Letter: Opposition to the emergency radio bond measure

The intent of our county to upgrade our 911 communications system is a typical move seen everywhere at all levels of government. In a perfect world, we would have nothing but sate of the art equipment in all phases of our lives. This is far from a perfect world. The people of this county cannot afford it. A resident with an assessed value of $400,000 on his home (mediocre in this day and age), will pay $120 per year, $1,200 in ten years when the powers that be decide on another upgrade. A landlord will pass this expense on to his tenant in the form of higher rent.

I would be interested to hear from private citizens who feel they have suffered because of poor response from emergency personnel due to communication failure. I suppose there have been some instances of this, but we can’t solve everything by pouring money into it. And does it need to be solved? Everyone carries a cell phone. We have far greater problems in this world.

Many of my peers have stated that they vote against any issue that is going to cost money because the money is seldom spent wisely. We do not need nice in government, only adequacy.

Ron Milner

Tillamook