to the editor: In the wake of last year's deadly and destructive fires, the Los Angeles firefighters union has introduced a ballot initiative that would increase the city's sales tax to 10.25% (“Los Angeles firefighters union launches sales tax initiative to fund new stations and more” January 15). The funds would go toward hiring more firefighters, building new stations and purchasing new equipment.
The $300 million annual increase is intended to allow the department to better prepare and respond quickly to emergencies such as earthquakes and fires.
To that end, would the union also support a measure to require firefighters to live within Los Angeles County or at least adjacent counties, and tighten liberal scheduling rules? From 2023More than 150 firefighters live out of state, some as far away as Alaska, Texas and Florida. Others are in Northern California.
When there is total mobilization, like during last year's fires or a major earthquake, how effective will those who live hundreds of miles away be?
Judy Pang, Palos Verdes Estates
