Board Member — Salida Fire Protection District

I am Mark Stone and I am running for a postion on the Salida Fire Protection District Board. I am a retired Fire Captain with 35 years of service. I first moved into the district in 1965 and my wife, Marla has lived in it since birth. We bought our first home in the district in 1976, raised our 3 children here, and we still live in the same house today. Our family has long ties to the SFPD. My son, father in law, 2 brothers in law, and 2 nephews were all Salida volunteers. You my remember me for speaking in favor of the tax assessments and I am aware of the feelings on both sides of the outcome. However, we must now work within these budget constraints and be willing to explore new options for improving protection to all residents of the district. This can only be done with an open mind and the willingness to set aside the hard feelings from past follies. Politics has no place in providing life safety. We, as residents of the district, have limited funds to work with, and should not be spending them foolishly. I can guarantee that I will do all I can, to see that everyone, has the best possible chance they deserve, when they call 911 for a  fire/emergency. I am running because I was personally asked to do so by other firefighters. Those who work for the district as well as those that work for other fire agencies and either live in the district or have relatives that do. I promised them I would do all I could to help. It is time for honesty, transparency, and loyality to the residents of the district and not just the administraction.