SNOHOMISH — Voters will retain or replace a long-term fire commissioner on the Fire District 4 board. Mark Hintz has served on the commission for 15 years. He is challenged by Evan Merritt, a Fire District 7 firefighter.
The Fire Commission is a nonpartisan board. Commissioners serve six-year terms overseeing the employment of the fire chief, analyzing the budget and authorizing levies.
The following is a questionnaire sent to the candidates and a summary of responses.
In the primary, you both stated reasons for running: have they changed?
Hintz: My reason has not changed for seeking another term as commissioner in Fire District 4. During my time as commissioner these past 15 years the district has evolved from a rural fire district served by a small cadre of career firefighters and over 100 volunteer firefighters to primarily a district of career firefighters augmented by part time firefighters. As the evolution continues it is important to have historical knowledge, which I bring to the commission.
Merritt: Since filing for the position, I have attended many Commissioner meetings and have witnessed a few things that are troubling. The business concerning the transfer of Station 41 has reinforced my belief that the Board of Commissioners needs to be more transparent, accountable, and be better stewards of the public trust.
What unique abilities do you bring to the fire commission?
Hintz: My ability to listen and to ask questions. Using these skills for informed decision making. Prior to retirement I spent 30 plus years in (the) financial services industry making decisions in management and sales. This background has been invaluable in my work as fire commissioner, serving the citizens of Fire District 4.
Merritt: As a commissioner, I would bring my experience in construction and project management, as well as my experience in the fire service. These are skills that are essential when helping the district to plan for large expenditures and projects concerning the fire service. I also plan to push for more study before determining how resources are deployed and allocated. Part of that study will be to ask the public to share their vision for the fire service in their community.
What is the most important challenge facing Fire District 4 in the next six years?
Hintz: During these next six years major challenges are going to be ongoing. Staffing is a major issue for most districts in our county. Paramedics and part time firefighters are at a premium. The population growth in our area and the aging of our population are serious issues for our district to deliver the basic services. We have done a good job of keeping up our fleet of vehicles but our buildings need to be addressed.
Merritt: The most important challenge is growth. This runaway growth is in the City core, through increased density. It is also in development of previously undeveloped land. This will bring increasing challenges in the Wildland/Urban Interface. It will also lead to a stress on fire resources. Snohomish Fire should maintain a reserve fund sufficient to maintain operations and respond to growth. Responders must receive excellent training and support, and the best leaders should be chosen for their vision and energy.
What do you bring to the table that is different from your opponent?
Hintz: The difference between my opponent and myself seems to be age. We both passionately believe in service to the public. But I bring institutional knowledge and experience leading our district that he does not.
Merritt: I’m offering the citizens of Snohomish County Fire District 4 a chance to get their voice back on the Board of Commissioners. As a candidate, I helped to inform the public of the impending transfer of Station 41. This led to dozens of members of the public attending and sharing their views on the matter. I intend to ask the taxpayers and business owners of the District what they expect of their fire service, and to strive for continuous improvement to meet that objective.
Describe your leadership style:
Hintz: My self-description would be a proactive as opposed to reactive. It is important to be deliberative in my decision making. My grandfather told me to always “Measure twice and cut once.” I have tried to live by that before I make decisions. Those decisions affect all the people of our fire district.
Merritt: The job of a fire commissioner is not specifically to lead, but to listen, think, evaluate, collaborate, and decide. This requires humility, proactive thought, and respect for those who we represent. These are the skills that I hope to bring to the table.
