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Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District 2 Position 2

Special districts in Oregon are formed to govern specific resources. Examples are people’s utility districts, library districts, sewer districts, irrigation districts, ports and cemetery districts. Some districts get revenue only from taxes. Others, such as water districts, get revenue from ratepayers. Others may combine the two sources. Each district is governed by a board of directors which is responsible for the operation of the district and its financial accountability. ( https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/198.010 ) Qualifications: Candidate must be a registered voter or an landowner in the district. If the district has a supporting ordinance, employees of the district are not eligible. ORS 478.050Salary: A member of the governing body of a district may receive an amount not to exceed $50 for each day or portion thereof as compensation for services performed as a member of the governing body. Such compensation shall not be deemed lucrative. The governing body may provide for reimbursement of a member for actual and reasonable traveling and other expenses necessarily incurred by a member in performing official duties. [1971 c.403 §2; 1983 c.327 §2; 1983 c.740 §53a; 1989 c.517 §1; 1995 c.79 §74] In event of Vacancy: Except as otherwise provided by law, a vacancy in an elected office in the membership of the governing body of a district shall be filled by appointment by a majority of the remaining members of the governing body. If a majority of the membership of the governing body is vacant or if a majority cannot agree, the vacancies shall be filled promptly by the county court of the county in which the administrative office of the district is located. [ORS 198.320]

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  • Karl Scronce
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Oliver Tatom
    (N)

Biographical Information

How would you improve communication with the communities you serve, involving them in decision making, keeping them informed of district activities, and increasing fire awareness?

What experiences or skills do you have that will contribute to your service as a board member?

What innovative approaches to expand community fire safety programs would you support?

¿Qué experiencias o destrezas tiene usted que contribuyan a su trabajo como miembro de la junta?

[Sólo para los departamentos voluntarios de incendios] ¿Qué propondría usted para mejorar el reclutamiento y la capacitación de bomberos voluntarios? ¿Cuáles son las prioridades en un presupuesto limitado para equipos, vehículos y capacitación?

¿Qué enfoques innovadores apoyaría usted para ampliar los programas comunitarios de prevención de incendios?

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Campaign Address 22567 Calgary Dr
Bend, OR 97702
Web Site (leave blank if not applicable) http://olivertatom.com
Town Where You Live Bend
Your Experience/Qualificatons Occupational Background: Paramedic and Registered Nurse -- Educational Background: University of Southern California, BA, American Studies; Central Oregon Community College, AAS, Nursing; Yale-New Haven Hospital, Certificate, Paramedic; Bend Senior High School -- Prior Governmental Experience: Central Oregon Community College, Board of Directors, (Elected) Deschutes County Project Wildfire Steering Committee (Appointed)
County Deschutes
Term Four years
When the fire district undertook construction of its newest fire stations in Bend and Tumalo, it did so with little input from the men and women who would spend 48 hours there while on shift responding to emergencies. District leadership prioritized such aesthetic flourishes as expensive garage doors over sleeping quarters with adequate room for trainees and students or alarms and lighting systems that protect the long-term health of first responders.

In my role as both a clinic administrator and an elected board member, I view myself as a servant leader supporting the front-line clinicians and faculty who are themselves providing care and education to our patients and students. This comes from listening to the concerns of those doing the work, and addressing those concerns wherever possible. I will bring this same dedication to our fire and EMS professionals so they can concentrate on delivering the high-level care our district residents deserve and expect.
When the 1996 Skeleton Fire swept through the Sundance neighborhood southeast of Bend, it destroyed 19 housed, including my own childhood hood. My family chose to remain and rebuild, and nearly 7 years ago my wife and I returned there to raise our own kids. The experience of that traumatic loss informs my service on Deschutes County's Project Wildfire Steering Committee, and motivated my decision to seek election to the Fire District's board.

Additionally, because of my professional experience as a paramedic, I understand the challenges facing EMS agencies, including Bend Fire & Rescue. I can offer advice and insight to district and city leaders as they seek creative ways to recruit and retain a diverse workforce of exemplary professionals.
Institutions across Central Oregon already offer several proven fire safety programs. For example, I am currently working with my neighbors in Sundance to pursue Firewise certification, a challenging endeavor in a neighborhood without a neighborhood association. Several other programs and resources can be found on my website - https://olivertatom.com/fire-resources/

Unfortunately, many of these resources are little known to residents, particularly those who are new to the area. I will promote efforts to increase education and training for residents, not only around fire safety, but also first aid, CPR, and injury prevention. I will also advocate for a volunteer program to augment Bend Fire's professionals. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Search and Rescue program, for example, of which I am a former volunteer, wonderfully illustrates how a highly effective volunteer organization can significantly expand the reach and impact of a professional emergency response agency.
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