Local Elections

My main comment to all the posts so far would be; Go and talk to all the candidates. Ask them what their platforms are, what they feel is in the community's best intrest. I am a Captain with Crest Forest, though I am speaking as a member of the community, as my family has lived here over 50yrs. I take special pride that I am able to help people that I've know for years. I would hope that every voter that lives with in the District will examine each candidate based on information from more then one source, regaurdless who that source is. That is what I am doing!!

Would it be possible for the candidates to post their ideas on this site?

Point being all members present at our last meeting agreed that a change is needed at the board level and all agreed to back the recommendations of the Political Action Committee to back these candidates. Talking to these candidates is an excellent idea and is always a good idea, it also helps the voter make an informed decision. The Political Action Committee takes into account the community, constituency, taxpayer, department and the firefighters who deliver service to all of those as a factor in making decisions as to who to support or oppose. Remeber previous posts contained inuendo and blatant slanderous accusations, don't fall into the trap of campaign rhetoric, ask a candidate and get some real answers. Thanks Dennis. Troy

At this time I know who I'll be voting for, but I will not stand for the PAC of the Union speaking on my behalf. I strongly suggest the voters make their own selections, not the selections that someone else or some group wants. I am still waiting for the candidates that the FF PAC is supporting to come and talk to the rest of the Firefighters. What is it the new Candidates are promising? And who is "Local_FF"? I have been with Crest Forest over 20yrs. My family has lived here over 45yrs. The ability to provide the best service to my community is my main goal. Most of my family live here as do all of my friends, I have a personal interest in the direction the Board of Directors points the District. And the suprising fact is, The number of Union members with similar ties to the community is less then half. I have nothing but praise for the the Directors of the last 15 yrs, for supporting our ability to PROVIDE THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE!!!

Any questions or comments are welcome. Carp

The Crest Forest Professional Firefighters are working hard to bring you the information you have asked for in regards to the candidates that we endorse.

This is only one avenue to get out information, and as you can see the lack of it has caused some confusion.

We will provide continued, up-to-date information @ www.myhdwebsite.com/cfpf

We encourage everyone to become informed on all candidates and vote on November 8th!

Local #4105 Secretary, Lance Snider

Local_Firefighter, If you have any information on what issues the candidates are using as their platform, please inform the rest of the members of Crest Forest Fire in case one of us is asked, Why these three?

My main goal in writting this comment is to make my voice heard. As a local Firefighter I feel that we need change on our Fire board. We have not held an election for the Fire Board in years. We as Firefighters need our board to make the best decisions for our community and as Firefighters for our best interest. I have talked with two of the three canidates and like what I have heard very much. We need board members that our going to think for themselves and not just say nay or yea. Two of the canidates are Firefighters and know what it takes to make Crest Forest Fire District the best it can be for the community and its Firefighters. Please dont listen to all the talk about Crest Forest going to SB County Fire, we are looking for your support for this election to make Crest Forest Fire District better and better every year for you the community and the Firefighters. I also would like to say that you have Firefighters that love what they are doing for this community. We take pride in are jobs and look to make it better in the future with this election. As Firefighters we dont ask for very much from the community, we leave protecting our families to protect yours with pride and hope to recieve your support on this election. NO on 75!!!!

OK.. Troy answerd my questions I am going to get one those cool signs in my front yard.. You have seen them, they are red white and blue and say
BAUER
CHILSON
MACHAL
Now I have a question for the so-called informed...
Why are you spreading rumors that these people want the county to take over our department. WHATS THAT!!! that cant even happen without a proposition and a tax re-structering. Thats just STUPID!!!I think its time for a change for the better for our firefighters.. WE OWE IT TO THEM!! dont we? Its time there is more than ONE voice on the board

Sorry about the late post and I apologize for the delay. Check out the webite to see all candidate statements for yourself. If you have further questions I suggest you contact the candidates yourself, just like previous posts have stated.
http://myhdwebsite.com/cfpf

I ask questions to most of the candidats. The two ladies runing for the board dont seem to have a position, only that all the other candidates are bad. Correct me if I am wrong is the County fire thing their only platform. Why is the firefighters that protect our family and homes not backing them. They say that the firefighters just want more money. I ask other firefighters that live in and around my home. They stated they are one of the lowest paid and work more hours than many districts in our region. They also have problems keeping personal. I dont know about you but it sounds like time for a change. I went to the Website in another post you should too. http://myhdwebsite.com/cfpf Note: Thanks to all the firefighters at Crest Forest Fire for a job well done.

I only have knowledge of statements by local business owners in Crestline who are not on the Crest Forest Fire District Board of Directors and who are not running for any of the three seats on the board. These sources have indicated that it was Mark Machal who told them he wants San Bernardino
County to take over the Crest Forest Fire District. I am very glad that Troy McHenry, President, Crest Forest Professional Firefighters Local #4105,has said "I can say unequivocally that there has been no discussion at any of our meetings as to the possibility of the district being taken over by the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Nor has there been any
discussion by the candidates regarding support for this idea."

I would welcome such a clear, unequivocal statement by the three candidates, Bauer and Machal, San Bernardino County firemen and Chilson, a local businessman that the local firefighters union has chosen to support.

I wish all of the candidates running for this board would have provided a brief bio and position statement for the voter guide. While it is too late for that, it is not too late for all of them to do so on rimoftheworld.net or in the local newspaper.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for all of the Crest Forest District firemen and would support higher pay and benefits for them.

If there are some who want more opportunities for promotion, there are other options such as obtaining a position with another fire agency. Three come to mind: San Bernardino County Fire Dept., San Bernardino City Fire, and CDF. As indicated in this paper's article on Chief Bagnells' retirement, there are reciprocal agreements between various fire dept./districts. With some research, it is possible to locate another fire dept./district that any one of the firemen could apply to and not lose what they have earned with the Crest Forest Fire District.

I encourage everyone to exercise his or her right to vote. It is one of the most important rights we as citizens have. Our forefathers died so that we could have this right.

Lynda L. Matejka