By Leonard Gray – L’Observateur

We would like to congratulate the efforts of the volunteer fire departments in St. John the Baptist Parish for successfully pushing through a quarter-cent sales tax increase, which will pay for a corps of paid firefighters at each department.

Advertising the election was light, and the voter turnout of 10 percent was not unexpected. It is unfortunate more people didn’t take an apparent interest in an issue affecting each and every one of us.

We may never suffer the catastrophic effects of a devastating house fire, but those who have can testify to the loss of property, homes and lives. None of us is immune from the possibility, and if there is anything which can nudge the odds in our favor, it is paid firefighters.

It won’t be until nearly the end of the year before the new responders will be on staff.

We can’t wait for that glad day.

—Leonard Gray, L’Observateur