Pasadena residents are approaching a critical vote on November 3 regarding Measure PFD, a proposed special parcel tax designed to provide dedicated funding for the city’s fire department. As the election nears, the campaigns for and against the measure have intensified, with disputes emerging over the role of city officials in public outreach and the accuracy of digital advertisements.
The city of Pasadena recently initiated a series of informational sessions, inviting neighborhood associations, homeowner groups, and other community organizations to host presentations featuring Fire Chief Chad Augustin and other city staff members. While the city characterizes these events as necessary public education, opponents argue they have crossed the line into active political campaigning.
The “No on Measure PFD” campaign has criticized the nature of these sessions, claiming they focus primarily on the negative consequences that might follow if the measure fails. Matt Klink, a consultant for the opposition campaign, described the fire department as being used as a “grassroots campaign arm” for the proponents of the tax.
Fire Chief Augustin has firmly rejected these accusations. He maintained that the presentations are limited to providing factual information intended to help residents understand the choices and implications before them. “That, in my mind, is education, not advocacy,” Augustin stated, emphasizing that the goal of the outreach is to provide clarity on the measure’s potential impact on the department’s service capabilities.
Simultaneously, the “Yes on Measure PFD” campaign has raised concerns about the tactics used by the opposition. Supporters of the tax have accused the “No” campaign of running deceptive digital advertisements and using website language that implies local firefighters do not support the funding increase.
Raffy Bitchakdjian, president of the Pasadena Firefighters Association 809, clarified the union’s stance, noting that the association does not support the opposition’s efforts. He described the use of firefighter likenesses or names in opposition materials as “very deceptive,” asserting that no members of the local firefighter association are backing the effort to defeat the measure.
If approved by voters on November 3, Measure PFD would levy a special tax on property owners within the city. The resulting revenue would be restricted specifically to supporting fire department operations and infrastructure. The outcome will determine whether the city secures this independent funding stream or continues to rely on existing budget allocations for its emergency services and fire prevention efforts.
