SHELTON: Sees the big picture

I am voting for Chris Shelton for Fire Commissioner.

Shelton was an asset to the fire district until his recall last year by a small group of critics. He is running again for this unpaid position hoping to bring his strengths to a period of rapid growth.

When Chris Shelton was recalled in a special election in 2014, his character was slandered with untruths. I was watching while the Fire Commissioner meetings were taken over by a small group with an agenda. I was there as they tried to dominate meetings and actually threatened commissioners with recalls in their attempts at micro-management.

I have no idea why this small group decided to submit unsubstantiated claims about Chris. These unsubstantiated claims attempted to skew public opinion that Chris was not serving the community or that he was violating recognized process. Please look at the facts to see no verification of their claims.

Shelton gives 100 percent to everything he does as can be seen in his profession as a successful senior project manager with one of the largest general contractors in the area.

The district has grown from an assessed value of $128 million in 2001 to over $450 million in 2015 and needs to be proactive to respond to the fire risk that comes with growth. I want a commissioner like Shelton who has the big-picture view.

Shelton’s primary focus is to provide the best-trained, community-oriented volunteers within budget AND to lower response times. His past progress demonstrates this focus.

JENA LASSITER

Coeur d’Alene