Question the Fire District leadership

I understand that I am the Seeley Lake Rural Fire District Board problem scapegoat now and unfortunately whatever I say is going to be seen as some kind of attack. I would like to point out that some of the things Scott Kennedy is claiming I said [at the May 17 Fire Board meeting - see “Public Comment” page 9] were actually brought to light by a different public voice during their comment time. So, who is bad at research and uninformed?  

I did not make the administrative assistant quit. Nothing I’ve ever said was directed at the administrative assistant. If that employee allowed what I’ve said publicly to be the cause of their resignation, it was their choice. Employee turnover is usually a reflection of the management. In fact, I thought the administrative assistant did great, especially taking on duties meant to be done by the board members. Side note, is it not the secretary/treasurer of the board’s duty to record minutes and prep agendas on a public board? I will have to ask this next time so that I’m educated and informed on that.  

I did not blame any injuries on anyone. I merely showed the SEVERITY of my injuries to the room so they could understand my trauma experience.  Everyone else seemed to understand the clear point I was making with that.  I just don’t want another family to be denied Advanced Life Support care when in need.

I went through the “chain of command” (as outlined by the board and chief) with my very valid concerns and was not met with any response, solutions or compassion. In fact, I’m now taking heat for speaking up as a concerned citizen and I honestly expect more from our elected officials meant to serve us.

I assume it’s a hard situation to be in, however, when the elected official is also an active member of the department.  I have to wonder if it is hard to have a professional and removed view of the entire situation as our elected official, when it has apparently become personal because that elected official was involved in the incident as a responder?  Is this possibly a conflict of interest?

I’m again being taken out of context by Mr. Kennedy.  He claims I stated that I want people to lose their jobs or be fired. As I’ve stated here on the Pathfinder before, my ACTUAL statement years ago was, “You (the board) act like you think I’m coming in here to get someone’s job or get someone fired and that’s not true. I want to work with you.”  I’m not sure I still share those exact same sentiments all these years later, however, especially since I am being continually mis-quoted.  

I am mostly just entertained by this strawman-argument and gas lighting meant to deflect from my experiences and concern. My character and intelligence can be attacked, that’s fine, but I still had an unfortunate experience that left me with anxiety. I am confident that many will see through this manipulation of the narrative and deflection.