Dear Editor,

Amidst the current coronavirus pandemic I wanted to make sure that the public knows that the fire board elections will still be taking place in May. Currently the elections are scheduled to be held May 5th at Nederland Fire District Headquarters.

As of April 15, 2020, you will be able to request a mail in ballot from Nederland Fire Protection District.

Ways to request:

By mail PO Box 155

Nederland, Co 80466

By email: Jim Harrison Election Official

Admin@Nfpd.org

Or by phone

303-258-9161.

You may also drop in your ballot at the Fire Dept Polling place on May 5, 2020.

Why would you want to take the time to go out to vote for the fire board?

For a small town and small fire district there are limited funds available for fire suppression and EMS or emergency medical services. Currently, there are only three paid firefighters on staff and the department is dependent on volunteers. 

Recently, it has come to the attention of many in the community that general oversight, which is a requirment of the fire board, is not happening. It has come to light that the district lacks legitimate oversight of spending by the department, of required maintenenace of fire apparatus, and of much needed and required training of both paid and volunteer firefighters. This has happened under the auspices of the current board members. 

Nederland needs new board members. New board members that understand fire district administrations and operations. Board members that can help to develop purchasing policies for the department, help create updated and standard operating procedures and guidelines, uphold vehicle maintenence and replacement standards, and most importantly create minimum training standards for all members.  This general lack of oversight at the fire district has resulted in a lack of training for paid firefighters and volunteers, the use of outdated vehicles and firefighting equipment with little to no maintenance; In some cases it has created a hostile work environment resutling in limited volunteer participation. Volunteers are left feeling disenfranchised, some of whom have quit, which translates into far fewer responders on emergency calls.

We are entering into a time of uncertainty and fear with the potential for a greater need for well trained and inspired first responders that have updated fire equipment and personal protective equipment.  The Nederland Fire District can not afford to have fewer volunteers or worse paid firefighters leaving for better opportunites in a more stable working environment. We need to vote out the “good old boy” mentallity that has been in place for years with the current board. 

The three candidates running for the board, that are not currently board members, are running to make sure that minimum service levels are met, that your tax dollars are being used properly, that general oversight of the administration of the fire district is provided and most importantly that all first responders are provided the support, training and equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely.  

There is only one way to make the change. That is to vote and to vote out the incumbants in order to  ensure that you have the services you need when you need them. 

Please take the time to vote on May 5th in person at Nederland Fire Headquarters.

I highly recommend that you vote for the top three candidates on the ballot:

Todd White

James Patrick Richardson

Iain Irwin-Powell

All three of these candidates are not part of the current entrenched board. They will not maintain the status quo that has endured for too long. The three offer new vision, new oversight and a new direction for creating a great fire district.

For more detailed information on some of the problems facing the district please read this article:

Elections and voting are essential to maintaining democracy. I urge everyone to vote.

Respectfully, 
James Patrick Richardson
Nederland

P.S. Upon writing this letter to the editor I was made aware that due to the Coronavirus there is a concern that The Mountain-Ear may cease to exist in a few short weeks due to the fact that advertising is down 80% of what it was just a month ago. Just like our local restaurants and businesses, I hope we can all find a way to support our local newspaper.