Editor, Manteca Bulletin.
I am writing concerning Measure A on the June ballot.
Bethany Home, a retirement community of senior citizens in Ripon, is being asked to pay twice as much as other citizens for improved service of the Fire Department. It should come as no surprise that aging people could have an increased need for these services. It should also be no surprise that they have paid for these services throughout their life, whether they used them or not. However, it is only those seniors living at Bethany that are now being asked to pay twice as much as other citizens. This is very discriminating.
Also, while attending a meeting regarding this measure with fire officials present, I was told that if Measure A passes, the fire officials would then ask the Fire Board to lower the amount of tax that Bethany residents would have to pay. I find it very disturbing that it might be possible to change what voters have approved after the election. If this is possible, what value does anyone’s vote have?
I appreciate the excellent service provided to Ripon by the fire department, and see the need for monies to staff the second fire station. I do not, however, feel that only the senior citizens at Bethany should pay more for this service. I would hope the costs could be shared equally among all members of the community.
Sadly, I will have to vote NO on this poorly thought-out measure that is discriminatory.

Dorothy Mestemacher
Ripon