Anderson fire board candidates respond to questionniare

Paul Bosetti, 81, Incumbant, retired

What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?

I have been a board member for the past 20 years. I have enjoyed serving every one of those years. We are keeping up with the newest changes and challenges and I am doing my best to make sure the City of Anderson has the best that it can (afford) to run the fire station effectively and professionally.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

If elected, I will strive to have the district start working on getting a second fire station for the City of Anderson on the west side of the railroad tracks on the property currently owned by the district on the corner of Stingy and North Street. Secondly, I would like to see the station have two chiefs instead of three. In eliminating one of the chief positions, this would make it possible to hire 2-3 more firemen.

If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?

My main objective is to hire the next chief from within the AFPD, pending that the applicant is qualified.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

The experience I have is from being on the AFPD board for the past 20 years. I believe those years of handson experience have given me the understanding and know-how of the policy and procedures the station has in place for the city and in general.

<B>What experience do you have in running a business or organization?</B>

I previously owned and operated Bosetti's Radiator and Service Center in Anderson for 26 years until retiring in 2005. I now serve as vice president of the Verde Vale Water Board District and have served on this board for 20 years. I was also president of the Sons of Italy, Shasta Lodge 2453.

<B>Jim Cahill, 60, retired</B>

<B>What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?</B>

The Group of Concerned Citizens for Anderson.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

Efficiency and education of firefighters.

If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?

The most experienced with people skills.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

Four years Search and Rescue in the Coast Guard's Shasta Dive Rescue.

What experience do you have in running a business or organization?

Owner of Jim's Auto Body for 30 years and Jim's Computers for 10 years.

<B>Jessica Delaney, 35, Housing case manager</B>

What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?

As a 2009 Leadership Redding graduate, I was given the education and opportunity to develop as a community leader. I am a lifelong Shasta County resident with an active history of community involvement in Redding. I would now like to bring that experience to the vibrant community of Anderson where I live and raise my children.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

It would be my priority to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and standards through board-approved policies, procedures and strategic planning. A system of checks and balances to current practices should ensure district transparency, fiscal responsibility, adequate staffing and long-range planning.

If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?

By beginning with a clear and consistent selection process, I would seek a competitive pool of candidates with administrative qualities necessary to oversee the operations and budget of this district. The quality of our candidate should competitively compare to special district chiefs throughout California.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

During my thirteen years with Northern Valley Catholic Social Service, I served adults with mental illness who faced a variety of emergencies. The countywide reform of crisis management gave me hands-on exposure to emergency personnel and medical services within our local hospitals.

<B>What experience do you have in running a business or organization?</B>

In 1996, I went to work for Northern Valley Catholic Social Service to provide housing, vocational and case management services to the homeless community and adults with mental illness. I also worked in regional program development and participated in a team grant writing experience that awarded NVCSS $350,000. I then supervised this program. In addition to working with NVCSS, my husband and I owned and operated a well-known Redding restaurant from 2000 to 2005.

Corky Keenan, age not disclosed, Retired

<B>What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?</B>

To update the fire department as we have a constantly growing community.

If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?

Good equipment and constant training to keep the fire fighters safe.

If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?

Experience and education on new, updated procedures.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

To observe almost daily the fire department responding to the senior citizen complexes in my area.

<B>What experience do you have in running a business or organization?</B>

Friends of the Anderson Library treasurer, membership chair and past president; Anderson Museum and Historical Society vice president and membership chair; Anderson Chamber of Commerce, intermittent board member for 19 years, including involvement on various committees including Anderson Explodes!, awards dinner, Toys from the Heart; Anderson Womens Club treasurer.

<B>Marsha Kelley, 60,</B> <B>Incumbant, office manager</B>

<B>What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?</B>

Currently I am a member of the AFPD Board. Over the years I have become close to our district staff and volunteer firefighters. Knowing that the success of our fire district and the safety of our community hinges on the hiring of additional paid firefighters, I would like to be a part of that process.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

At the top of my list is the hiring of at least three additional paid firefighters and the construction of a fire station on the district's property located at the corner of Stingy Lane and North Street.

<B>If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?</B>

Since our district /department is a small one, I would like to see the next fire chief be an experienced firefighter with all the appropriate certifications and licenses; a team player who can work well with our volunteer firefighters as well as the district's paid staff; well-spoken and at ease with the media and the public; acquainted and/or willing to learn the complicated task of budget preparation.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

Personally, I have no experience in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services. Luckily I have never had to place a fire call to our district. However, I am thankful for the well-trained district personnel that responded to my elderly parents' medical calls.

What experience do you have in running a business or organization?

I have never owned a business. I was the local credit manager for seven years for a large (now defunct) building materials supplier. I have more than 20 years of office management experience.

Over the years, I have held the positions of board member, president, secretary and treasurer in organizations: i.e., Anderson High School Sports Boosters Club, Anderson Chamber of Commerce, AFPD Auxiliary.

<B>Jeff Hogue, 45, Operations manager</B>

<B>What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?</B>

Having lived in this community my entire life, I want to be part of the decision making process that leads our fire district into the future.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

My priorities would include expanding the fire district's coverage area and ensuring the most up-to-date training and equipment for our employees.

If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?

