Balloonists

A few years ago my father-in-law got sick and we had to call 911. A month later, we got a bill from the city for the services. We were glad to pay it because we feel the service is worth having. But who’s paying to save those billionaires in their balloon (Dec. 26)?

If they have nothing better to do than fly around in balloons, shouldn’t they be required to pay for the services that our government provided? Steve Fossett said this was his third time this year that he’s tried to go around the world in a balloon. I am glad we have the Coast Guard and all the other services that helped save these men. But when someone is just playing games as these men are, the taxpayer should not have to pick up the tab.

JOE GOLDWINE, Encino