Plain and simple: Jerry Henderson is the most qualified candidate for Fire Commissioner. The other Fire Commissioners chose him over two other applicants (his opponent Warren Appleton and myself) to fill the vacated Commissioner spot, for good reason.

He knows our fire department: after 15 years as a firefighter and an officer, he has a thorough understanding of what our firefighters need and how management can work for them. As Commissioner, he already knows the job and its responsibilities.

He knows management: during 30 years in corporate management, he established and monitored budgets, procured equipment, hired and managed people, created training programs, all a part of what this Commissioner job requires.

He knows volunteerism: over two decades I have accompanied Jerry into burning buildings, on wildland fires and vehicle rescues, watched him flip a zillion pancakes, train kids in stop-drop-and-roll, fire extinguisher use and how to exit a smoke-filled house and volunteers for dozens of community events.

He knows commitment: Jerry wants to build on what our Fire Department has now, not tear it apart and start over, not work with just a few department members and not drive more wedges between agencies. He researches, speaks plainly, supports building better partnerships and worries more about people than politics.

I know Jerry to be hardworking and honest, with strong negotiating skills and the ability to bring people together. That’s what he’s done and that’s what he’ll continue to do.

Vote for Jerry Henderson to continue as Fire Commissioner 3.

Rebecca K. Smith,

San Juan Island