Meet the candidates: Lewis County Fire District 18, commissioner position 3

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Glenoma-area voters have a choice between two candidates for position 3 on the Lewis County Fire District 18 Board (LCFD18) of Commissioners in the Nov. 7 general election. 

They are incumbent Phil Pokorski and challenger Phil Congdon. 

The candidate who wins the election will serve a six-year term on the board. 

The Chronicle sent each candidate the same five-question questionnaire with a request to keep their responses to about 75 to 100 words per question. If a candidate did not answer a question, it was removed. 

Responses have been lightly edited for spelling and grammar. 

 

Phil Pokorski 

Can you talk about your background and how your experience qualifies you for this position?

I have been a commissioner here for the last four years, am a member in good standing with the Glenoma Fire Department and am aware firsthand of the challenges facing the department. I have a good working relationship with the Glenoma Firefighters Association, and can coordinate the dispersal of funding for necessary purchases.

 

Why did you decide to run for this position?

I was originally elected to fill a vacant position and have performed very well during this time, and I am looking forward to continuing my service to the department and our community.

 

What, in your opinion, are the primary issues facing LCFD18 and how do you intend to address them if you’re elected?

The primary issue facing our department is resources, funding, material and, most importantly, dedicated personnel. By coordinating with the commissioners and department members in order to get the most out of our resources, we can maintain our equipment and facility in a constant state of readiness so we are able to respond when assistance is requested.

 

What sets you apart from your opponent in this race?

I demonstrate the lead by example principle and bring my knowledge, skills and abilities into our department to accomplish these goals and to train new members and develop them into efficient and knowledgeable first responders, providing a high level of care to our community. I strongly emphasize an environment of cooperation, teamwork and communication free from harassment, bullying, intimidation and belittlement, to better develop our team in a better learning situation.



 

Phil Congdon 

Can you talk about your background and how your experience qualifies you for this position?

I retired from Fire District 18 as fire chief. I have 24 years with the department as a firefighter, advanced EMT, EMS captain, assistant fire chief and fire chief. I was a fire commissioner for over 15 years.

 

Why did you decide to run for this position?

When I became fire chief, I had to resign my position as fire commissioner. As commissioner and fire chief, I was involved in a number of committees, and have knowledge and understanding about the laws and regulations pertaining to fire and EMS service.

 

What, in your opinion, are the primary issues facing LCFD18 and how do you intend to address them if you’re elected?

The first issue in every volunteer department is staffing. The second is equipment. Regulations change requiring constant upgrades. The third is money. For small departments, trying to fund the needs of the department can be very challenging. 

 

What sets you apart from your opponent in this race?

I have 24-plus years of fire department experience. The many meetings and training sessions I have taken give me a very broad view of the fire service and the Glenoma community. I have been active in the community and until I retired very active in everything the department did.

 

Is there anything else that voters should know about you?

I joined the department when it was in the old building. I was very involved in the construction of the new building and training center. I did the financing, twice, to build both buildings. I was involved in the actual construction. Fire department members built them. I was also very involved with the placement of the Glenoma School monument.

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The 18-day voting period began on Oct. 20. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. Learn more at https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov. For more information about Lewis County Fire District 18, visit https://www.lewiscountyems.com/lcfd-18.html