| San Diego County, CA | November 2, 2010 Election |
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We can't do what we've always done and expect a different outcomeBy Kandhy FranklinCandidate for Board Member; San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
Tough times for the district need a balanced, well-researched, and teamwork effort to overcome the shortfallsAs vice president of East County Fire Protection District, I began my term looking at liquidating and closing down our stations. As a district with a strong community base, we passed a self-imposed benefit fee and looked at four fire districts for consolidation. We managed to get through some of the same financial hurdles that San Miguel is now facing, only worse. I think I can bring a fair, equitable, and balanced approach to solving financial difficulties. We need to look at all aspects of the budget as well as staffing, administration and board positions. Above all, in my opinion, in order to solve the problem, we need a TEAM approach. My views differ not only from the incumbents', but also from other members of my own slate, which is endorsed by the firefighters union. I asked support from the firefighters, with the stipulation they understood I would not be their mouthpiece and would make decisions based on what's good for them and for the residents we are sworn to protect. When East County Fire Protection consolidated with San Miguel, I was on that committee as well. Firefighters knew what I stood for, and they knew that I was going to do the right thing for everyone. Other items to consider are the size of the board. It could be reduced from seven members to five. I also believe a board that meets once a month does not need to have its members receive full health benefits including vision and dental benefits that most are able to access through other jobs or spouse's benefits. When my rural district ran into financial troubles, I made the motion to rescind board stipends while firefighters were working for less than minimum wage and still putting their lives on the line. San Miguel's full-time firefighters are substantially better paid, and looking at pension reform might be another way to balance the budget and make accurate predictions for the future. I want the district to "get creative" about finding new revenue streams, pursue more grant writing, and research more effective methods in managing our money. We need to have an accurate look at the monies spent thus far in the year before we project needs for the coming year. We need more community connection of board members to communities as well as having our firefighters communicate with the schools and activities in the communities they serve. Surviving the Cedar Fire, and assisting the community to rebuild, I know the importance of fire safety and "having firefighters come to your door" when needed. It is important to retain both fire protection and a prompt response time, as well as fire prevention and fire-safe education on items such as fire-safe construction and the importance of defensible space. 90% of our calls are medical aid, so a timely manner of response is paramount. But having kids prepared and understanding; stop, drop and roll are lifesaving techniques that will serve them well. I am concerned over the loss of an engine, but I want to study response times to assess the actual impact, noting that there are mutual aid agreements with other districts. I hope the district will ultimately be in a position to restore the lost engine company. I believe the budget can be cut to "bare bones" without laying off firefighters or jeopardizing public safety. But difficult compromises must be made. I am approachable and will listen to all ideas. These are difficult times and we cannot proceed in the same manner as we always have. I am passionate about my candidacy and want to be judged on what I've done and what the people feel I can do. |
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