Letter to the editor A yes vote on RFA will secure essential services for Edmonds

In a compelling letter to the editor, Shannon Sessions, a seasoned public safety advocate and former Lynnwood City Council member, calls on Edmonds residents to support Proposition 1, which would enable the city to join the South County Fire and Rescue Regional Fire Authority. She underscores her extensive experience working with first responders and praises the professionalism of local firefighters and paramedics. Sessions challenges the narrative that annexation would lead to increased costs, arguing that Edmonds has historically underpaid for fire services. Addressing concerns about losing local control, she notes that Edmonds has not had full control over its fire department for more than 15 years. By endorsing the annexation, residents would secure access to specialized resources and expertise from a well-respected agency.

She emphasizes that this vote is about maintaining essential services, including fire prevention and EMS, which are critical for community safety. Sessions warns that any alternative to annexation could result in higher costs and risks to public safety. Ultimately, she urges residents to vote "yes" on Proposition 1 to protect the future of Edmonds.