OC Register Editorial - Placentia Fire Dept.

In the face of soaring costs, Placentia officials decided to exit their contract with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and start their own department.

It's one of the most fiscally responsible decisions we've seen in a local city --- something that will save an estimated $28 million over the next decade while still ensuring quality fire and ambulance services.

In response, the California Fire Chiefs Association sent a peevish letter to its members claiming that the city department endangers public safety and encouraging a boycott of the new department.

In reality, the only threat posed by the Placentia Department is to the power of firefighter unions to shield local cities from lower-cost competition.

Now we find that OCFA has been impeding Placentia's efforts by delaying the city's connection to the countywide Computer Aided Dispatch --- a system that automatically dispatches the closest fire trucks and ambulances to an emergency call.

The company that operates the system, called Tellus, informed Placentia that it must have written authority from OCFA, but the agency has yet to provide it five months later. Such connection approvals typically are a routine matter. This really is outrageous.

"We cannot say for sure," Placentia Mayor Ward Smith wrote in a letter to the fire authority's board, but these delaying "actions seem to be more focused on trying to stop Placentia from successfully establishing its own Fire and Life Safety Department than on the larger public safety concerns at issue."

Like Mayor Smith, we don't know the authority's motives, but it certainly smacks of vindictiveness and protectionism.

OCFA should immediately approve Placentia's CAD connection and stop putting union priorities over the safety of the general public.   

On March 29, 2020 it was my privilege and honor as Placentia's Mayor to stand alongside these two fine gentlemen in recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  Council Member Craig Green (USN) and Commissioner Meredith Castillo (USMC) placed a wreath at the Veterans Monument (not a memorial) in the plaza at the Civic Center.  Both of these men exemplify true character, commitment and service not only to their country but to their community as well.  

I thank and appreciate them both.

Thank you Craig and thank you Meredith!!

Councilmember Ward Smith

City of Placentia 

Placentia’s former police chief, Ward Smith, said he is excited to be serving his hometown again – keeping the community engaged and informed.

Smith, who is a month into his term on the City Council, said he is encouraged by the commitments made toward the construction of a much-anticipated Metrolink station and parking structure in the Old Town Santa Fe District.

After 34 years of service in the Placentia Police Department, Smith retired in March. Though he didn’t anticipate a run for the council, he said he soon realized he need to “step up” and focus on what is best for the community.

Q. What are your goals on the City Council?

A. I look to have an improved relationship between the City Council and the community of Placentia that is more open and engaging. One in which we are seeking the inputs of the community and in turn sharing, informing and educating the community of the business and projects that the city has under way.

I will also look to grow revenues without simply adding taxes, and in that manner seek to amend the City Charter to require a four-fifth vote to place a tax measure or increase on the ballot.

This city has the ability to properly and in an appropriate fashion accomplish revenue increases through a multitude of means if it applies itself. I am very much in support of the revitalization and changes that are proposed and outlined in the Downtown/Old Town District.

The next significant item is of course the embezzlement and the financial processes, policies and procedures that are in place, being modified and followed up on. There are these stop gaps and checks for a reason and we have a responsibility to make sure that they are being followed and folks are accountable.

Q. What are your thoughts on the city’s vision to kick-start housing and commercial redevelopment in the 125-acre Old Town Santa Fe and the Packing House districts?

A. I am encouraged by this project and what it could mean to the city and the community as well as the business community. It has been a long time coming, but this project, coupled with the Metrolink Station, needs to be completed.

Q. Placentia’s police resources have been discussed for several years, including whether services should be outsourced to save money. What are your thoughts?

A. The studies have shown for a number of factors that the savings discussed are not there and the citizens of this city enjoy the service provided by their own police department.

Q. You finished second in a race that had more changes with the vote counting than most. What did it mean to you when you were sworn in on Dec. 13?

A. What mattered to me was that at the end of the day I had reached the mark that would allow for me to be seated in office and I am thankful for that.

Q. When did you get interested in politics? Did you know you would end up running for a public office?

A. As for entering politics, I never really thought that would be a part of the next chapter in my life. I initially believed that my service time to the city and community would be the result of my time spent working for the PD. I was in disagreement with some of what I saw the council doing and I wanted to see it change.

I am enjoying the fact that I am learning and getting a read on the many positive things the city is working on. New councils bring new dynamics, and this can be a good thing as we all learn to work together for the betterment of the community, putting community first and focused on that which will work toward making Placentia a pleasant place again. I am look forward to working with all my new partners and a fantastic city staff.

By DENISSE SALAZAR Orange County Register

January 26, 2017