SFD Candidate: Mel Rycus devoted to public service3 min read

October 22, 2010

Mel Rycus thinks his years of experience in local politics would be a benefit to the Sedona Fire District.
Rycus, 80, running for a seat on the SFD Governing Board, moved to the Village of Oak Creek from Orchard Lake, Mich., about 28 years ago.

While living in Michigan, Rycus served as mayor, councilman and was also a charter amendment commissioner. All the positions were for the city of Orchard Lake.

Rycus was past president of the Sedona-VerdeValley Association of Realtors, Bell Rock Kiwanis and the West Bloomfield, Mich., Optimists.

He also was a past board member for the Village of Oakcreek Association and was appointed to the Selective Service Board by President Ronald Reagan in April 1982.

Rycus has also served with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Submarine Veterans.
Having the time to serve is one reason Rycus decided to seek a seat on the Governing Board.

“I have always devoted myself to public service, and I will continue [this] as long as I am able,” he said.
He said the community has been great to him, and he thinks it is time to give something back.

He said the district and board need to work together to bring mutual respect and cooperation to each other and this would be Rycus’ top priority, if he is elected to the Governing Board.

Rycus, running as an independent candidate, said he was offered contributions for his campaign, but refused them because he does not want to be beholden to anyone.

If elected, he wants to keep up the growth and expansion of the community while sustaining proper maintenance of buildings. He also wants firefighters to have continued training opportunities.

Rycus said he has not made up his mind whether a fire station in the Chapel area is needed, since there are so many unanswered questions.

“It depends if it is necessary,” Rycus said. “How often will it be used?”

Another issue, he said, is the cost beyond construction. If the station was built, it would have to be staffed.
“You cannot build it and operate it without expenses going up,” he said.

If the public wants the station it should be built because the community comes first, he said.

He also opposes ambulance privatization because there is no reason to change a practice that is working so well.

“I think what we have right now is good,” Rycus said. “At this time, we should leave well enough alone.”

He is not opposed to having volunteers help the district as long as they are properly trained with the current required regulations.

An entire volunteer fire district would likely result in decreased response times and would not work, Rycus said.

“The only way I could support having trained volunteers is to supplement the overtime being used,” he said.

He believes the SFD budget should be created by the fire chief with Governing Board members asking questions when it is presented.

“That is the time to question all expenditures,” he said. “I think the chief is aware of the climate of the citizens and is making cuts with manpower and equipment. I would refer to the chief’s judgment on where the cuts should be made.”

Rycus said he will let his past integrity speak for itself.