Please see the attached document for our Election Legal Notice
YOUR VOTE MATTERS to FIRE DISTRICTS
Fire Commissioners are elected by popular public vote–this means that YOUR
VOTE MATTERS.
Every December, on the 2nd Tuesday in NYS, a Fire Commissioner Board seat
becomes available for election to a 5-year term in the Fire Districts that use
Boards as their governing body.
The seated incumbent commissioner may decide to run for re-election, as there
are no term limits for this position. Opponents living in their District of at least 18
years age may petition to run for a seat in the election.
It is important to note that Fire Commissioners are UNPAID elected officials in
New York State.
The role of the Fire Commissioner involves serious responsibilities. It requires
knowledge of, or ability and intent to become adept in many financial and legal
tasks:
–managing large budgets
–understanding and executing NYS laws governing Fire Districts and open
meetings
–completing financial and fiscally responsible analyses that may lead to writing
and/or voting in legal motions
–managing projects and properly executing SOPs, especially with regard to
purchasing and proper bidding
–maintaining good relationships with the Chief’s Office, internal staff, first
responders, officials from outside agencies, vendors, and the general public for
which Commissioners swear oath to serve.
While family and other obligations may require someone to be absent, multiple
absences may have a detrimental effect on daily business and morale.
Often, no fewer than two meetings per month are required for the Fire
Commissioner to attend where District business and planning occurs.
In other words, this is an active, hands-on Board position that requires significant
effort in order to support the mission, vision, and values of the Fire District in
which they serve.
Credited to Linda Andreano
