2025 Fire Board Election is opportunity for voters to reflect on the kind of leadership we want managing public services

2025 Fire Board Election is opportunity for voters to reflect on the kind of leadership we want managing public services

With the upcoming election for the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District (GFPID), voters have an important opportunity to reflect on what kind of leadership we want managing our essential public services.

Do we want trustees who follow best practices for term limits and who step aside after two terms, making room for fresh perspectives? Are we comfortable with trustees who have been involved in costly legal challenges that burden taxpayers and erode public trust?

Transparency and fiscal responsibility matter. When financial decisions are made—such as shifting money between reserve accounts or planning steep increases in taxation and staffing—shouldn’t those choices be clear, justified, and well-communicated to the public?

Respect and decorum also matter. Public meetings should be safe spaces for questions, dialogue, and disagreement without fear of hostility or condescension. Anyone who serves in a governance role should embody respect and be open to accountability—not only to fellow trustees but to every taxpayer and resident.

This election is a chance to vote for better governance: for candidates who prioritize transparency, who are committed to respectful public engagement, and who act in the best interest of the entire community—not personal networks or long-standing loyalties.

We all deserve a board that is forward-thinking, cooperative, and grounded in service—not ego. Let’s vote with those values in mind.

Sincerely,

~ Drew Staniland, Gabriola Island taxpayer