Avoiding ERAF

By James M. "Jim" Stewart

I will not let the State of California balance their budget deficit on the backs of our Firefighters, and our taxpayers.

In the past the State has taken money from Special Districts and given it to Schools. If they are allowed to do this in 2003, it will amount to approx. 10% of our budget or $9.5 million dollars. This equates to approx. 5 of our 42 fire stations. This is not right and I will fight tooth and nail to stop them from closing your fire staions and laying off your firefighters.

This tax money shuffling almost amounts to double taxation. The taxpayer has already paid towards schools and suddenly some of the money you paid to provide fire protection is switched to schools. And you the taxpayer pay the price with reduced levels of fire protection.