Why I am Running

I was appointed by the then Board of Fire Commissioners to fill a vacancy that occurred in November 2021. During that time on the SWFE Board of Commissioners, I played a key role in each of these accomplishments:

  1. Appointed Nick Walsh as SWFE’s new Fire Chief
  2. Increased our paid firefighter/EMT force from 12 to 15 members, ensuring 24/7 staffing and shortening 911 response times
  3. Initiated rebuilding the ranks of our volunteer firefighters to further shorten 911 response times
  4. Reviewed our strategic plan for future budgeting problems so that there is funding for expected services.
  5. Implemented a fire inspection program so that businesses are in compliance fire safety codes and the community is made safer.

But more work remains. So, if elected, I promise that each of these is addressed:

  1. Updating of our disaster preparedness plan so that when the next earthquake strikes, SWFE firefighters and EMTs know what to do and how.
  2. Replacing two old fire stations with a seismically-sound one to be located such that services to the extreme south end are improved.
  3. Continuing the move of all volunteer firefighters to mixed paid/volunteer status so that 911 response times are further improved.
  4. Developing a stable program to replace older fire engines such that our Washington State Ratings Bureau Protection Class Evaluation improves. Simply put, the better our evaluation, the lower your home-owner’s fire insurance premiums.
  5. Moving to a net-zero emissions policy for new fire engines, aid cars, and fire stations.

My plan, if elected to a full six-year term, is to continue working on your behalf, working with the singular goal of keeping your Fire District capable, cost effective, and responsive. You have my word.

Jim Towers
Langley

About Jim Towers

Jim and his wife Pat have lived on South Whidbey since 1980 other than a short spell in Portland. Their daughters attended South Whidbey School System and were both 4 H and Pony Club members. Pat was the long term chef at Café Langley. Jim enjoys walking the couple’s Labradors, kayaking, sailing and hiking. Jim knows the community well.

Prior to becoming a Commissioner, Jim was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for thirty five years, retiring as Captain of Station 34 (Langley) and Station 35 (Saratoga). He is one of few volunteer officers to graduate from the two-week Command and Control of Natural and Man Made Disasters Class at the National Fire Academy. He understands of the roll of SWFE in both day-to-day operations and the roll in recovery should the “big one” hit South Whidbey.

Jim is a Professional Engineer working in the maritime industries. He has served on the management team at both Kvichak Marine Industries and Nichols Bros Boat Builders. He is currently a part Owner, Principal in Charge and Board Member of Elliott Bay Design Group. He understands the roll of a board in managing an organization. He has had to estimate project costs and control budgets throughout his working career. He knows how to both project and control costs without jeopardizing the end goal.