David 'Rudy' Rudebaugh

Name: David “Rudy” Rudebaugh

Age: 57

Length of residency: 12 years

Family: “Almost” married with five children

Highest level of education completed: 14 years

Degrees held: AA in

computer information technology with a business emphasis.

Profession: Business owner of Victory Auto Parts, 12 years; Solid Rock Solutions (pro audio visual, sound and lighting), 17 years.

Civic groups or nonprofit boards you belong to: Athol Chamber of Commerce, board of directors, charter member and business member; Idaho State Fire Commissioners Association, president last two years, of association of approximately 165 fire districts representing over 500 elected fire commissioners throughout the state: Idaho State Fire Commissioners Association Legislative team, fought for five years against the Professional Firefighters of Idaho legislation efforts for Occupation illnesses’ of firefighters, which excluded volunteer firefighters. Results: approximately 7,000 volunteer firefighters and the 1,200 career firefighters now have the same coverage; Idaho Fire District Training LLC, board member of organization that sponsors training for fire commissioners and chief officers through the state.

Volunteerism: Economic leader in the Athol Area Rural Community review in 2016; sponsorship of 11 classic car shows in conjunction with Athol Days.

Previous political experience: Timberlake Fire Protection District Commissioner

What prompted you to seek election to this position?

I am seeking re-election so I may continue to serve the taxpaying citizens of the Timberlake Fire Protection District in maximizing the provided tax dollars with efficient budgets in providing the citizens the best possible depth of service. Insuring equipment and training programs keep our members safe as they serve you. Working with and achieving collective bargaining agreements with the district’s union members while finding the delicate balance between available dollars and their needs. The volunteer program is currently in the best shape in Timberlake’s history and it receives positive comments all over the state of Idaho. You now have two newer fire engines, a brush truck alongside a water tender all purchased within budget planning and the proper management of the district’s Local Government Investment Accounts (LGIP).

What are three things you will work to change or improve if elected?

The continuation of a board of commissioners who understand their duties and responsibilities as outlined in the many various rules and statutes that guide us. This means finding the balance of meeting the first and foremost issue of firefighter safety while serving you during some of the worst times you may be having. Secondly, having a budget that meets the employees’ needs in the district, which includes vehicles, facilities and protective equipment, while they deliver first class service to you the customer.

The continued growth of the resident/intern program alongside our current volunteer program. This is extremely important for the fire district as in a combination fire department is one of the factors in order to keep your homeowner’s insurance rates as low as possible. This requires us to maintain a ratio of two volunteers for every full-time career employee.

Continue the strategic planning process we have begun with the fire district employees, Citizen Involvement and open-minded, non-biased thought processes for the long-term health and stability of the fire district. This will assist in your fire district’s long-term best interest in meeting your needs.

What makes you the best candidate?

I feel that based on my nearly eight years of experience in the Timberlake Fire District I have maintained my promise of “Responsible decision-making on behalf of the taxpaying citizen.” This to me means the members of the district are able to serve you in the safest possible environment, I believe in a strong career and volunteer fire district, which maximizes every tax dollar received as we serve you.

I feel that my in-depth understanding and experience gained as the president of the Idaho State Fire Commissioner Association has given me insight and skills to continue as part of the positive leadership your fire department deserves. I do not have any hidden agendas.