Jones, Hunt for Fire District 16

KEY PENINSULA Fire District 16 has been in a freefall for the past four years — through no fault of the firefighters and emergency services personnel who serve as the face of the district. Instead, the elected officials who have served on the district’s Board of Commissioners have argued, quarreled and nearly wrestled the district into submission.

Now voters have an opportunity to make positive changes to the board, which makes policy and budget decisions for the district.

In the Commissioner Position 2 race, incumbent Jim Bosch, who has 12 years of experience on the board, has two sons who are both firefighters for the district and a daughter-in-law who works as an office manager at district headquarters.

But his public feud with Commissioner Allen Yanity is part of the district’s problems. Neither commissioner’s actions have benefited the district and voters should reject them both. Yanity will stand in the next election.

That’s why voters should elect Claudia Jones, an EMT who volunteers with the district. Jones also is a sub-para educator for the Peninsula School District and a Safe Sitter and CPR instructor.

The Peninsula Gateway endorses Claudia Jones.

In the Commisioner Position 4 race, Sheila Hunt was appointed to one of the two expanded positions and has helped the district return its focus to public safety rather than public scrutiny. Her opponent, Richard Hanna, is a retired firefighter and captain who served 29 years in Omaha, Neb. He’s a worthy candidate, but Hunt’s fresh perspective and reasoned approach has earned her another term.

The Peninsula Gateway endorses Sheila Hunt.