To the editor:

Dr. Bonnie Stegman has served Mehlville residents for 15 years as a director on the Mehlville Fire Protection District board. Dr. Stegman is an integral part of the three-member dream team serving along with Aaron Hilmer and Ed Ryan, always protecting the interests of Mehlville taxpayers.

During Dr. Stegman’s 15-year tenure there were many notable accomplishments, but here are a few. For 15 years there have been no tax-rate increases and no bonds issued. During this time, the district built four new fire stations, purchased new ambulances and scheduled replacement firetrucks. MFPD now has five ambulances 24/7 and two additional ambulances on 12-hour shifts seven days a week. The district hired 12 additional paramedics to staff the additional ambulances. There are a total of seven ambulances operating every day.

Dr. Stegman is being opposed by Fred Baumgarth. Mr. Baumgarth has been trying unsuccessfully for many years to wiggle onto the board. He is backed by special interests that would undermine the progress made by this board and spend money that would not be in the best interests of the taxpayers.

In short, Dr. Stegman and her fellow board members have provided more and better service to the Mehlville taxpayers with no tax increases.

The taxpayers in other districts pay much more for less service. Keep the good times rolling and re-elect Bonnie Stegman on April 6.

Terry Hildebrandt
Oakville