[Honews] Fire District Petition

[Robert Headrick]

I have been asked by a couple of residents to clarify what is going on
with this Fire District petition.  I have copied and pasted my response
to one of our residents.  Hopefully this will answer some questions, or
at least offer another perspective.  It may have a little more meaning,
coming from someone who does not have a dog in this fight.  I have been
involved with the fire protection issue for a little over five years
now, starting with the last time Tom Cannon decided to get rid of our
previous Fire Department.  Over this time I have come to know the
character of both parties.  With that said, anything that would
distribute the power seems to be to our advantage.  To accomplish this,
there must be 1,000 signatures on the petition to get the ball rolling. 
Therefore, it is very important for everyone to sign and return the
petition (if you are in agreement).

I am a strong advocate of the fire district.  This
> procedure is extremely common and is what most
> Townships use.  If this is approved, it will
> ultimately take the power away from one man(with
> regard to fire protection) and give it to a three
> member board.  Considering the man who currently has
> the power is under a criminal investigation for
> mishandling of tax money, I am ecstatic about the
> opportunity to strip him of any decision making
> ability regarding our safety.  The three member
> board is made up of two residents of the New Albany
> Township and one resident of the Franklin Township
> and are appointed by the Floyd County Commissioners.
>  If approved, we would then have to be sure that the
> commissioners appoint decent members!  By Indiana
> Code, the members have to be knowledgeable in the
> area of fire protection.  One individual whom is
> willing to be on the board is Ray Cunningham.  He
> was the former Fire Chief for New Albany City.  He
> would be great to have on the board.  We need
>  people who put the needs of the community before
> their personal agenda or benefit.
>  
> On the other hand, it would cost us more money. 
> This additional money would provide four paid
> Firefighter/EMT, meaning there would always be
> someone at the firehouse.  The Fire Company would
> then request a new rating and could lead to a
> savings in Home-owner's insurance, greater than the
> tax increase.  Every insurance company is different
> so you would need to check with yours.  
>  
> It is really a personal decision.  I am willing to
> pay a little more money for better fire protection
> and better representation.  Some people may feel
> that we have adequate fire protection and are fairly
> represented and therefore not willing to make a
> change.


Robert Headrick
President
Highland Oaks HOA