Hutton: Let’s not let our guard down

I encourage citizens to vote “yes” on ballot issues 6A and 6B to support Aspen Fire District.

This will strengthen Aspen Fire and benefit our community by enhancing wildfire risk mitigation and maintaining and upgrading equipment. It will help control rising insurance rates for individuals and businesses. State appropriations, to Aspen Fire, were cut by over $400,000, and costs for equipment are soaring. Supporting Aspen Fire will not increase property tax and the 0.5 cent sales tax does not apply to food or medicines.

The recent fire in Old Snowmass demonstrated how important a strong fire department is to the valley. AI cameras detected the fire early, and a coordinated response by Aspen Fire and surrounding fire departments limited damage and prevented the fire from spreading.

We cannot afford to let our guard down when it comes to funding a robust fire district.

Robert Hutton

Aspen