Fire commissioner candidates promise strong leadership during Federal Way Mirror debate

Published 1:41 pm Friday, October 16, 2015

South King Fire and Rescue is reaching a pivotal tipping point.

On Nov. 3, South King Fire’s board of commissioners hopes voters will make the right choice and vote in favor of approving a $39 million capital bond measure, which will go toward investing in the replacement of outdated equipment and fire apparatus once paid for by the 1992 capital bond.

At the same time voters will be asked to approve a bond measure, they will also be asked to vote for new leadership on South King Fire’s board of commissioners.

Mark Freitas, Position 2 board commissioner, will not be seeking reelection. Vying for the seat is Bill Fuller, a former volunteer firefighter for South Snohomish County District No. 1 and a 38-year Federal Way resident, and Roger Flygare, a longtime business owner in Federal Way and past Democratic candidate for the 30th District Senate seat.

Fuller and Flygare addressed a packed house during a candidate debate Wednesday night hosted by the Federal Way Mirror at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club.

“I see long-term strategy as a significant thing I can provide (to the board of commissioners),” Fuller said. “There is a lot of growth in Federal Way and that growth will impact the district. There is a public image problem in the community that we need to handle to make the community know how we’re serving them.”

Flygare said his more than 35 years as a small business owner in Federal Way will be a boon to the fire district.

“I will take my business management skill set to the fire district,” Flygare said. “I’ve reached out to almost 14,000 people doorbelling. I’ll make sure their concerns are addressed.”

To start off the debate, the two candidates were asked what the best approach would be to ensure the fire district is fully informed of any road closures that could impede on their response times.

Flygare said it comes down to an inter-agency communication style between the fire department and the city.

Fuller was blunt with his response and said, “I don’t trust government agencies to inform the fire department what’s going on.”

He said during times of road closures the fire district may or may not know of the closure. He said he was not entirely sure.

“Communication is a coordination issue,” Fuller explained.

Fuller and Flygare were also asked if the fire district needs to retain its Class 2 insurance rating.

“Class 2 ensures low insurance rates,” Fuller said. “We need to remain in that category.”

Flygare said the fire district needs to maintain the rating for businesses.

“Federal Way is a city that is trying to grow businesses,” he said. “A good insurance rating attracts businesses.”

They were also asked if the fire district manages its resources well and if not, how it should manage resources better.

“They are doing well,” Fuller said. “What I would like to see is a long-term look (at managing resources). Are we meeting the needs as Federal Way grows?”

Flygare said he was pleased with the fire district’s ability to maintain its resources.

“They’ve been able to maintain equipment that is very old,” Flygare said. “Their preventive maintenance has been done well.”

In closing remarks, Fuller said if he is elected he would “extend and keep the excellent service that’s already going on.”

“The new guy needs to come in and ask the hard questions,” Fuller said. “I have a heart for the fire department. I will bring in fresh ideas.”

Flygare closed by making two promises if elected to office.

“One thing I will make sure that doesn’t happen is cost overruns on (new) buildings,” Flygare said. “I will ensure that firefighters stay safe in their jobs. There is technology out there that we should look at that helps them do their job. It keeps them safe and protects our community.”

Roger Flygare is running for South King Fire and Rescue Position 2 on the board of commissioners. Carrie Rodriguez, the Mirror

Bill Fuller is running for South King Fire and Rescue Position 2 on the board of commissioners. Photo Courtesy of Bruce Honda.