I’ve already voted for Wes Heinmiller for Orcas Island Fire Commissioner and I’m encouraging you to do just the same. In fact, our whole family has voted, signed, sealed, and delivered the ballots to the elections office several days ago.

Just in case there are voters out there still waiting until the actual Election Day to fill in their form, let me reassure you of the best candidate choice and Vote YES for Wes!

As longtime members of the Orcas Island Fire Department, my family personally knows both running mates. We’ve worked alongside the two of them in various settings and different capacities throughout the many years. I consider both candidates to be more than excellent and overall great human beings. Plus, I applaud their willingness to put themselves into the public arena.

However, that being said, our decision to endorse and vote for Wes came from careful introspection, weighing of various skill sets, his current success as a business owner, which lends our confidence in his financial background, his understanding of the myriad of issues facing the department’s future, his ability to triage public feedback, his assurances of no hidden agenda or ulterior motives, his effective open communication style, plus our being present to witness the two candidate’s poise and responses to lines of questions directly in front of the numerous OIFR volunteers.

Wes puts his words into action having helped to raise funds for the Deer Harbor Fire Station plus he put hours of labor into the design and decoration of the interior spaces. He also has been attending commissioner meetings for years as well as he’s been to Fire/EMS trainings. Most recently, on his own time he attended 2015 Washington Fire Commissioners Association Annual Conference in Everett.

We also know Wes has an incredible sense of humor, he has impeccable integrity, plus he’s honest and forthright. He’ll work to ensure the department and our community is well represented by his decision-making processes.

I’ve voted and endorse Wes Heinmiller for Orcas Island Fire Commissioner and so can YOU.

To learn more visit www.SayYesforWes.com.

Kari Schuh

Orcas Island