Growth and expansion without considering the needs of our emergency services is not a plan. All city projects must account for the added strain on our emergency services and how they may be impacted.

Yes. We are at the point where building up is our remaining option. As our city grows, we need to make sure our public services can handle that growth first; this means staffing, equipment, and training.

I believe this is somewhat case-by-case, but as population density changes, we need to be ready. This means making sure that we do not overburden existing services. We need to build the capacity of our emergency services first, then build within that capacity.

What I take from the example is that we are currently understaffed, and before we build another fire hall that would likely be understaffed, we need to make sure our teams are ready. To keep up with the city's growth, we need to prioritize hiring more professional firefighters. You say we need 48; to make that possible, I want to be there before we open the new station.

The Fire Underwriters Survey assessment may offer the best insight to help us make this decision. As part of being a more transparent government, I would release this report to the public before the end of the year.

My first job is to listen to your expert advice and understand your needs; then I need to know the timeline; and finally, I have to find a way to pay for it and make it happen. I believe in surrounding myself with people who understand the problems and have solutions in mind.

When it comes to prioritizing projects to make our city safer, they are at the top of the list. I have no interest in big flashy vanity projects. If all I do as mayor is improve our public services and update boring infrastructure that has fallen into disrepair, then I have done my job right. I need to know what it is, how much it costs, and how soon you need this.

First, I'd share this with all parties involved; then we'll sit down and determine the best path forward based on the report's recommendations. You know your teams better than I do, so if you know of potential gaps in the staffing report, that insight is valuable.

Yes, before the end of the year.

For context, this meeting will happen after, at the very least, we share the Fire Underwriters Survey assessment report with our fire departments. My first question is: Based on the report's recommendations, what do you believe should be our top priority? What do you believe is missing, and how can we work together to improve our local fire departments?

We are a growing city, but what I want to see before the end of my first term as mayor is all departments properly staffed. Make sure your departments are properly equipped for our changing city as we build up, ensure we have a fleet of engines that can handle taller structure fires, and make sure you are prepared and trained for new threats such as lithium fires. If I take a second term, it will be my last. I hope to continue with what I laid out before and grow our department to meet the needs of our growing city.

Above everything else, I want our departments well staffed so we are not stretching our professionals thin trying to meet the city's needs with limited resources.