— from Kari Schuh —
I’ve already voted for Wes Heinmiller for Orcas Island Fire Commissioner and I’m encouraging you to do just the same. In fact, our whole family has voted, signed, sealed, and delivered the ballots to the elections office several days ago.
Just in case there are voters out there still waiting until the actual Election Day to fill in their form, let me reassure you of the best candidate choice and Vote YES for Wes!
As longtime members of the Orcas Island Fire Department, my family personally knows both running mates. We’ve worked alongside the two of them in various settings and different capacities throughout the many years. I consider both candidates to be more than excellent and overall great human beings. Plus, I applaud their willingness to put themselves into the public arena.
However, that being said, our decision to endorse and vote for Wes came from careful introspection, weighing of various skill sets, his current success as a business owner, which lends our confidence in his financial background, his understanding of the myriad of issues facing the department’s future, his ability to triage public feedback, his assurances of no hidden agenda or ulterior motives, his effective open communication style, plus our being present to witness the two candidate’s poise and responses to lines of questions directly in front of the numerous OIFR volunteers.
Wes puts his words into action having helped to raise funds for the Deer Harbor Fire Station plus he put hours of labor into the design and decoration of the interior spaces. He also has been attending commissioner meetings for years as well as he’s been to Fire/EMS trainings. Most recently, on his own time he attended 2015 Washington Fire Commissioners Association Annual Conference in Everett.
We also know Wes has an incredible sense of humor, he has impeccable integrity, plus he’s honest and forthright. He’ll work to ensure the department and our community is well represented by his decision-making processes.
I’ve voted and endorse Wes Heinmiller for Orcas Island Fire Commissioner and so can YOU. To learn more visit “www.sayyesforwes.com.”
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I am a friend and neighbor and the “opponent”of Wes Heinmiller. Most importantly…My hope is that people exercise their right to vote. So many other places in the world right now where others (women in particular) are excluded in the political process much less have the opportunity to serve in local government. Regardless of who wins this election…I am blessed to live in a free and privileged society that promotes democracy…equality…and freedom of speech.
For the record…I began attending BOFC meetings in 2000. These meetings involved numerous issues: hiring of new chiefs …personnel challenges…budgets…committees for communications and planning…purchase of new engines , ambulances, rescue rigs, wildland attack trucks and other equipment to maintain the best standard of service for our district, our volunteers, and insurance ratings. Former Fire Chief Gary Bennett enlisted me to volunteer & chair the “public open house” of the new Station 21 Headquarters. Regarding the building of Station 24 Deer Harbor (my previous home station) I too was instrumental in adding my ideas for the design and concept of a stand alone station…a building that would serve the west side of Orcas in the event of a critical / catastrophic emergency. In the early years of planning I submitted the idea for rain water catchment for water supply to engine tankers. The commissioners that were involved in the early stages of strategic planning for this station have all since retired. They received little to no commendation for their hard work and time. Their names were never included in the dedication stone monument thanking them for the hard work and service that has and will benefit the community in years to come. If elected I will be sure to acknowledge those involved and add their names to the dedication stone that is placed at the entry of Station 24.
I agree with Kari’s well-written letter of support for Wes. I think his business background, his understanding of process, his support for top-notch training and certification, his ability to make hard decisions under pressure, his lack of drama, and his ability to work with others are what we need in a Commissioner.
Brian Ehrmantraut
Commissioner, Port of Orcas
Commissioner, San Juan County Planning Commission
OIFR, Volunteer Firerfighter/EMR/Technical Rescue