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: 71
Occupation: Retired chief investment officer
Years in the district: 7
Q: Why do you feel you’re qualified to serve on the SFD Governing Board?
My qualifications and experiences include:
Education: Bachelor of Science, industrial engineering; Master of Business Administration, finance.
| 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. |
Business: Production management; financial analysis; strategic planning; mergers and acquisitions; and investment management.
Board: Hyatt Residence Club, resort president; Chamber Music Sedona, treasurer; Keep Sedona Beautiful, board member.
My engineering and finance education, combined with my diverse business experiences, will allow me to evaluate how the district can provide emergency services at a reasonable cost to the taxpayers. Working together with other board members who have experience in fire operations, we will provide the best outcomes for the District and its residents.
Q: If elected, what would be your top priority?
My No. 1 priority will always be that emergency lives and property, while always looking for ways to improve that service in cost-effective ways.
Q: What do you feel is the biggest issue the SFD is currently facing?
The No. 1 issue facing the district is traffic congestion and how it impacts the response times to resident emergencies when traffic clogs our roads. The board must participate with the city, the counties and the state in identifying and implementing timely solutions.
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?
Last year’s bond election failed as “nice to have wants” were included with true needs. The district must be more transparent with residents and voters. A strategic plan must address and prioritize deficiencies, explore alternative solutions, include cost-benefit analyses and determine financing plans. Any plan[s] must include a buy-in by the residents as they will be paying the tab for any improvements.
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 residents and visitors? Explain why or why not.
I would not be in favor of a joint venture for a new station in the Slide Rock State Park. A joint venture with state and federal agencies would involve significant red tape and delay completion of any project.
Instead, I believe Sedona has the talent to develop its own alternative solutions to provide the level of emergency service that the canyon the residents deserve.
