||| FROM SUSAN D. KUNK |||
Brian has been deeply, and broadly, engaged in community service at many levels since he came to Orcas almost 25 years ago. He has been a structural firefighter, technical rescue team member, a marine rescue/transport team member, and has served as an officer of the Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association.
He has served as our Planning Commissioner, Port Commissioner, and Housing Commissioner. He has served on the Eastsound Planning and Review Committee and has been a Trustee of the OPAL Community Land Trust and served as its Treasurer. He has been on the Boards of the Eastsound Water Board (and served as its President), the Orcas Family Health Center, Childrens’ House (and served as its Treasurer), and Lopez Island Vineyards. He has served as a Trustee of the OPAL Community Land Trust and has served as its Treasurer. He is currently
VP of the Orcas Highlands Association Board.
In short, Brian has proven skills in leadership, budget and finance; understands government processes and regulations; and has extensive experience collaborating productively with his fellow commissioners/trustees/Board members. Brian is a strong advocate of WA State’s Public Records & Open Public Meetings Acts.
Brian has publicly stated that, as he sees it, the three biggest issues facing the department rightnow are:
- Rebuilding the Community’s trust in OIFR’s leadership through Good Governance and Transparency
- Developing and Delivering a plan for Financial Stability that the community will support
- Volunteer retention, recruitment, and training
I strongly support Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commissioner Seat #2.
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My wife and I recently returned home to San Juan Island after being away for three years for medical reasons. Thankfully, all is well now and I am inspired to learn about many of the great projects, people and organizations working on solutions to the climate-related and other challenges we face in the islands. Specifically one such group is the Madrona Institute who produced the Climate Action Speakers Series, facilitated by the wonderfully skilled and knowledgable Nikyta Palmisani. The most recent presentation and discussion on October 26 was engaging, inclusive and hopeful. I invite you to explore the Madrona Institute’s website, https://www.madrona.org/, to watch all the shows in the series and learn more about the Institute’s great work. It is clear that we have a great opportunity to join with others in conversation, collaboration and action to design more solutions to our challenges.