With the 2018 general election season in full swing, those vying for seats on the Sedona Fire District’s Governing Board were asked a variety of questions pertaining to issues facing the district — both today and in the future.
Age: 78
Occupation: Retired Los Angeles County fire captain
Years in the District: 4.5
Q: Why do you feel you’re qualified to serve on the SFD Governing Board?
It is important that SFD Governing Board members be interested, knowledgeable and passionate about serving the taxpayers of the Sedona Fire District and be available to attend meetings and training sessions. Fire Board members must have credibility, integrity, have community awareness, know the history of the department, be flexible on issues, be open-minded and without a personal hidden agenda.
| Sedona Fire District |
| The six candidates for the Sedona Fire District Governing Board election were given five questions to answer about their candidacy and 750 words in total to respond. These are their answers. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. |
I have served in the U.S. Army, as a Los Angeles Police officer, a firefighter paramedic, hazardous materials technician and fire captain with the third-largest fire department in the nation. My work history has provided an in-depth knowledge acquired from involvement in thousands of emergency incidents. My volunteer participation on SFD’s
Citizen’s Advisory Committee, the Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board and the SFD’s Governing Board have provided me with a working knowledge of the Arizona open meeting laws, special taxing districts and the budget. I believe these experiences more than qualify me to serve on the SFD Governing Board.
Q: If elected, what would be your top priority?
As a member of the Sedona Fire District’s Governing Board, my top priority will be to make the District one of the safest places to live, work and play. I believe the citizens who elect board members want someone who will respect and work with other board members, the fire chief and to preserve the fire and EMS services it presently provides. Board members are legally and ethically accountable to the Fire District’s taxpayers and staff to ensure efficient operation of the Fire District. When elected, I will be available to the taxpayers, be a good listener, have community awareness, be open minded, attend development training and observe the open meeting laws of the state of Arizona.
Q: What do you feel is the biggest issue the SFD is currently facing?
This is a good question and not a simple one to answer as there are many things that impact the delivery of fire service. These include unfunded state mandates, legislation, rising pension costs, the mil rate and getting back on track after a devastating downturn in the economy. I believe the current issue is to maintain what I believe to be one of the best medium-sized fire departments I’ve encountered in my 35 years of public safety. While many of the 156 fire districts throughout Arizona faced massive service cuts due to the economy, closed fire stations, slashed training budgets and cut staff and firefighter positions, the SFD found ways to continue to serve visitors and the residents without drastic measures.
Q: Last year a $17.9 million bond failed to pass, but it’s been determined that there are improvement needs to various fire stations. How would you address these deficiencies?
The Fire District receives its revenue through property tax levy, ambulance fees, contributions, rents, sale of property and grants. A general obligation bond was one of several options to fund the rebuilding of Station 4 in Uptown, relocate and rebuild Station 5 in the canyon and make repairs to Station 1 headquarters and Station 3 in the Village.
I and others on the Citizens Advisory Committee felt a bond was the best option to pay for what was needed and to pay for them over time and outside of the mil rate cap, but the taxpayers spoke. Those deficiencies still remain and must be addressed. To deal with these deficiencies the board policy is to maintain a capital improvement fund for the betterment of the district while reducing the need for one-time budget increases and dependency on financing to fund capital projects. As a sitting board member, I supported this policy.
Q: Would you be in favor of a joint venture with state and federal agencies to build a new station at Slide Rock to address the needs of the residents and visitors?
My focus is always on SFD’s ability to respond to emergency incidents as the highest priority. Relocation of Station 5 to Slide Rock will provide a more effective and centralized response for the entire canyon. Additionally, residents in the canyon may realize a reduction in the home insurance premiums which is a bonus. SFD partnering with Arizona State Parks and possibly the U.S. Forest Service would be a true win-win for all taxpayers on many levels. SFD staff are continually working with Arizona State Parks to collocate and I
