Kevin Dugdale: AMR will hurt local economy

Large economic loss is coming to Merced County. How do I know this? I am the sole provider for my family of six, and I work for Riggs Ambulance Service in the business office. My job will be lost if AMR is given the bid in Merced. I am only one of a number of people that will lose our local jobs. I would like to point out a few things: Merced County poverty level is the highest in the state -- 23 percent.

Merced County unemployment was close to 20 percent Due to seasonal work, unemployment has fallen, but will rise again.

All of the Riggs employees who loose their jobs will become a drain on the county resources for a short time.

The national average duration of unemployment is currently 40 weeks.

Bringing AMR into Merced will not benefit our county. It will hurt us.

Loss of local jobs, loss of annual economic revenue, possible home foreclosures directly related to Riggs employees, and an increase in the number of people using unemployment benefits. Please save our local jobs and help our county. Newer is not always better.

KEVIN DUGDALE

Atwater