Please consider attending the League of Women Voters of the San Juans Election Forum on Orcas Island on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.

The following information on candidates for the Orcas Fire and Rescue Commissioners Race is from the Washington Voters Pamphlet, which will be mailed to county voters next week.

Tomorrow we will post similar information on the two candidates for the Orcas Park and Rec Commissioners’ race.

Wes Heinmiller

Professional Experience: I have been a property owner on Orcas Island since 1994. Since 1968 I have been the owner and operator of marine repair, piloting and management companies, Atlantis Society and White Light Charters.
Education: I am a graduate of San Diego Naval Training Center Fire Fighting School and San Diego Maritime Institute with a 1,600 ton Masters License with Standards of Training Certification, Watch Keeping, Sailing and Towing endorsements.
Community Service: My community service includes Deer Harbor Plan Review Committee, Chair; SJC Marine Resources Committee, Member; United States Coast Guard Foundation, Charter Member; Driftwood Condominium Association, President; OIYC, past Commodore.

Statement: As a District 2 Fire Commissioner my goal will be to seek fair and balanced governing. I will strive to work cooperatively with all members of the Commission and in a manner that promotes public confidence. I will adhere to a strict policy of fiscal responsibility.

I value public input and will both seek and welcome feedback from the community. I also value the wisdom of my fellow commissioners and appreciate their long-term experience. With my maritime background I am accustomed to following the chain of command and realize its necessity.

I will endeavor to offer all the tools needed for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue to operate efficiently and
effectively and in a safe and courteous manner. I will always keep the public’s safety and comfort first.
I look forward to serving the community and OIFR!

Julie Anne Remington

Education: 2009 International Diploma Humanitarian Assistance, Fordham University; 2008 CertificateJournalism, University Massachusetts Amherst; 2008 Certificate Emergency Management, UC Davis Professional Studies; 2003 Bachelor of Arts Mount St. Mary’s University; 1988 Stephens College
Community Service: 2000-2013 Firefighter EMT-B Wildland Red Card FF2; 150+ CME hours PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Emergency Trauma Center; Created Fall Prevention Program & Received Grant; CPR & First Aid Instructor Certification; EMS Award Exemplary Service; Secretary FF/EMT Association; Trustee OI Museum; Trustee OI Education Foundation; volunteer Search & Rescue Joplin EF5 disaster; Ventura County Animal Shelter; Victim Advocate Certification Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services

Statement: I take pride in my Hawaiian Midwestern based upbringing of values, integrity, honesty, work ethic, diplomacy, community, and service to others. Relocating from Los Angeles in 1998 (having endured 1992 LA Riots, 1993 Malibu Fires, 1994 Northridge Earthquake) I joined OIFR in 2000, served under three fire chiefs, and observed many changes within the department and the needs of our community. I worked with FEMA’s Joint Field Operations Center during a 30-day deployment for Hurricane Katrina, and deployed to San Diego Wildfires with Engine 26 and crew. I created the Mission & Values Statement & submitted a Workplace Violence Policy to the BOFC.

Words I try and live by: “be kind to others” “be practical but let’s get it done” and “Ho’oponopono”
Polynesian practice to do what is right and reconcile differences. Please consider me for the position of Fire Commissioner 2 for SJC Fire District 2. Mahalo.