Introductory statements from candidates for a short term on the Fire District 1 Board

Four candidates are running in the Aug. 6 primary election for a short term on the Fire District 1 Board of Commissioners.

The top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the November general election.

Two full-term board positions will appear only on the November ballot because neither has more than two candidates.

The short-term position on the primary ballot is for the last two years of the position that Commissioner Karen Dingmo has held by appointment since former Commissioner Millie Judge resigned to become a Snohomish County Superior Court judge.

Dingmo is not running for the short term but instead is running for the full six-year term that Commissioner Bob Meador now holds, and Meador is running for the short term.

Opposing Meador for the short term are candidates Erica Ash, Rob Falla and Michael Anthony Luke.

In November, Dingmo will run against Jim McGaughey, and incumbent Commissioner Jim Kenny will run unopposed.

The district includes unincorporated areas of South Snohomish County from south Everett to the King County line.

Brier, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and Woodway all get fire service from the district by contract, but none of those municipalities is part of the District.

Here are introductory statements from the four candidates running in the primary:

Erica Ash

As a member of the local community for the last eight years, I have become increasingly aware of my desire to actively participate in an organization that supports our community. As such, I have decided to run for Fire Commissioner. With my diverse professional background and experience working with business leaders, board members and elected officials, I believe that I would be an asset to the board and a strong community representative. In support of my candidacy, I have been endorsed by Snohomish County Fire District 1— International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1828.

Rob Falla

Moved from Wilsonville, Oregon, and has lived in the Edmonds community since 1983. Married his high school sweetheart and celebrated their 31st anniversary together. Rob and his wife have two children Heidi and Colleen (identical twins) with one grandson and expecting a second grandchild in October. Robert has worked in public safety as a law enforcement officer, 911 dispatcher and firefighter/first responder. Robert has volunteered in his community as a coach for the local Little League and Sno-King girl’s fast pitch. Rob currently works as a controller in the Boeing Operations Center. Thank you for your support.

Mike Luke

I’m 44 and the last 20 years have lived in the same house in Alderwood south of Lynnwood. For the last 11 years I have owned a neighborhood store in the unincorporated area known as Esperance in south Edmonds. So both where I live and conduct business fall within Fire District 1.

I now feel I can and therefore should serve my greater community. I believe the small business common sense that I’ve acquired from success and setbacks will be useful and beneficial in achieving creative solutions to the challenges our brave Fire District faces.

Bob Meador

My 30 years of fire experience — including 12 years as a Fire Chief and now nine years as Commissioner, enables me to represent you knowledgeably. I’ve chaired the Fire District’s Board and previously served as Commissioner of the Hospital District.

Recent District budgets are leaner due to reduced property tax revenue. With less financial support, we reduced administrative costs and implemented new, better ways to deliver service.

District challenges ahead must be addressed by gaining more regional cooperation with neighboring agencies. We are utilizing our workforce more efficiently — particularly during peak times when most 9-1-1 calls are received.

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