Regarding arguments that the city of Duluth should take over ambulance service now provided by the private, nonprofit Gold Cross Ambulance, I can see it now: Every time there is a budget problem, the mayor or City Council will threaten to cut ambulance service along with police, fire, libraries and the like. The ambulance service we in Duluth have now lives within its budget without crying. It is a self-sufficient business, doesn't go on strike, doesn't threaten to leave and is just there when needed.
Could it be better? Yes, I'm sure, but after the city adds new employees, (you can't be both a firefighter and ambulance driver), new equipment, garages and who knows what else, the cost could be unbelievable.
And then there are the possible cuts to health care. Will they affect our ambulance service? No one knows, but why take on a potential risky business in questionable times?
Bill Meierhoff
Duluth
