They’re needed for citizen safety

I am an FCC-certified electronic technician, ham radio operator and emergency volunteer, and am saddened about the misinformation and negativity being spread around Snohomish in regard to the new KRKO transmitter site.

I live with five miles of the transmitter site and do not have any concerns about the living next door to a high-powered transmitter for several reasons.

My father, who is a retired broadcast engineer with about 45 years of experience, has been around high powered transmitters and has yet to suffer from any health problems from working around this equipment. His career included AM, FM and television in the Yakima, Seattle and Los Angeles markets.

A letter to the editor claimed that a couple of deer would be losing about an acre of land to roam on. As an avid hunter I see all kinds of power towers that stretch for miles in the areas where I hunt. I have yet to see any deer that are bothered by them.

I’m very excited that a high-powered KRKO will be used for the emergency preparedness plan here in Snohomish County. The new transmitter site will better allow citizens to get news and information about Snohomish County. The Seattle stations, of course, will only focus in the King County. So what good is that?

Another issue to consider is that there will no doubt be earthquake someday that will take some radio stations off the air. Given the

terrorism threat in the world today, we need all the resources possible for the safety of our local citizens. It would be nice if the folks here in Snohomish could see the greater good for our community.

Steve Burling