Arizona Rail Passenger Association
Your Phoenix Fire Fighters are in strong support of the passage of Proposition 1. We see this as essential for enhanced quality of life and orderly growth of our City. Traffic congestion is a growing problem for all of us. It is particularly a problem in terms of quick response times for fire companies, ambulances and police officers. Our ability to respond safely and rapidly affects our ability to save lives. When a person stops breathing irreversible brain damage begins in 4-6 minutes. Drownings, heart attacks, serious auto accidents, fires, assaults and other life threatening situations require our ability to respond in four minutes or less.
Besides being President of the fire fighter's Union, I am a Captain on Engine One in downtown Phoenix. I see every shift how increasing traffic congestion affects our ability to respond quickly and safely to fire and medical emergencies. A couple of minutes may not seem a lot but if you trapped in a burning building or your child has stopped breathing it is critical.
Proposition #1 is designed to help with serious traffic congestion during peak driving periods. This is the time that causes us the most problems. The cost to the average Phoenix resident is estimated to be just 4 cents a day. The benefit for our community is significant. We will have dependable, frequent bus service with clean fuel burning busses for all areas of the City. There will be express routes during peak driving time, more bus pull outs, left turn arrows and bicycles paths. It is a concept that is overdue. I urge you to join me and the rest of the fire fighters in voting "YES" on Prop. #1.
PATRICK CANTELME
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