ELECTIONS 2025: Central Whidbey Fire District candidate statements
The League of Women Voters of Whidbey Island posted this on their website on July 17, 2025.
Primary Elections 2025
Washington has a top-two-candidate voting system. Primary elections are held only for offices in which more than two candidates filed with the Elections office to run for a position. In 2025, that’s two offices for Island County: Public Hospital District Commissioner, Position 5, and Central Whidbey Fire Commissioner, Position 2.
In the past, the League of Women Voters of Whidbey Island has held Candidates’ Forums in advance of primary and general elections. This year, due to conflicting schedules, we are unable to have all candidates available at the same time. Instead, we have opted to invite the candidates to submit a brief statement addressing three questions:
- What are your qualifications for the position you seek?
- What is your interest in the position?
- What will be your priorities if you are elected to the position?
Our objective is to provide voters with information about the candidates that they can use to make decisions when completing their ballots.
Candidates for Central Whidbey Fire Commissioner, Position 2:
Scott Austin: no statement submitted
Christopher Chan: no statement submitted
Larry Goff:
What are your qualifications for the position you seek?
I had a 47-year career spent in the Fire Service, starting as a seasonal wildland firefighter. Most of my career was with the City of Lake Oswego Fire Department, working my way up through the ranks to become Fire Chief.
While working as a firefighter for Lake Oswego, I was elected to the Board of Directors for Oregon’s largest fire district, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. During my 24 years as a Board member, acting many years in the position of President, I navigated many complicated issues including budget approval, fiscal accountability, mergers and approving district policies.
What interests you about the position?
Having served as both a career firefighter and an elected Fire Board member, I believe I can provide a unique perspective as a Fire Commissioner for Central Whidbey Fire District.
What would be your priorities if you were elected to the position?
Continuing the Fire District’s community involvement, maintaining trust and fiscal responsibility are priorities for me.
Candidates’ statements are posted as submitted.
Ed. Note: The post on the LWVWI website included statements from both the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District candidates for position 5 and the Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue District candidates for position 3. We have posted the statements for the two positions separately. You can find the Hospital Commissioner candidate statements at this link.
On the Ballot in 2025
| CENTRAL WHIDBEY ISLAND FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT |
|---|
| Commissioner, Position 2 Larry Goff Christopher E. Chan Scott Austin Incumbent Cheryl Engle did not file for another term. |
