I am writing to address an important misrepresentation in the article published on Oct. 23 about the annexation meeting with the City of Chehalis and Lewis County. The article incorrectly stated that I supported annexation. In fact, I did not take a position in favor of annexation. I expressed my support for the interlocal agreement (ILA), an agreement between Fire District 5, Fire District 6 and the City of Chehalis. Additionally, I would like to clarify that my residence is not within the urban growth area (UGA), so any effects on my household would be indirect.
During the meeting, I also raised a question regarding Jackson Highway, specifically about the city's plans for managing the increasing traffic due to ongoing construction along the route. This question remains unanswered, and I intend to bring it up again at the city meeting scheduled for Nov. 10.
To further clarify, my support is for the ILA between Fire District 5, Fire District 6 and the City of Chehalis. The ILA does not merge these three organizations. Each district retains its own commissioners, authority and separate budget. The agreement simply formalizes the way these agencies operate together. Rather than relying on mutual aid agreements, the ILA ensures that the closest fire district will always respond first to emergencies, eliminating delays caused by waiting for mutual aid callouts.
This change has real benefits for residents like me. For example, Fire District 5 has a station just 2 miles from my home, while Fire District 6's Station 61 is 9 miles away. The ILA would allow Fire District 5 to be the first responder to emergencies on my property, potentially saving valuable minutes. Overlapping coverage currently causes inefficiency, which the ILA seeks to resolve.
Think of the ILA as a way for these agencies to work more closely together before considering a potential merger. It allows us to discover the advantages and address any challenges. Importantly, any participating district can exit the agreement at any time without penalty. If the ILA ends, there could be a merger-subject to a public vote — or the agencies may choose to continue independently.
As a candidate for commissioner for Fire District 6, I am committed to being involved in this planning process, drawing on my experience as a project manager. We must prepare not only for a possible merger but also for the scenario in which the agencies remain separate. If the city of Chehalis annexes the Urban Growth Area (UGA), Fire District 6 could lose a significant part of its tax base, and Station 61 would fall within city limits. We need to plan carefully to ensure that such changes do not negatively impact our residents or their rates.
I welcome feedback and questions from community members and city officials. Open dialogue is essential as we work together toward the best solutions for our community.
Gregory S. Cole
Chehalis