I believe our Fire Chief must lead by example. The Chief must have a strong sense of community, be open to suggestions, but be willing to make difficult and even unpopular decisions by doing what is best for our residents and employees of the fire district.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

As a former police officer and trained first responder, I worked side by side countless times with the employees of the fire district. I have witnessed first-hand the needs and challenges that our fire personnel face.

<B>What experience do you have in running a business or organization?</B>

I am currently the president of the board of a local non-profit. I have served on this board for more than five years. I am also Operations Manager of Woolf Security & Investigations, owner/instructor for Gold Star Security Training & Consulting. I possess a B.A. in Business and Human Resource Management and have completed the Northern California Local Government Leadership Institute's Leadership Development Program through Chico State University.

<B>Michael Charles Hubert, Sr., 68,</B> Businessman

<B>Editor's note:</B><I> Rather than respond to the </I><B>Valley Post's</B> itemized questionnaire, the candidate submitted the following statement.

I have been in the body repair business for 41 years with the past 28 being in Anderson. Being a resident and business owner in Anderson, I would like to be involved in what is happening within the city.

It was not my goal to be a politician, but after being asked by several people within the Anderson Fire Department to run for the position, I gave it serious thought and finally decided to accept the challenge. My interest in being on the board of the Anderson Fire Department is strictly for the best interest of the department, not for future political positions.

Since Anderson Towing is a part of Mike's Body Shop, Inc., I have always interacted with the APD, Shasta County Sheriff's Department, CHP, as well as the Anderson Fire Department throughout my 29 years here in Anderson. I feel this gives me an advantage over others because of my understanding of how all these agencies interact.

My experience in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services is limited, but my business experience to assist in the guidance of others that are well trained in these fields makes me well qualified to be a fire board member.

I would like to see a local person who is qualified for the position before we look outside the area to fill the position. A local person would have the best interests of the community and the department more than an outsider.

Christian J. Hughes, 33, Property manager

<B>What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?</B>

Working very closely with the elderly and being aware of their dependence on emergency services such as the fire department has been a strong motivator.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

Priorities I would have for the district would be improving response time, insuring a proper training program is in place, budget control and efficiency, adding more firefighters and the acquiring of a new centrally-located fire hall.

If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?

I would investigate their qualifications and credentials. I would also do an extensive background check and choose the best candidate available.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

My experience would be based on my working with the elderly. Usually being the first one on the scene during an emergency, I am forced to evaluate the severity of the situation and take certain steps to work with the individual to remain calm.

<B>What experience do you have in running a business or organization?</B>

Being a property manager for the past five years, dealing with multiple organizations and staying within their compliance policies and procedures. My responsibilities include budget, staffing, and maintenance of sometimes multiple properties throughout Northern California.

Donald G. Matheson, 62, retired Fire Chief

<B>What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?</B>

When the residents of Anderson voted to have an all-elected board, I was not interested because I very much enjoy my current job with the district. I knew that if I ran and was elected to the board, I would be required to drop my volunteer status. My mind was changed when members of my family, friends, and both paid and volunteer firefighters contacted me and said it would be more important for me to be a board member than a volunteer.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

My priorities would most likely be the same as when I was the Fire Chief. I would want to make sure the firefighters have the best fire fighting and safety equipment the district can afford. I would support fire training and fire prevention and do everything possible to have a minimum of two firefighters on the first- out engine 24 hours a day. Volunteer retention and training are also a priority, as well as supporting efforts to maintain or lower the insurance service office rating of the district.

If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?

The most important attribute I would look for in a fire chief is common sense. Education is nice, but it will not replace experience. Our current firefighters made Anderson their home and, if qualified, they should not be overlooked because they came from a small community.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

I started my fire fighting career as a seasonal firefighter in 1965. I have served to the present date, excluding 1968-69 when I was drafted into the Army. I was selected as Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall for the District until 1995 when I was appointed Fire Chief of the district and held that position until my retirement on Sept. 30, 2006. To the present date, I have continued my service as a volunteer.

<B>What experience do you have in running a business or organization?</B>

I think my experience running the fire district for 11 years (and) retiring under honorable status answers the above question. My wife and I also operated a beef cattle ranch in the Igo area for the past 15 years.

<B>James Sauve, 70, Retired</B>

<B>What motivated you to run for the fire protection district board?</B>

Corky Keenan, who is also running for the Anderson Fire Board, floated the idea to me. She thought I would be a good candidate.

<B>If elected, what priorities would you select for the district?</B>

First, I would suggest that firefighters be physically fit and equipped with the best fire fighting equipment available.

<B>If it were up to you to hire the next fire chief, what requirements would you have for the position?</B>

I would look for experience, honesty and good judgement.

<B>What experience do you have in the realm of fire safety and emergency medical services?</B>

In a former employment, I carried a First Aid certificate. On one occasion, I successfully used the Heimlich maneuver on an aged gentleman who was choking on a piece of candy.

<B>What experience do you have in running a business or organization?</B>

In the 1980s, I managed the Travelers Hotel in Dunsmuir. I kept the books, collected monthly rent for rooms, apartments and businesses. I was also responsible for maintenance of the premises.

Joe Weekley

<I>Editor's note: Joe Weekley acknowledged receipt of the Valley Post questionnaire, but declined to participate.</I>