Ephrata Fire Truck

Reader disagrees with donation

Regarding the April 8, 2010, article about the Ephrata fire truck going to Mexico, it is ridiculous to send it down there for free when I am sure there are many communities here in the United States who could use it. It was paid for with money out of the pockets of the citizens in this area and for Mr. Crago to say it has no value now is crazy. If the City of Ephrata, or any other community, can afford to give away items like this for free, sign me up, I want to be placed on that list too.

Mr. Canfield was a successful insurance man in Ephrata and retired at a fairly young age a very wealthy man. Although concerns for his Mexican community are valid, I’ll venture to guess concern is more for his resort’s safety than the community itself. The City of Ephrata should be paid fair market value for this truck, whatever that determination is. He made his fortune in this area and this would be a great way for him to give back to the community that made him rich. He can certainly afford it but, why pay for something if you can get it free, huh?

City of Ephrata employees gave up pay raises because of the economic climate in the area and the city gives away a perfectly good piece of equipment which could have been sold or donated and used here in the U.S. Maybe the employees wouldn’t have had to give up their pay increases if things like this weren’t happening.

When do our friends and neighbors begin to come first in our minds. I am not saying we shouldn’t help others, but there is plenty to do here at home first people.

Jim Bessett

Soap Lake