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Government is there to provide emergency services for those who are injured by accident, not reckless or intentional behavior.

Todd Spitzer, an Orange County board supervisor, who's seeking to change California law so that municipal governments can bill citizens for extraordinary rescues caused by reckless behavior. His mission began after two hikers on hallucinatory drugs got lost and cost the local fire authority $55,000 to rescue.

Todd Spitzer, an Orange County board supervisor, who's seeking to change California law so that municipal governments can bill citizens for extraordinary rescues caused by reckless behavior. His mission began after two hikers on hallucinatory drugs got lost and cost the local fire authority $55,000 to rescue.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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