Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue Board Position 4

Why should residents consider you for the MCFR board position 4?

My experience includes 31 years as a fire manager with Department of Forestry, seven years as a member of the Wasco Rural Budget Committee and 29 years on the MCFR Budget Committee. It has been an honor to serve on the MCFR Board these past eight years, during which time the district has seen growth in revenue, personnel, equipment, and the selection of a new fire chief. The board has an established Strategic Plan as well as a newly adopted Standards of Cover to help guide the district. Experience matters and I feel uniquely qualified to continue in this role.

What do you see as the district’s greatest challenge going forward?

Having just completed the Standards of Cover, which is an assessment to ensure that an emergency services agency provides adequate resources to address community risks, the district has determined that in addition to other concerns, a new fire station is essential to providing timely response to all areas of this community. This will be a challenging and costly process; however, I believe we can accomplish this without having to go through a bond measure. In addition, the district will need to continue to increase personnel as revenue allows in order to provide the best level of service to our community.

What is the role of the fire district in our rural community?

First and foremost, its role is to live within its means.  The fire district is a business not unlike many others. It is the responsibility of the fire board and its administration to spend and utilize the taxpayers’ dollars in an efficient and responsible manner. Secondly, the fire district needs to provide an appropriate and adequate level of service in their response to fires and medical emergencies to the community.

Additionally, the district needs to look to the future and make sure that its personnel, facilities and equipment are appropriate and necessary for the continued growth of our community.

How will you continue to support the district’s mission of “To provide professional services and education to minimize suffering and protect life and property?”

MCFR has a long tradition of providing exceptional professional services to the community in both the fire and EMS responses. A large reason for this is that there has always been a cohesive and focused board helping to guide the chief and its administrative staff. If re-elected, I will do my part to continue to support the staff in their objective of maintaining the district’s mission statement through efficient and positive leadership at the board level.