— from San Juan County Firefighters and Paramedics Association, IAFF Local 3911 —
Re: The Expansion of the Board of Fire Commissioners to a Five Member Board
There is a ballot initiative to expand the Orcas Island Board of Fire Commissioners from three to five members. By now you should have received your official San Juan County ballot in the mail. The San Juan County Firefighters and Paramedics Association strongly endorses a “Yes” vote for both initiatives on the ballot for the following reasons:
The existing three-member Board is extremely ineffective, because members are not allowed to meet to discuss board issues unless all three members are present. They can only in “open meetings”, with very few exceptions (the performance of an employee or collective bargaining).
It has been the overwhelming desire of islanders who attend board meetings that this expansion occur.
Serious progress on current issues has in the past been hampered by absenteeism or illness.
A five-member board allows commissioners to work together in sub-committees and creates a more efficient machine.
The creation of a five-member board will enhance the continuity of vital historic information.
School Bond Initiative:
A “yes” vote on initiative #1 will support the Islands’ school infrastructure, and enhance the future of Orcas Island children for decades to come.
Your Paramedics and Firefighters hope you Vote YES.
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Does the San Juan County Firefighters and Paramedics Association advocate for this same switch at the four other emergency response agencies in the County with three person boards? Seems strange for them to advocate only for Orcas but not at least mention the concerns they presumably have for the same exact reasons about the other island agencies as well. Who is the current chair person for this group? Would be nice if they signed their name to this letter.
I whole heartedly support the expansion of the Orcas Fire commission to 5 members and believe that it is critical to the success of the District going forward.
This is a no-brainer!