Supports expansion of GCFPD#8 Commission from 3 to 5

Some GCFPD#8 voters may still have questions about voting YES on this ballot. What is the downside of a yes vote? Voting no will not eliminate the cost of this election! A yes vote could possible add $208 per month to the cost of Commission compensation. However, RCW 52.14.010 also specifies that any commissioner may waive all or any portion of their compensation.

With the growing complexities of fire/rescue and medical services, the power of governing should not be vested in a majority of two commissioners! The Wahluke School District board is comprised of 5 members; Deseret Aire Owners Association has a 9-member boards; a 7-member board council governs the City of Mattawa. Likewise, a broader base of representation is needed for the tax payers of this district and to provide a broader community perspective.

Problem situations arise with a three-commission boards in the absence of one of the members. Two comprise a quorum for conducting business, however a deadlock would block decision making.

With three commissioners any discussion of district business by two of them, when not in an open public meeting, can be a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act. When board members travel together, or just talk, it is difficult to avoid such violations. Committee work on district issues by two commissioners is also prohibited making it harder to complete district to effectively complete the work at hand.

Vote yes for a broader representation and efficiency.

Diane and Jeff Shimmin

Teresa and Richard Kummer

Brandy Kirkendall