On what kinds of issues are you most likely to support a modest sales tax increase in order for the betterment of the community?

As many citizens now know our local fire department (Central Jackson County Fire Protection District) has two very important issues on the Aug. 5th ballot. CJCFPD protects the cities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo, and parts of unincorporated Jackson County. In the past you may have called upon them for help and they showed up and did what was needed to be done. Over the past 10 years those calls for help have increased 150%.

Now it is our turn to help them. On Aug. 5th you will see two questions on your ballot. Question 1 is a NO TAX INCREASE bond to purchase 2 fire trucks, replacing an aging ladder truck and engine. These monies will also allow them to purchase safety clothing and equipment, communications equipment, and complete their training center. Question 2 is a 1/2 cent sales tax with 50% of monies brought in being rolled back off property taxes. These monies will allow them to hire more firefighters. With more firefighters on the fire trucks it allows them to meet national safety standards for staffing that they are unable to meet right now. It will make their jobs safer so that all of them in their time of duty will be able to go home the next day to their loved ones. It will allow them to do their jobs faster, easier, and more efficiently, which will save lives and protect more property.

So I ask you; my neighbors, my friends, my fellow citizens please come out Aug. 5th and vote yes on Questions 1 & 2 and help Central Jackson County Fire Protection district continue the service you deserve, the service you want, and a higher service they want to give.