Two Candidates Vying For District 4 Position

Fire district commissioners

Elections for North Side fire district commissioners, who are responsible for setting policies and budgets and approving expenditures, include one contested race.

Fire District 4 commissioner, Position 1

Incumbent candidate Jack Hensley faces a challenge from Todd Johnson.

When Hensley started as commissioner 18 years ago, the district consisted of nine independently run stations. During his tenure, Hensley helped bring in paid staff to unify the district and worked to elevate training of firefighters and upgrade equipment, he said.

“I had a hand in bringing the district from where we were to where we are today,” he said. “And I want to continue into the 21st century.”

Hensley, 57, has been a volunteer firefighter since 1977. Though some see that role as a conflict with his role of commissioner, he sees it as an advantage.

“From a firefighter’s standpoint, I know what’s needed and what’s gingerbread,” he said. “A Chevy will get you there as good as a Cadillac; it just might not look as nice.”

Hensley also is one of four members of a governing board that provides health care for paid firefighters in fire districts throughout the state.

Maintaining the current level of service while keeping expenses in line are the fire district’s major issues, Hensley said.

As a 50-year resident of the Wayside area, Hensley said he has a particular understanding of taxpayers’ concerns and constraints.

Johnson is concerned about emergency services.

“I have a special interest in assuring quality and economical emergency services are available to the citizens of the county when they need them,” he said.

An Air Force pilot for 22 years, Johnson retired in 1993. Since then, he’s taken over ownership of the Spokane Vitamin and Mineral Supply store in Spokane County.

His background in business makes him particularly well suited for the role of fire district commissioner, said Johnson, 51.

“From a business aspect, I have a lot to bring to the table,” he said, “as opposed to having been in the trenches.”

Johnson, a Chattaroy resident since 1975, sees the major issue of the district as continuing the plan to modernize equipment, especially for emergency services.

Fire District 4 serves North Spokane County, including Deer Park, Chattaroy, Elk, Colbert, Wild Rose, Riverside, Green Bluff, Mount Spokane and Wayside.

Fire District 9 commissioner, Position 1

Incumbent candidate Bob Anderson will run uncontested.

Fire District 9 serves Mead, Nine Mile Falls, Foothills, Bigelow Gulch and Five Mile Prairie.