Election 2010
Truckee Fire Protection District, an independent special district supported by public funds, encompasses 125 square miles. The district is governed by a five-member board of directors elected at-large for four-year terms. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy and general administrative procedures for the district.
Moonshine Ink: What special quality or perspective would make you stand out on the fire district board?
Victor Hernandez: Spending 30 years as a firefighter and paramedic, I understand the culture and the workings of the fire service. I continue to serve this community as a citizen and taxpayer.
Gerald Herrick: The special perspective that makes me stand out is my extensive experience in conducting local government agency meetings. Board members need to receive training in the Brown Act Open Meeting law.
Ben Malone: As a 30-year resident of Truckee and a past Truckee firefighter with nearly four years on this fire board, I understand the needs and issues facing the Truckee residents.
Joe Straub: I have been involved in all of the major issues of the Truckee Fire District and it would be to the public’s advantage to have me continue to be involved.
Paul Wilford: Each candidate has a good skill set. Mine consists of 35 years experience as a wild land and ‘all risk’ fireman. I have been through the development of a growing department.
MI: What is the biggest single issue facing the board in the coming year and how would you handle it?
Victor Hernandez: The challenge is keeping this district solvent in order to maintain the excellent service that is provided to this community. This will demand fiscal accountability and appropriate, informed decisions. This includes ensuring the services are protected and enhanced to meet the needs of the community during these stressful economic times.
Gerald Herrick: The biggest single issue facing the board during the first year is governance and rebuilding community confidence. The board must be honest, accountable, and listen to the community. Once elected, I will push other board members to recognize that these must be their top priorities.
Ben Malone: The exclusive operating area issue is the most important issue on the table at this time. I do, however, consider all of the issues that come before this board very important. I believe continued communication with all parties involved will lead to an equitable solution.
Joe Straub: The exclusive operating area with the ambulance service. This involves hundreds of thousands of dollars. It has fire departments and the state wanting a piece of the pie. The borders and revenue belong to the people. I will make sure that the people of Truckee will come out on top.
Paul Wilford: The biggest issue will be the hiring of the next fire chief. I would enlist the aid of the Tahoe Chiefs Association, which has been offered, and use a testing mechanism and evaluation process that has been ‘road tested’ in the region already. The board would interview the top candidates.
MI: Name three qualities that set you apart from the other candidates.
Victor Hernandez: Informed, committed, accountable.
Gerald Herrick: Honesty, governance, respectful.
Ben Malone: Longevity, commitment, experience.
Joe Straub: Loyalty, truth, experience.
Paul Wilford: Fireman, experience, beard.
