CAMANO: Q&A: Fire commissioner candidates talk goals for agency

The Stanwood Camano News reports on the Stanwood-Camano School Board election. Read the whole story.

The Stanwood Camano News sent the same set of questions to each candidate in local races and gave each of them the same deadline to send in answers.

Ballots will be mailed Oct. 17 in Island County.

They Said It

Camano Fire Commissioner Position 2

Jerry Evans

Evans, the incumbent, did not respond to requests for information from the Stanwood Camano News.

He did not submit information to the Island County Voters’ Guide.

Camano Fire Commissioner Position 3

Paul V. Williams

Why did you decide to run for election?

I feel there is more to be accomplished under the leadership of our new Chief, particularly as it relates to the establishment of our Camano CARES program, expansion of service to the south end of the island, and continued excellent service to the community.

In addition, as the longest serving member of the Board of Commissioners, I was encouraged to run again.

What is the biggest issue you hope to address if elected?

Our biggest issue at this time is the remodeling of station 5, the southernmost station on the island, to allow for 24/7 presence of a crew at the station, which will improve the response time to the south end, and also the entire island because of the extra crew.

We are also trying to obtain funding to support our Camano CARES program with the Camano Center, to try to help residents who have particular needs that are not being addressed.

How will you stay engaged with the community and ensure their voices are heard and reflected in your work?

Community members are always encouraged to attend our board meetings. I am also a member of the Communication Committee which strives to communicate news and education through our social media channels.

I am also available to attend meetings of island community organizations if requested, and attend community events such as the National Night Out, and informational events related to levy issues.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

I am dedicated to the success of the fire district and am active in state and regional fire commissioner organizations, to keep our district up to date with what is happening around the state.

This is also how commissioners maintain their education, as well. I have served on several boards of non-profit organizations and medical societies.

Tammy Lancieri

Lancieri did not respond to requests for information from Stanwood Camano News.

She did not submit information to the Island County voters’ pamphlet.

Camano Fire Commissioner Position 4

Paul W. Foster

Why did you decide to run for election?

I was honored to have been appointed to the Camano Island Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners approximately two years ago.

Running for election to fill a full term of office reflects my desire to continue serving my community and to ensure the public is served with the highest quality public safety and medical services possible.

It has been a privilege to work with outstanding board colleagues and professional staff to deliver this commitment. I look forward to a bright future for the District.

What is the biggest issue you hope to address if elected?

Just as costs increase for the operation of own households, operational costs continue to rise for the fire district. Therefore, it is essential that the Board of Commissioners ensure that the tax dollars provided by our fellow Camano Island residents are utilized as efficiently as possible.

I see that as the most pressing issue for our Board. We must provide high levels of service, ensure our equipment and facilities are of the highest quality, develop reserves for future needs, while keeping our inherent promise to the public to use their tax dollars wisely.

How will you stay engaged with the community and ensure their voices are heard and reflected in your work?

I am fully committed to transparency in public service. As a Commissioner, I will support all of the activities that can be made open to the public in a simple and easily accessible fashion.

I will continue my involvement in a variety of other community organizations and have regular communication with the Mabana Flames, Camano Preparedness Group and Friends of Camano Island Fire and Rescue. In addition, I am readily available, as are all the members of our Board of Commissioners by phone, text or email.

Is there anything else you would like the voters to know about you?

I feel I bring a complementary mix of professional and public service experience to my role as a fire commissioner. I served for over thirty years as a medical executive and eleven years as an elected City Council Member and Mayor for a full-service city of over 70,000.

In addition, I have served and continue to serve on multiple non-profit and public service charity organization boards. I believe that this experience, as well as a deep commitment to public service, will serve me well as I serve my fellow Camano Island residents.

Camano Fire Commissioner Position 5

Maria Carlstrom

Why did you decide to run for election?

Since establishing residency on Camano Island in 2014, I have developed an understanding of the history and operations of Camano Island Fire & Rescue (CIFR), including its funding challenges and the ongoing need to recruit, train, and retain both volunteers and career firefighters, as well as paramedics.

I am committed to promoting strong financial stewardship and fostering community trust as foundations for delivering high-quality service. My candidacy for Fire Commissioner is driven by a desire to contribute my experience and insight, ensuring that CIFR is managed responsibly and in alignment with the needs of our community.

What is the biggest issue you hope to address if elected?

One of my primary objectives is to educate the community about how CIFR is funded.

When I first moved to Camano Island, I was unfamiliar with the levy process. Through my experience participating on levy committees, I discovered that even many long-time residents are not aware that Camano Fire relies solely on levies to finance its daily operations, equipment, and training.

It is my goal to provide clear communication and outreach to ensure all residents are informed about how our fire department is funded and why ongoing community support is essential.

How will you stay engaged with the community and ensure their voices are heard and reflected in your work?

My active participation in several community organizations and local events allows me to remain closely connected to the issues that matter most to our residents.

Through these ongoing engagements, I stay informed about topics such as public safety, the needs of our aging population, resource allocation, and other concerns that impact our neighbors.

By being involved in the community, I am able to listen and learn directly from those I serve, ensuring that my work as Fire Commissioner reflects the priorities, interests and concerns of the citizens of Camano Island.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

My family has been part of the Camano Island community since 1989. Over the years, we have witnessed considerable growth, both across the island and right within our own neighborhood. These changes have brought new opportunities as well as challenges, especially as our population increases. I believe having competent, professional, and highly-trained first responders is essential for the safety and well-being of everyone on Camano Island.

It would be my honor to earn your vote of confidence, as I am not only a candidate but also a fellow citizen who genuinely cares about our neighbors and the community we share.

On the Ballot in November 2025