Primary Fire Commissioner Candidates give their views

The following candidates for Fire Commissioner #2 are on the ballot for the Primary Election, Aug. 18. Mail-in ballots were sent late last week.

From the San Juan County online Voters Guide

Jonathan Loop:

My wife Tricia and I have lived on Orcas for 9 years. Since being involved in meetings regarding the Deer Harbor fire station, I got interested in fire department activities. I have always believed that the public trust is best served by new faces with different experiences and new ideas. I view being a fire commissioner as a great opportunity to serve my community.

I believe that our most essential services are the ferry, Opalco, fire suppression, emergency rescue, Airlift Northwest and the local physicians, all of which share vital importance in our lives. All of these agencies need coordinated administration. It involves our taxes, our safety and the lives of everyone on Orcas Island.  With 35 years of private business experience, I have many resources to offer to meet these goals.

Henry “Duff” Andrews:

As an Orcas Island resident for 35 years, an advocate and supporter of the Fire District, a past Fire Commissioner for 7 years, as well as a beneficiary of both fire and Emergency Medical Services, I know and appreciate how essential a well run and supported district is to our island community.

I was an ardent supporter of the last levy and actively involved in the early planning and execution of the levy mandate. Those funds have accomplished many positive changes, including the building of the headquarters station, updating of fire and ambulance equipment, and numerous benefits for our most fundamental asset, our volunteers.

I have, however, concerns since leaving that office about some Fire Commissioner decisions and hope your support in the election will give me an opportunity to revisit the levy mandates and assure that all funds have been and are being spent wisely.

Clyde Duke:

My family and I have been full time residents of Orcas since 1990. We started our roofing company in 1991. I was exposed to the extreme danger of wildland fire during the Panorama fire in San Bernardino where 365 homes were lost in 48 hours.

I joined the Orcas Fire Department in 1992 and served as a volunteer and a lieutenant at Rosario Station 23 and later at Station 21. I was Firefighter of the Year in 1995. I served as VP and President of the Volunteer Fire Fighter Association. I’ve been on the Board of Fire Commissioners since 2004 and was Chair for 3 years. I’m proud of how the department has come together as a team and has grown according to the conclusions of the Strategic Plan formed with the Orcas community. I’m confident that the department is continually striving to meet the changing needs of the island.