On the May 20 ballot there are only two items for Edmonds voters, and both of them deserve your vote. The EMS (Emergency Medical Services) levy of 50 cents is urgently required to maintain, at the current service level, this critical service that accounts for more than 70 percent of our fire department’s responses.

The second important item is the Edmonds School District’s levy of 28 cents to fund such critical capital facilities projects as safety and emergency preparedness, energy efficiency, systems upgrades, outdoor facilities, etc.

And these two important ballot measures are respectful of the other demands on your budget. Together, in 2009, they will amount to 78 cents for each $1,000 of your property assessment. That’s 6 cents less than your cost in 2008.

I urge you to please say “YES” on May 20 to support both of these levies.

Ron Wambolt

Edmonds City Councilmember