Bruce Blizzard: Salida fire vote an attack on democracy

Something insidious and dangerous is happening in Salida. Either a local group of “leading” citizens has gathered and crafted a disingenuous plan to raise money for the fire district, a plan over which citizens will have absolutely no control, or those same citizens have hired an outside consultant to put together a campaign to get the results they want.

This is a perversion of our democracy. If you don’t bother to vote, it will be counted as a “yes.” They will decide for you to their advantage what your non-participation means. If you own an average house your vote won’t count as much as those who own larger properties, such as the more affluent homes circling Del Rio Country Club, which the new station will be closest to. One-man, one-vote, which has been the foundation for this country, has been tossed out the window to assure a greater chance of victory for those who have the most and want even more money for their benefit.

There is a guaranteed increase on this proposed assessment every year, over which you will have no control. Whoever heard of this plan before you received your ballot? Vote no and insist on a plan that protects our rights real democratic vote.

This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 11:19 AM with the headline "Bruce Blizzard: Salida fire vote an attack on democracy."