||| FROM TONI KNUDSON |||
My name is Toni Knudson, and I am running for Fire Commissioner 1 on Orcas Island because it’s time for a change! Orcas deserves a Fire Commission that’s as good as our incredible firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. We need to restore civility and transparency to the Fire Commission and elect commissioners who will work together for the good of the department and the community that we love and serve.
Toni Knudson
I am the only Fire Commissioner 1 Candidate who publicly opposes this Fire Levy that’s on the ballot. I have opposed this levy from the beginning because I know we can do much better.
The fire levy that went before the voters in August failed with 75% of us voting against it. The mostly appointed commission decided to put that same exact levy back in front of us again with zero changes. You know what they say about doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result. I promise you, I will not do that. I will listen. You will be heard.
We can bring change, but I can’t do my job without you, the community. I believe this levy will cause great financial harm to anyone on a fixed income, anyone working hard to pay their bills and anyone who rents property on Orcas. We all know how hard you already have it to exist here. I believe that we can do this in a better way!
I want to ensure that better financial decisions are being made in the future. The process of management and decision making should be done with greater transparency. I want accountability going forward. I want to rebuild and restore trust within the Board of Fire Commissioners by being honest and by engaging with you, the community.
I have lived on Orcas Island, full-time, for the last 23 years. I own a family business, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm & Bistro, that’s a popular destination on the island. I have created a highly profitable business that’s provided over 40 jobs on Orcas. Our business’ six-month revenue is greater than the yearly budget of the Orcas Island Fire Department. I know how to manage large budgets and finances.
Previously, I was a building inspector for the County. I helped owners and builders get their projects through to completion where I became an expert on the fire code. I have an accounting degree from Shoreline Community College. I’m a good listener with strong people skills and the ability to work effectively with people of different views. I am always available, in person, to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you might have.
If I am elected, I look forward to working and collaborating with my fellow commissioners, Chief vanSchaick, and the community in guiding the fire department into a healthy, thriving organization. Give me the opportunity to serve our community as your Fire Commissioner. I am loyal to the bone, and I hope you make me part of the change we need.
To learn more about me and why I’m running, go to toniforchange.com.
I am glad Toni is putting forth her qualifications and experience in this well-written letter. All along, Toni has said why she’s against this levy. I have my own reasons why, including concerns about this commission and our Chief our last two local EMTs, and I’ve spoken extensively on this. We don’t need to throw anyone under the bus to get the monies, or even to hire a new paramedic and keep our two career EMTs, if this levy fails again and runs out before the end of 2024.
It’s brave to stick your neck out and be completely transparent; not promise the moon like politicians do – or try to be liked by everyone – but due to an internal compass of integrity. I’ve appreciated this integrity in Toni, both from years of knowing her personally, and in this election. She knows the issues – and can articulate everything with thoughtfulness, compassion for all viewpoints, and depth. I’ve watched her grow as a candidate and I have a lot of respect for her and what she hopes to do with this incoming commission. She is smart, sincere, loyal, honest. I believe her.
That said, this is is a hard choice between Toni and Kate because they both are excellent. I have so much respect for all the challengers to the incumbents’ seats. They are working to be transparent, working together, working with us, and showing us that they mean it when they stepped up for these elections. Let’s support them.
I so wish that both Toni and Kate could each win a seat in the fire district commission. I sincerely hope that whoever comes in second for this seat will consider staying involved, and running again. I’ll support whoever wins, but Toni gets my vote.