To the editor:

The community of Lehigh Acres has a wealth of intelligent and articulate people. It is time that we use this wealth of knowledge to solve the issue of the fire board insolvency. I propose reduced spending and consider all other options before we start to even talk about layoffs.

These firemen are not just the district’s, they’re our firefighters also and deserve the respect of all of our community.

When it comes to public safety, they “watch our backs” when we are all asleep with our families, as a community we should return the favor. It might be too little, too late, but we should try to save their jobs anyway.

There is good news: The Tax Assessor Office has indicated that due to the slight upswing in the local economy, taxes are on an increase for the previous year, so that will help diminish the operational deficit for the upcoming budget that will count on ad valorem taxes.

The bad news: I presented a proposal to the last board meeting, a proposal to sponsor a Citizens Committee to come up with solid recommendations to make the fire district solvent, and they disapproved any consideration.

Matt Smith

Lehigh Acres

Fire commissioner candidate