Facing a financial crisis, Stockton city officials designed Measure "H" to cut expenses in the fire department. The city council and fire chief have little control over department staffing as a result of the current contract crafted by an arbitrator, according to Stockton Vice Mayor Kathy Miller.

Kathy Miller: "Because of it we are unable to control run away costs in our fire department, which is the only department in the city that currently has this provision."

Firefighters say the approval of Measure "H" will result in fewer personnel responding to emergencies and they say that puts the public in danger.