MY TURN: Legislative District 4 Republican Central Committee: Why we unanimously support the Fire Public Safety Bond

On May 20, 2025, the voters of Coeur d’Alene have a critical opportunity to strengthen the safety and resiliency of our community. As chair of the Legislative District 4 Republican Central Committee, which officially represents Coeur d’Alene, I’m proud to share that our committee members unanimously voted to endorse the $16.4 million Fire Department General Obligation Bond at a recent meeting.

Representing Coeur d’Alene, our committee is comprised of Republican precinct committeemen elected by Republican voters from every precinct within the city of Coeur d’Alene. We are proud to represent the grassroots voices of our community, and we take seriously our duty to evaluate policy proposals through the lens of conservative values — responsibility, efficiency and limited government focused on core functions. We believe this bond fulfills all of those values and more. 

At the heart of the bond proposal are two urgent and well-documented needs: the replacement of an aging fleet of fire apparatus and the long-overdue upgrades to Fire Station No. 2, which serves as a critical perimeter station. The equipment currently in use includes fire engines, ladder trucks and rescue units that have far exceeded their intended service lives — some dating as far back as 1995.  

What many may not realize is that the lead time to acquire new fire apparatus is now three to four years from the date of order to delivery. This means that even if the bond passes in May, the fire department will not receive new engines and rescue trucks until 2028 or 2029. That timeline is driven by a nationwide backlog in emergency vehicle manufacturing. If we delay this decision any longer, we risk leaving our firefighters and our citizens vulnerable during a time of unprecedented regional growth. 

Furthermore, it’s important to understand that development impact fees cannot be used to fund these purchases. State law restricts the use of impact fees to capital improvements tied directly to new development. That means they cannot legally be used for the replacement of existing apparatus, the remodel of existing facilities or the purchase of equipment needed to serve our current population. This bond is the only available tool to responsibly fund these urgent needs. 

In addition to equipment, the bond includes funding to renovate Station 2, which was originally built in 1992 to house just two firefighters. Today, that station supports five personnel, with plans to add up to three more in the future. With no dedicated training room, limited sleeping quarters and a cramped apparatus bay, these conditions are not just uncomfortable — they hinder response times, training readiness and the overall efficiency of our fire department. 

We understand that no one takes the idea of public debt lightly — nor should they. But this bond represents an investment in the core mission of city government: protecting life and property. Our police and fire departments must have the equipment and infrastructure necessary to keep our city from crumbling like Portland or Seattle. The planning has been thorough, the priorities are clear and the return on investment is peace of mind, better emergency response and a safer community for all. 

In 2005 and again in 2015, voters overwhelmingly approved public safety bonds by margins of 74% and 85%. We urge the community to continue that tradition. 

On behalf of the Legislative District 4 Republican Central Committee, I respectfully ask that you vote In Favor on May 20. Let’s ensure our firefighters have the tools and facilities they need — not someday, but on time. This is responsible, principled conservatism in action. 

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Lisa Aitken is the Legislative District 4 Republican Central Committee chair (representing the precincts of Coeur d’Alene) and also a lifelong resident of Coeur d'Alene.