At this time, I do not have confirmed ballot question language for Mauricetown FD2. I plan to confirm this directly at the February 2 meeting.

• Rent / LOSAP / stipends accounting: There appeared to be discussion regarding how to pay for extra rent, which increased from roughly $30,000 to $35,900, in relation to LOSAP and stipends.
• Internet upgrade + network separation: This district (and others) have been switching from Verizon to Comcast to improve connectivity and separate public Wi-Fi from secured internal network use.
• Driver training emphasis: Significant discussion occurred at the last meeting regarding improved driving training, prompted by a recent accident related to the Port Elizabeth station.

• Staffing: Most, if not all, districts need more firefighters and EMS personnel.
• Volunteer model vs affordability: The use of volunteers versus the cost of living and affordability situations should be discussed.
• Turnout: Low voter turnout should be re-discussed, as it calls into question the strength of election processes.
• Visibility gap: Lack of public attendance and press coverage of meetings leaves the public and voters in the dark regarding essential emergency services.
• Legal Notice vs Meaningful Notice: Traditionally, public meetings across the county only needed to be advertised in one or two newspapers. As the digital age takes over, there is a push to publish on websites, but is that enough?
• EMS uncertainty: The ongoing Inspira contract discussions leaves districts in limbo about how to handle EMS coverage on a long term vision.
• Radio programming: The lack of a radio programmer hinders inter-county communication during mutual aid endeavors.

• Meeting coverage: Planned follow-up at the February 2 meeting to confirm ballot questions and encourage candidate participation.
• Interviews: TBD
• Posts / articles: TBD