I read with interest in last week’s Kirkland Reporter, that the Kirkland City Council has once again decided to forge forward in spite of adverse logic and reason. They have apparently approved the acquisition of land for the new Finn Hill Fire Station 24 at the bottom of the 132nd street hill.

I’ve stood in my yard and listened to the trucks coming all the way from Station 27 so I get it. We need something closer. Although Station 25 on Juanita Drive is less than three minutes away, it seems they seldom tap that station for a response.

During the community dog and pony show a month or so ago at Finn Hill Junior High, I asked the Fire Chief if No. 24 would be considered the “main” Finn Hill station. He told me “yes” so I asked about the wisdom of putting our “main” station at the bottom of the hill. I mentioned the possibility of snow and ice making the road impassable. He assured me that they have four-wheel-drive vehicles to which I responded: “So do I, but I can’t get to the top of the hill when the way is blocked by other vehicles sideways in the road.”

This is not a remote possibility, it has happened to me several times over the years.

With regard to the City Council, I know this letter will fall on deaf ears, but the people of Finn Hill need to make their feelings known. We need a station at the top, not bottom of Finn Hill otherwise response times will be significantly impacted during winter weather. With the $1.4 million they intend to blow just buying property, I’ll bet the old Station 24 could be expanded and updated right where it currently sits. Under any circumstance it would be better than the response coverage we have right now.

This isn’t forced annexation or an unnecessary swimming pool prop. or a stupid plastic bag ban. This decision can have life or death consequences.

If you agree, let the City Council know how you feel.

Bob Sordahl, Kirkland