To the editor:

I was very pleased to read the June 18 Independent article of the “Marshall FD celebrates new ladder truck.” As do other citizens of the Marshall Fire Dept. Service area, I realize it is needed and will serve a good purpose. No doubt it was worth the two-year build period wait.

It was noted of the $1.475 million dollar cost, $200,000 came from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. What the article did not point out was that it was a COVID Pandemic Era Economic Stimulus Act passed during the Biden administration. The act was passed without the vote of a single Republican member of The U.S. House of Representatives. Not one. The same was true for the U.S. Senate. And yes, that includes our local Rep. Michelle Fischbach. In reality, she voted against the very bill that provided the $200,000 for this Marshall Fire Department Ladder Truck.

Now, should there be some discussion of the disbursement of funds formula based upon congressional members’ support? What is known to happen, they vote against a bill, but are the first ones to show up for a “ribbon cutting” photo op in their district.

Tony Doom

Marshall