Response to Chief Dave Lane

Dear Fire Chief Lane,

Firstly, we would like to thank you for aiding us in our campaign by asking us questions publicly. We are delighted to respond, and are not hiding from, nor behind, anything!

Why we chose to ask constituents to email us any questions? We merely used the e-mail address as an avenue for people to ask us questions, or coordinate phone calls and meetings. We find it interesting that you claim we are not answering publicly, when we attended the community council meeting for candidates, as did you, this last Monday night, April 12. If you recall, there was a portion at the end of our statements during that meeting where it was opened for questions to be posed to us. None were posed.

Transparency means being free of pretense and deceit and readily understood.

Who are we advocating for? We are advocating for this community, our friends, our peers, our families and even our own volunteers. We want to see board meetings that really delve into the issues, ideas and future of this department. We believe no matter who you are or what you do, there is always room for growth.

Our agenda is to serve on the Board of Trustees with honesty, integrity and fresh ideas.

I, Alyssa McLean, find it interesting that you answered your own question about what our agenda is. You claim that I said those words, which is technically correct, but they are out of context.

I do recall the exact statement you’re referring to during the Aug. 18, 2020 board meeting. What I said was, “You seem to think I want to “dethrone the chairman of the board” and “fire the chief”, when actually I am not here to be a villain. I want to work with you.” My statement still stands!

My agenda is to learn more, do better research, communicate more, build volunteerism and serve to the best of my ability. I will do that by bringing my compassion, my technical computer skills, my connections and a whole lot of positivity to the board of trustees. 

I, Kristy Pohlman, find it ironic that you claim my departure from the department was bitter, when you have never personally had a conversation with me about it. I disagree that it was bitter. In fact it was an amicable departure that afforded me time to reflect on my passion for Fire/EMS. This time has given me an opportunity to obtain my master’s degree, walk through the journey of giving birth to and being the first-time mother of identical triplet daughters and starting a fresh career at a new school.

As for my agenda, I will bring validation for volunteers, staff, community members and patients, as well as open communication, humility in acceptance of criticisms and financial transparency. I also want to network with my connections to help bring about a stronger volunteer program with more community outreach and events all while showing kindness, empathy and respect in the process.

Thank you for your questions.

Alyssa McLean and Kristy Pohlman, Seeley Lake Fire Board Candidates

 

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