Editor,

I, Gerald Smith, am asking for your vote for fire commissioner to North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Position No. 1.

I joined North Whidbey Fire and Rescue at the age of 17 and have been a member with them for the past 24 years. Two of those years I spent as the training officer and 16 years as a captain. Additionally I am a lieutenant with Navy Region NW Fire & Emergency Services and have been with them for 15 years.

I pride myself with staying current with today’s codes and regulations that are required of the fire service. I even took it upon myself to become qualified as an emergency vehicle technician to have the ability to work on our fire department apparatus as a way to save the fire department and ultimately the tax payers’ money.

Some of my reasoning for running for commissioner is to ensure there is honesty, transparency and discipline within the organization, reestablish a sound financial foundation for the organization and ensure current and future policy and procedures fit the need of the organization and the community.

I have been asked if I support the fire levy and as it is written today, I do not support the levy. Since the late 1990s, the fire department has been able to pay cash for the apparatus and buildings it has built. One of my many goals is to work with the other two commissioners to reestablish this ability. Like you, I work hard for my money and I do not want to see our tax dollars inappropriately used.

For these reasons, I am asking for your vote for fire commissioner.

Gerald Smith

Oak Harbor