Deborah Rose

Name: Deborah Rose

Age: Did not disclose

Length of residency: I’ve been a resident of the Timberlake Fire Protection District for 16 years and a Kootenai County resident longer.

Family: Married with two children and seven grandchildren.

Highest level of education completed: University

Degrees held: B.A., St. Martin’s University — English, sociology and cultural anthropology; A.A., Escondido Business College, accounting.

Profession: Retired teacher

Civic groups or nonprofit boards you belong to: North Idaho Quilters’ Guild; The Landings at Waterford Homeowners Association, secretary/director; Architectural Control Committee for The Landings at Waterford Homeowners Association; Cedar Mountain Association.

Volunteerism: Peace Corps — Romania, English teacher; Christian Missionary Services — Venezuela, English teacher; reintegration advisor to At Risk Youth, advocate supervisor for a domestic violence crisis center.

Previous political experience: Precinct committee officer, citizen advocate.

What prompted you to seek election to this position?

I am a civic-minded individual. I have been active in organizations with an emphasis on the rural lifestyle and public health and safety. After attending commission meetings, I became concerned about the quality of representation Timberlake’s residents are receiving from our current commission. I believe the district deserves an independent commissioner who will promote the best interest of the taxpayers. I have identified several projects that would be of little cost to the district and would make our community safer.

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

To me, leadership as a fire commissioner means putting the safety of the residents first. Because we live in a rural area, we have a higher risk of mortality from medical emergencies. I will work to improve our emergency medical service survival rates in every way I can. We have budget problems in the district. I understand budgeting and will address the issues to promote an efficient use of resources, accountability and transparency. We live in a wildland/urban interface. Fire prevention and suppression are paramount. I will work with the chief to implement programs to protect lives and property.

What makes you the best candidate?

Commissioners are not firefighters. The statutory requirements for the commission are to manage and conduct the business and affairs of the district. This activity includes budgetary approval, personnel and financial management. I have a background in management, education and accounting. I have managed a staff in excess of 150 employees. I have served on multiple boards utilizing management, administrative and budgeting skills. I have experience in interpreting and enforcing rules and government regulations while working in conjunction with law enforcement, legal and healthcare agencies serving in crisis/emergency management and intervention.