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Opinion

  • Letters to the editor

    Pay for protection

    Jan. 18, 2008

    To the editor:

    Mr. Severns’ letter (“Let it burn,” Jan. 18) stating that the Fairbanks borough’s policy was to let her burn in reference to Ace Callaway’s home burning down was not correct.

    As sad as Mr. Callaway’s home burning down was, it is sadder that a grown man would not ensure that his and his family’s dwelling was protected. The borough’s policy has never been to “let her burn,” it is as it should be, the people that pay for a service are the ones that receive the service.

    I make car payments so when and if I choose to use a vehicle I have one, I do not cry in my milk because someone won’t let me drive theirs when I need one.

    Every year I receive a bill I gladly pay for fire service protection. I hope I never need it but I still pay regardless. He states that if a person doesn’t have fire protection and their house catches on fire they should be charged for the service. Does he have any clue what it costs to run and maintain a fire department? Is he going to pay for the engines, tankers, fire hose, water, bunker gear, etc.? What about the thousands of dollars it costs to maintain training of the personnel, most if not all who volunteer their time?

    The amount I pay is minuscule to the benefit I have of knowing that my house is protected. Instead of writing letters complaining that he didn’t receive a service that he didn’t pay for, maybe he should find out how he can be annexed into a fire service area or start his own.

    And last but far from least, to the volunteer firefighters who risk their lives every time the alarm sounds thank you for your service and dedication. I will put a smiley face on the check I send in this year for you!

    Bill Ward

    North Pole

    Defending Palin

    Jan. 24, 2008

    To the editor:

    How nice that you care so about ConocoPhillips and promoting their propaganda.

    I notice you love to try and slam our new governor and anybody who backs her.

    I understand you think the governor should apologize to a legislative leader who is quoted as saying it is “her job to disagree with the governor.”

    I don’t believe you can slander this governor no matter how hard you try. The freshness of her intelligence, honesty and fair play meet the hopes and expectations of the overwhelming majority who voted for her.

    Sourdough Jeff sez: “Alaskan happiness is a current ConocoPhillips policymaker heading south with a Fairbanks Daily News-Miner editorial staff member under each arm.”

    Jeff Austin

    Fairbanks

    It’s not OK [more]

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