Strategic Goals
First Class Emergency Response Times
As you may know, the number one cause of death for adult Americans is acute cardiac syndrome (ACS). Estero Fire Rescue currently has a compliment of cross-trained highly skilled paramedics. I will continue to support a cutting edge fire department based EMS program. Rapid response during the initial stages of ACS is paramount for life safety. In the first few minutes of a cardiac event, advanced life saving intervention and defibrillation are the keys to preserving cardiac tissue and a successful outcome. I will ensure that Estero Fire Rescue strives to be #1 in the business during these emergencies.
Pursue Consolidation/Merger Possibilities
As your elected official, I will bring with me over 12 years of service in an independent fire district. As a fire officer, I have had first hand experience in every aspect of fire department operations. I have researched the consolidation "white paper" study and feel this theory has merit. As your Fire Commissioner I will ensure there is an objective and deliberate furthering of this consolidation study. I will continue the discussion until a final resolve has been met.
Excellent ISO Rating
I will strive for an excellent ISO rating within the district. The better the ISO rating is for the District, the less expensive insurance is for your property. With the explosive growth particularly in our commercial areas, the ability to provide a fiscally responsible fire service with a great ISO rating would enable our commercial entities to realize sizable savings on insurance rates. The residents would then in turn benefit as well with this level of service.
Dedication to Open Government
As your elected fire official, it is my duty to act and respond as your elected representative. I am extremely involved in this community. I will strive to attend community meetings and be held accountable for my decisions I make with taxpayer funds. I take pride in open discussions and deliberation on every issue. I want to hear what our community’s wants and needs are.
Catastrophic Emergency Response
I will continually review Estero's hurricane response plan and ensure our District has the tools and organization necessary to provide for the citizens during these crisis. I will continue to support the Citizens Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) so that every community is prepared for a catastrophic emergency. The ability to train and coordinate with community leaders is paramount.
Large Scale Equipment and Capital Expenditures
I will encourage cost savings measures by coordinating with other local districts in reference to vehicle purchases and possible joint use stations. Example - I command a fire station in Collier County that is a perfect example of functional consolidation. This station was constructed by three different entities to fill a common void each respective department faced. This template has proven to be a fiscally responsible approach to provide a needed service via one structure.
Fiscal Responsibility in Government
As the chairperson for the North Naples Fire District health insurance committee, we have instituted a means to re-evaluate our employee group health insurance program on a regular basis. The ability to constantly re-evaluate programs for efficiency has enabled us to realize millions of dollars of savings over the last few years. We have been able to maintain quality health care coverage with 96% plan consistency with huge savings.
Commitment to Environmentally Friendly Government Practices
Estero Fire Rescue has a number of staff vehicles. Vehicles that are not required for off road usage, i.e. inspection, public education and information etc. could be replaced with Hybrid vehicles. The usage of the environmentally friendly vehicles will provide a savings in fuel and set an example that government can be environmentally friendly as well as fiscally conservative. I would also explore the usage of renewable energy and “green” construction for future stations if a cost savings could be realized.