Introductory statements from an appointed Fire District commissioner and her November challenger

Appointed incumbent Fire District 1 Commissioner Karen Dingmon faces challenger Jim McGaughey in the Nov. 5 general election. Dingmon holds the position that former Commissioner Millie Judge won in 2008. Instead of running for the last two years of the six-year term that she holds by appointment, Dingmon is running for the full six-year-term for the position that Commissioner Bob Meador now holds, and Meador is running for the short, two-year term.

Dingmon and Meador originally filed for their current positions, but when Meador drew one opponent and Dingmon drew three, each withdrew and filed for the other position. Meador led a four-way August primary and will face Erica Ash in November.

Here are introductory statements from candidates Dingmon and McGaughey for the full six-year term:

Karen Dingmon

I have had the honor to serve on Fire District 1 Board of Commissioners for the past nine months. I have found a group of dedicated firefighters, staff and commissioners that strive to give the best service possible.

The past few years have challenged the district to work with diminished funds due to the recession and maintain the same excellent service. Our firefighters have sacrificed to give us un-wavering service in both fire and emergency medical services. In fact, Fire District 1 has received the national award for Excellence in Fire Service Based Emergency Medical Services.
As we move forward, the fire district will be concentrating on hiring personnel to fill need positions and moving practices and equipment into the 21st century.

I graduated from Central Washington University and have been a small business owner in this district for the past 30 years. If elected, I hope to serve the citizens of Fire District 1 in providing the leadership to continue the excellent service provided by our firefighters.

Jim McGaughey

— Jim McGaughey has experience and integrity to lead Fire District 1.

As a retired deputy chief and 27 years of fire service experience with Fire District 1, Jim has the knowledge and experience to make sure that our citizens are getting the best service possible for their tax dollars.

— Jim McGaughey will ensure that Fire District 1 is consistently operating at a high level of efficiency in all areas of the fire service, by ensuring the following:
— Budget is fiscally responsible.
— Responsible use of resources that are appropriate, fast and safe.

— Maintain a high level of training.
— Adequate staffing levels maintained.
— Ensure management and the firefighter union work for the common interest of you the taxpayer.
— Citizens and the community’s best interest always come first.
— Endorsements: International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1828 (Fire District 1), Gary Nelson, former state senator, and county councilman, Vaughn Angel, retired deputy chief (Everett Fire Department), Tom Foster, retired deputy chief (Fire District 1), and currently, deputy Snohomish County fire marshal.
— Vote for Jim McGaughey on Election Day! Thank you.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.