Candidates for the board of commissioners for the Bainbridge Island Fire Department have submitted candidate statements for Kitsap County’s voters’s pamplet.

David H. Lynch is seeking the Position 2 seat on the Bainbridge Island Fire Department. His opponent is YongSuk Cho.

David H. Lynch

Biography: David Lynch, Ph.D., worked at the National Cancer Institute and the University of Utah Medical School before moving to Bainbridge Island in 1988. He lives with his wife and 14 year-old step daughter. He has written articles for numerous scientific publications and spoken at international symposia. He has served on both governmental and corporate scientific advisory boards and grant review committees.

Locally he has served on the Bainbridge Island Harbor Commission and played a significant role in obtaining a $2M settlement from the Washington State Ferry system that has been designated for waterfront improvement projects on the Island.

Statement: I’ve lived on Bainbridge Island for 25 years. In the past 2 years I had the opportunity to spend significant time with the last Business Administrator for the Bainbridge Island Fire Department and to discuss many aspects of the Department: its operations, needs and challenges. Currently there is a significant “change in the guard” occurring with the turnover of 3 of the 5 Commission seats, and thus a need for strong guidance to ensure the Island has a vibrant Department that provides optimal coverage while remaining fiscally prudent. My educational and corporate experiences will be of value in solving both the current challenges the Department faces and providing critical oversight and guidance in creating and implementing a financially viable strategic development plan for the future. As current Fire Department plans include asking voters for additional funds, it is imperative that the new Board be free from perceived conflicts of interests such as having family members work for the Department or vying for future employment with the Department. The Department has made significant strides in becoming more professional and providing increased services. As a Commissioner, I am committed to continuing that trend.