Wa. Voters, Council Refuse Paramedic Program

(AP) YAKIMA, Wash.

A newly appointed Yakima city council member cast the deciding vote as the council voted 4-3 against allowing the fire department to start a paramedic program.

In only her third meeting, Maureen Adkison found herself having to break a tie Tuesday over whether to allow the department to start a limited rescue program.

Supporters said it was an issue of public safety. Opponents argued it was just bigger government.

Voters overwhelming rejected a tax levy in February that would have allowed the fire department to hire firefighters trained only as basic EMTs. They would have teamed up with more highly trained paramedics provided by two private ambulance companies that serve the region.
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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com

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