MATTAWA – A candidate forum for the upcoming fire commissioner election for Grant County Fire District 8 was held at Wahluke High School on Aug. 28. The forum included two candidates running for the fire commissioner seats, Josh Seanard and Richard “Dick” Jenkin, both of whom are running unopposed for their respective positions.  

The focus of the evening was to discuss their visions for the fire district and how they plan to address the challenges facing the community. 

Motivation 

When asked about their motivation to run for office, both candidates emphasized their commitment to public service.  

Josh Seanard, campaigning for Commissioner Position 1, stated, “I’m running for Fire Commissioner in Grant County, District 8 because I care about safety, strength, and the future of our community.”  

He said that the fire district’s role extends beyond emergencies to ensuring the everyday safety of families and properties within the community.  

Seanard’s experience with nonprofit organizations and business management has instilled in him a sense of responsibility toward fiscal accountability, he said.  

He voiced his commitment to “responsible budgeting, transparent communication, and long-term planning” to support a growing district. 

Richard “Dick” Jenkin, seeking to retain Commissioner Position 3, highlighted his extensive background in public service.  

“I’ve spent most of my life in public service,” he said, emphasizing his 23 years of service with the sheriff’s office and his experience in community leadership.  

Jenkin noted that he understands the needs of the retired population in the area, particularly regarding financial burdens. 

“I understand a lot of the population of Desert Aire is retired and on fixed income,” Jenkin said. “It affects them as well as me, as far as levies and tax base at the same time.” 

Challenges 

Both candidates acknowledged several challenges confronting the fire district. Seanard pointed to the urgency of establishing a fully staffed station in Desert Aire, which he described as a high priority for the next decade.  

“I want to see a fully manned station in Desert Aire,” he said, stressing that such a facility would significantly improve response times for a large segment of the community. 

Jenkin also addressed essential infrastructure needs, including the creation of a shop facility for equipment storage and the recruitment of a full-time mechanic for maintenance.  

“We’re working on providing a shop facility for storage; we have enough equipment now,” he said. 

Outreach 

The candidates discussed ongoing community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering engagement and education. Seanard cited the department’s volunteer foundation, which organizes events like car washes and “Breakfast with a Firefighter,” as examples of efforts to connect with the community.  

He also mentioned the Firewise program, which helps residents assess their properties for fire safety.  

“There’s all kinds of ways that we’re reaching out to the community,” he said, encouraging residents to engage with fire officials for consultations. 

Jenkin concurred on the importance of community education, stating, “Education is a large responsibility.”  

He emphasized the department's efforts to provide assessments for homes and businesses, indicating that current employees are undergoing advanced life support training to enhance service capabilities.  

“We’re looking to provide paramedic services, as opposed to just basic life support,” he said. 

Finances

Regarding fiscal responsibility, both candidates said that carefully managing financial resources remains a priority for the fire district. Seanard explained. 

“Our current budget is really keeping us on track to do the stuff we want to do,” Seanard said.  

He described efforts to stretch their funding by applying for grants and acquiring equipment through federal resources. 

“We’ve just got to be creative to lessen that tax burden,” he said.  

Jenkin echoed these sentiments, explaining that many capital projects are funded through the current budget.  

“Funding is always the issue. When you can’t find free money, the only place to go for it is a taxpayer,” he said.  

He reiterated the importance of balancing community needs with financial prudence.