Candidate Statement

By Gerry B. Andeen

Voter's guide statement of views and qualifications.

The Fire District, a vital component of local government, has provided excellent emergency service over the years. This service includes fighting fires as is obvious, and even more important in frequency is emergency medical response for accidents, heart attack and the like. In addition, the District makes plans for and teaches protection of public health and personal property.

Insuring a high level of performance is no mean task. It requires constant diligence, and review by the public. These are turbulent times. Property values have escalated to an all time high due to our excellent weather and availability of quality employment. Yet health benefits costs are rising and failed retirement plans are common. The State is considering changing public employee retirement plans to a more 401 type retirement system. The duty of the Board is to be on the watch for deviation from the top performance. The duty is to be alert and understand how social and economic movements can impact the District and to plan ahead for them.

In addition the Board must recognize that the District plays a pivotal role in our system of special district local government. The District covers three important communities in the mid-peninsula; Menlo Park, Atherton, and East Palo Alto as well as unincorporated land. The District overlaps with six elementary school districts. The District can play role in coordinating the efforts overlapping districts to provide the maximum benefit to the community while keeping costs down. The District can bring together diverse elements to have uniform codes and procedures.

I have served on a local city council and on the elected board of an open space district. I have lived and worked in the District for three decades, raised my family here, and volunteered in our community. I understand our diverse needs. I understand how agencies such as the District operate, how they interact with constituents, and with other districts. My education includes a doctorate and I am a registered professional engineer. For further information, please see http://www.andeen.net.

I am independent and informed. I am prepared to provide the service required of the office.