Charlene Adams, 80
Years in Sweet Home: 75
Education: High school graduate who took continuing education classes at Linn-Benton Community College.
Professional Background/Work Experience: Co-owned and operated a business in Crawfordsville for 12-plus years, worked seven years as a personal banker/loan officer for the First Interstate Bank of Oregon and worked for the City of Sweet Home as a planning assistant for 10 years.
Political Experience/Affiliations: Served on the Sweet Home School Board for 12 years and on the Sweet Home School District Budget Committee. Currently chairs Sweet Home Library Board, SHFAD Board of Directors member since 2017, currently serving as treasurer.
Other Community Involvement/Affiliations: Oregon Jamboree volunteer, six years.
Family: Married to Rich Adams. Four children: Melanie and Scott Marvin of Sweet Home, Michael and Kristin Adams of Sweet Home, Mark Adams and Debbie Irving of Oregon City, and Matthew and Traci Adams of Wilsonville; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Larry Johnson, 76
Years in Sweet Home: 52
Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s and School Administrator degrees.
Professional Background/Work Experience: Longtime coach and administrator (19 years) in Sweet Home School District.
Political Experience/Affiliations: Democrat – “but support best candidate.” Sweet Home Fire Board member for three four-year terms.
Other Community Involvement/Affiliations: Oregon Jamboree volunteer and supervisor – 30 years; OSAA Delegate Assembly representative; Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame Director; First Citizen and Junior First Citizen honoree.
Family: Wife Candy; sons Mark and Scott.
Dave Trask, “Age: Younger than Biden”
Years in Sweet Home: 72.
Education: Sweet Home High School, Class of 1968.
Professional Background/Work Experience: Phone company, 32 years.
Political Experience/Affiliations: City Council member (10 years), Parks Committee member (10 years), Administration and Finance Committee (nine years).
Other Community Involvement/Affiliations: Softball, basketball coach 5-6 year-olds.
Family: Four children, six grandchildren.
Contact: [email protected]
Jim Yon, 52
Years in Sweet Home: 18
Education: Bachelor of science – law enforcement, 1993.
Professional Background/Work Experience: Worked in law enforcement for nearly 30 years; retired from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office as Sheriff at the end of 2021.
Political Experience/Affiliations: Former elected Sheriff of Linn County.
Other Community Involvement/Affiliations: N/A
Family: Married to wife Angie, for 29 years. She is a longtime teacher in Sweet Home School District. Two adult children that attended Sweet Home schools.
Why do you want to be a SHFAD Board member?
Charlene Adams: I have been a member of the SHFAD Board of Directors for almost eight years and I would like to continue being a part of this dedicated, supportive group. We work as a strong team with the goal of leading the SHFAD in a positive direction.
Larry Johnson: To give back to our community. To do what I have emphasized to others for 30 years.
Dave Trask: I told (former) Chief Barringer, “When I retire, I plan to run for Fire Board.”
Jim Yon: I have served the Linn County community for nearly 30 years. I want to continue this service but do it as a volunteer.
What sets you apart as a candidate for SHFAD voters?
Larry Johnson: We have an elected board, each member of which bring backgrounds that add to the board. I have had experiences that help to assure we do what’s best for our community while having a quality fire-ambulance district.
Dave Trask: 50 years of experience with SHFAD – officer lieutenant/captain for 25 years, engineer, rescue tech; Water and Rope Rescue Association leader; 19,352 fire calls, 11,700 rescue calls; wildfire engine boss; 5,230 single resource crew boss; 2017 Oregon Company Inspector.
Jim Yon: I have many years of experience dealing with budgets, hiring and all the aspects of running a department like this.
I led from the front as the Sheriff of Linn County. I am willing to make unpopular decisions that are necessary.
I understand firsthand what it means to be a first responder – the responsibility that comes with it and the important services we provide.
Charlene Adams: I believe my ability to look at all issues with an unbiased view and my problem-solving ability are two of my strongest assets.
What would you consider your primary responsibility/ies to voters as a Fire Board member if you are elected?
Dave Trask: Finances.
Jim Yon: My primary responsibility would be to make sure the department is run properly and efficiently to provide the best service to our community. Spending the taxpayer’s money and doing it wisely is critical. We need to make sure we stretch the dollar as far as we can.
Charlene Adams: I believe board members need to remember they are there, first of all, to hire the best person possible to lead the paid staff and volunteers. Once that is done, the main responsibility is to make policies that are clear and in the best interest of the district and the people of the district.
Larry Johnson: To be fiscally responsible in maintaining our SHFAD at levels which will handle all fire ambulance needs.
What do you think are the particular challenges that need to be addressed in the fire district?
Jim Yon: Funding is and probably will always be the biggest challenge. The tax base is limited, so we must ensure that we manage the budget closely. We need to do a good job planning for the future.
Charlene Adams: I believe the biggest challenge is funding.
Larry Johnson: Keeping our facilities and staff at a level to take care of community needs; getting quality leadership to provide direction for future years. Concern for vehicles that are getting older.
Dave Trask: N/A
A lot of Fire Board work revolves around funding. Chief Nick Tyler has spoken at board meetings about the funding challenges he anticipates. In general, how do you view the district’s position in this area? If you would like to change anything, how would you do so?
Charlene Adams: I believe that the district, under the leadership of former Chief Dave Barringer and current Chief Nick Tyler, is in a very good place financially.
The district certainly could use additional funding, but I’m sure any district in the state could say the same thing. Chief Tyler continues exploring alternative sources for funding that will limit cost increases to taxpayers.
Larry Johnson: We regularly review the potential future of funding. Big issues have to do with staff, facilities and equipment.
Dave Trask: The biggest concern is purchasing new engines and ambulances. Also, keeping volunteers – retention difficulty.
Jim Yon: Without having a good understanding of their financial position, it is difficult to have a good answer to this question. My understanding comes from working at the Sheriff’s Office and knowing we would not have been able to provide half the services we did without the law enforcement levy. The tax base in Linn County is very low and it only brings in so much revenue.
What other improvements would you like to see to SHFAD’s operations/personnel/services?
Larry Johnson: Secure and keep more volunteers; continue to grow with Lebanon and Marcola; training classes; mutual aid.
Dave Trask: N/A
Jim Yon: I have long felt SHFAD is a great organization. From my time with the Sheriff’s Office, they always the public’s interest at heart and has served our community very well. I do not know the internal workings of the department to say what they could improve on.
Charlene Adams: I would like to see the district be able to hire all the personnel that is needed and for there to be an abundance of volunteers.
In addition to any of the issues already touched on, what do you consider the biggest challenge(s) facing SHFAD? As briefly as possible, how would you address it/those?
Dave Trask: N/A
Jim Yon: Hiring in today’s world is difficult. We want to make sure that we maintain high standards for the people we bring on as employees.
Charlene Adams: Again, funding is always an issue. We have great, caring, dedicated people in the district. We can always use more.
As in all organizations the cost for replacing equipment, repairing vehicles, purchasing supplies is skyrocketing. Those are just some of the challenges the SHFAD faces every day. They just have to be addressed, hopefully not all at one time.
Larry Johnson: Forecasting budget one year in advance; possibly develop fuel contract – one year ahead; share contract with other groups (possily school district, Lebanon Fire, etc. (we have looked into some of this); having and keeping personnel (have staff volunteers get actively involved with community.)