I am writing to you as an elected Commissioner of Fire District #3, and as Chair of the Board of Commissioners.
I think we’d agree that we love our special islands and our community. It is special and we like to brag that we are different from others living in “America” on the mainland. We believe we are kinder, gentler and we respect our neighbors and all islanders. As your elected fire commissioner, I am writing to tell you that certain people in our community have acted disgracefully in their inappropriate use of personal accusations, made-up stories and outright lies to attack, defame and threaten a resident of our islands – our appointed Fire Chief Norvin Collins.
Chief Collins works for us — the three elected Fire Commissioners. Chief Collins was hired due to his extensive experience and credentials as well as his integrity and commitment to all of his community and to the residents of Fire District #3. As an appointed Fire Chief, he takes direction from the elected board members, and he has continually performed his duties with professionalism and with the highest of ethics as the leader of San Juan Island Fire and Rescue. We hired the Chief and we evaluate the Chief’s performance annually. As an appointed leader of the SJIF&R, Chief Collins has implemented the direction of the Commissioners, and that is his job. We are elected to make the policy decisions and to direct the actions of our staff. Your elected fire Commissioners did a nationwide search when the position was vacated and we hired Chief Collins because of his leadership experience, professional experience and his education credentials. We are lucky to have a Fire Chief with those skills and abilities in the San Juan Islands.
In any election, each of us has a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States to agree – or disagree on any candidate, any levy, or any electoral matter by voting. We all have the right to express our opinions about policy and proposals. The line has been long crossed in the attacks that Chief Collins, his wife, and other members of this department have faced. Personal attacks, slander and completely fabricated stories from certain individuals, including elected members of other local government bodies, must not be tolerated. This behavior is far from who we believe we are as Islanders. This behavior is completely inappropriate and fully disgraceful. We cannot tolerate inappropriate behavior that is threatening and damaging – the behavior being forced upon our Chief.
If you want to speak out on an issue you feel strongly about, please do so. But do so with dignity and grace, and respect what our islands’ communities should be all about. We should be neighbors concerned about each other and always ready to step in to contribute to our special way of life.
Frank Cardinale
Chair, Fire Commission
San Juan Fire District #3
