I’m writing in response to the Lookout Eugene-Springfield Editorial Board recommending a no vote on Measure 20-378, the Lane Fire Authority levy. With respect, I believe that recommendation does a disservice to the 45,000 residents who depend on Lane Fire Authority every day and faces the fire risk generated by the driest winter on record. 

The editorial characterizes this levy as an unreasonable ask — but consider what the increase actually means in practice. For a home assessed at $250,000, we’re talking about $4.16 more per month than they’re paying under the current levy. In exchange, our community maintains fully staffed fire stations, faster 911 response times and the ability to handle multiple emergencies at once across 282 square miles. 

The editorial points to November’s 53% to 47% result as a message from voters. But off-year elections in rural districts don’t reflect the full voice of our community. A margin that thin — in a low-turnout election — is not a mandate. It’s an invitation to try again with more voters at the table. 

What concerns me most is what the editorial leaves out: If this levy fails, Lane Fire Authority says up to eight firefighting positions could be affected. That’s not a budget footnote, that’s real people who respond when someone is having a heart attack, when a car accident happens on a rural highway or when a fire breaks out miles from the nearest station. EMS calls make up 80% of what Lane Fire responds to. This is health care infrastructure, not just a fire levy. 

The editorial board asks the district to “come back with a more reasonable ask,” but never says what that looks like. At what point does the math work for them? The district’s costs are rising. Call volumes are up nearly 20%. The permanent tax rate hasn’t kept pace. There is no magic lower number that solves the funding gap.

I urge my neighbors to look past this editorial and vote yes on Measure 20-378 on May 19. Our firefighters and paramedics show up for us every single day. This is our chance to show up for them.

Lesa Artzberger
Springfield