday June 29, 2024
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