I read in your paper about the Hamilton Township Enterprise Fire Co. closing. I think it is time for the mayor to step in and put a paid fire department in the township. If they have a million dollars to buy a fire house then the taxpayers are paying too much. Each fire district is a different tax. They already have a paid EMS; they might as well have a fire department.

Hosed

Ed, I have a way to solve the Hamilton Township Enterprise Fire Department’s problem. Instead of having all these volunteer outfits and their 15 commissioners who think they are bigshots, make it the Hamilton Township Fire Co. One fire company, and one flat fire tax throughout the township. Do away with volunteer status. This will never happen because “Mr. Bigshot” fire commissioner will lose his precious little job. Let’s see Hamilton Township fire districts get together and make one fire department run by one person, not 15.

Unifier

There’s a lot of pride, identity, camaraderie and tradition in those individual districts. If you can unify without sacrificing all that spirit and dedication, great. But you’re going to need excellent leadership at the top to get it done without taking a step backward in experience and preparedness. Ultimately, it’s not about politics; it’s about keeping your house from burning down. —Ed. Note