Michael Pearson

A candidate for Commissioner Pos. 3, Spokane Valley Fire Department in the 2015 Nov. 3 Washington General Election

Age: 71

City: Spokane Valley, WA

Occupation: Retired superintendent of Central Valley School District

His words: “Financially, we’re in great shape. Not because of me, but because of past boards and current practices.” The department is debt free, but there are concerns about possible steep increases to Labor and Industry fees.

His pitch: He plans to keep working on improving the department’s Washington Survey and Rating Bureau score to lower homeowner insurance rates. “We have people working on that constantly.” He also wants to expand the department’s role in working with other agencies on community medicine. He said he has experience working with large budgets and high numbers of employees.

Notable experience: Has served as a Spokane Valley Fire Department Commissioner since 2013. He previously worked for the Central Valley School District for 30 years, beginning as a teacher and retiring as superintendent.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Washington University, master’s in education administration from Whitworth University, superintendent certificate from Washington State University.