Newman residents the time is now to vote no on Measure A. Vote no and demand Westside Ambulance be more fiscally responsible, ensure adequate staffing levels (2 ALS ambulances daily) but most importantly be transparent with all us who pay for the service. It's apparent the push from the local ambulance provider to raise the tax, is purely to supplement the wasteful spending. Just recently they voted to increase the Westside Ambulance chief's salary and they approved higher wages for the paramedics. A fiscally responsible decision would be to approve these if and when the tax measure passes. Now Westside Ambulance is trying to make us believe this raise for the paramedics is a must for retention and recruiting. If that's the case, how come the medics who recently quit this year have not returned. Simple answer, it's not about the money. They left due to the lack of transparency and engagement from management. Let's take a look at one of the decisions by Westside Ambulance management.

Earlier this year Westside Ambulance downed an ALS ambulance (left one available to cover Newman, Gustine, Santa Nella and Stevenson) just so the crew can attend a Measure A dinner. Westside Ambulance felt that is more important than ensuring proper ALS staffing for the Newman residents for the service that we currently pay for. 

Also, just this year, a Westside Ambulance paramedic stated, "I don't think Newman residents care what ambulance shows up when they call 911.” I disagree. I believe when we call 911 we are at ease when familiar faces arrive on scene. Providing exceptional customer care and showing compassion and empathy. Our primary provider is Westside Ambulance. They must ensure adequate ambulance coverage (2 ALS ambulances daily), provide exceptional customer service and are present in this community for calls of service and public events. 

Last year Westside Ambulance did not make an appearance at Officer Singh's Memorial held at the plaza in Newman. This is just one example of many Newman events they did not attend or support. 

I have spent time talking to many Newman residents who are upset with the service this local ambulance provides. From the lack of compassion to the unprofessional appearance on scene creates a lack of trust between Westside Ambulance and the residents. 

Do not be bullied into thinking voting no will cause longer wait times for an ambulance. I ensure you Stanislaus County will not allow that to be the case. Westside Ambulance will push this narrative to scare you into a yes vote. Yet, they will down ambulances or staff only one ambulance. Isn't doing so potentially impacting ambulance wait times? 

For perspective roughly 90% of Westside Ambulance's EMTs and paramedics do not live in Newman. They have no problem telling you go ahead and pay the tax increase because either A, they do not currently pay one themselves or B, just because they benefit (as a collective and individually) from us paying the increase to support the wage increase they received. 

Currently, the Westside Ambulance chief, who does not reside in Newman, Gustine, Santa Nella or Stevenson uses Westside's vehicle to travel home five days a week with no intention of responding to calls for service. Yet another example of wasteful spending.

Dave Maison

Newman