Kennedy vying for District 1 NCFPD director seat

David Kennedy had a good reason to narrowly miss a deadline with Village News to submit his Q&A answers to the paper prior to our print press deadline - he was fighting fires in Northern California.

The veteran Vista fire captain is one of two on the ballot to serve on the North County Fire Protection District Board of Directors in District 1 - the other candidate being Lee J. De Meo, who most recently has served as a trustee on the Fallbrook Union High School District Board of Trustees.

Both, De Meo and Kennedy, were sent the same questions by Village News so that readers could get a little more insight into each of the candidates and their priorities.

Why do you feel you are uniquely qualified to represent your district on the NCFPD board?

Kennedy: I believe what uniquely qualifies me to represent District 1 is my 13 years as a Fire Captain in the City of Vista where I worked closely with the North County Fire Protection District, my many years on California Task Force 8 USAR team, and my record of collaborating with community groups such as Fallbrook A Votar, V.O.C.E.S, and the Fallbrook Firefighters Association.

Measure A not passing was a huge blow to the district. How can you help guide the district through future funding issues?

Kennedy: You're right, the failure of Measure A was a tough loss for our community, as well as, the district. However, I believe that through a collaborative effort we can re-evaluate the current financial philosophies used by the district to come up with a long-term solution to address our aging fire stations, while still providing a level of service that our community heavily depends on.

What are the top three issues facing the district in the coming years?

Kennedy: In talking with the members of our community I believe that the top 3 issues facing the district are: The rapid increase in 911 call volume, proximity to a hospital, and catastrophic wildland fires.

What are three things you would like to accomplish or shore up with the district if you are elected?

Kennedy: Three goals I plan to accomplish are: Prioritize the safety of the community by ensuring that the necessary amount of Firefighter Paramedics are staffed daily, improve the district's communication and relationship with the community to adequately address their needs, and create a long term solution for the aging infrastructure of the district.

What do you bring to the board personally or professionally that is currently lacking or will add to the board in your opinion?

Kennedy: While I will rely heavily on my 13 years of experience as a Fire Captain, Fire Engineer, and Firefighter Paramedic, it is actually the relationships I have built in this community that will provide the best foundation for me to serve as your District 1 Board Member. It is only through community collaboration that any board member can adequately serve. Collaboration with the Fire Chief, collaboration with the Firefighters Union, and most importantly, the collaboration with our community that I strive to serve.

Jeff Pack can be reached by email at [email protected].