It’s hard to believe, but somebody is being deceitful.

Last night we attended the Conifer Chamber of Commerce special meeting where the candidates for the Elk Creek Fire Board were present. The substitute for candidate Greg Branch who was unavailable to attend, informed the group that Mr. Branch was endorsed by the Elk Creek Fire Fighters Association. This was on Tuesday evening, April 24th.

On Wednesday, April 25th, a copy of Mr. Branch's election flyer was received where again it stated that he was supported by the Elk Creek Fire Fighters Association (ECFFA).

On Tuesday, April 24th, Grady Harn, another candidate for the Elk Creek Fire Board filled out a questionnaire sent by the ECFFA. Grady e-mailed the ECFFA on Wednesday, April 25th and asked them why they had sent him a questionnaire to fill out if indeed they were already supporting Greg Branch. He received a response from Jacob Ware of the ECFFA that said, "I have not spoken with Greg yet, but I think there may have been a bit of a misunderstanding. When Greg first got involved with the board position he had approached us. We chose to support him then. I think he may have assumed that it carried forward. I have called for a vote and we will have our candidates today. So, no, it is not a done deal."

Just wanted to pass the facts along. Misinformation like the incorrect statement that Grady Harn is for "an all volunteer fire department" are not only misleading, they are lies. Be an informed voter!!

Thanks SC. I haven't had time to look at the video and it isn't my district. I was hoping though that there was more discussion on this.

Grady.....I have you looked to see how Platte Canyon Fire has managed, outside their mill increase, to sustain the department?
Seems they have done a fairly good job of working with less money than they needed.
I am unclear what portion of the department is paid or volunteer. I know that there are still a good many volunteers in Platte Canyon.

Becky wrote: Grady.....I have you looked to see how Platte Canyon Fire has managed, outside their mill increase, to sustain the department?
Seems they have done a fairly good job of working with less money than they needed.
I am unclear what portion of the department is paid or volunteer. I know that there are still a good many volunteers in Platte Canyon.

There are over 60 volunteers in Elk Creek compared to 12 or so paid staff which includes the Chief and the support staff. The union membership is tiny at eight comprised of the paramedics and EMTs who man the responding ambulances.
In all fairness while Platt Canyon and Elk Creek are similar, Elk Creek district has a greater population and far more commercial development that it must support. An all volunteer department would just not be feasible for Elk Creek. The same goes for an all paid department such as a West Metro type, we simply cannot afford it.

Thank you SC/AG for the video and for the names of the parties running. And thanks for the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Committee offering it. Just wish it would have been in a quieter place and a moderator to make sure that everyone had an equal time to respond.

It is very apparent that all three care about Elk Creek fire.

The issue I have is that the problems that arose regarding the former Fire Chief Bob Dolan happened under the current Board of Directors. They should have observed Bob Dolan more thoroughly.

Also all the previous rancor and discord amongst the firefighters has affected the fire department overall. That also falls on the current Board of Directors. Hiring a fire chief outside the area is one of the best things they did. It is unfortunate that McLaughlin was in command for such a short period of time before he was put to the test.

I would hope that the next Board of Directors will see to it that the new Fire Chief is brought up to date on the area and that there might be newer updated maps, etc.

Being on the board requires that members be willing to express themselves well but also know the art of listening to the constituency and not doing all the talking on lots of different subjects as it seemed was going on with one candidate. And it is unfortunate that Greg Branch wasn't able to attend.

I look forward to learning more about all the candidates and I wish you Grady Harn the very best. We need new blood. I don't get a vote because I don't live in the district but I have enough family of voting age who do.

And if I may I would suggest that you Grady outline what your platform is in more detail right at the beginning of your talk. We could have learned so much more.

I am very saddened to have just hear that Mike Bartlett, a ten year veteran volunteer firefighter, captain and board member has just turned in his resignation. The current board of Elk Creek and the board supporters have gone to great lengths to tell people that the board works well together and that all of the conflicts have been resolved. Mike's resignation says otherwise. I am very sorry that Mike is gone. His years of selfless service, efforts and community caring will be missed. His service to all of us is very appreciated and I know each of us felt much safer knowing that Mike was there for us. Thank you Mike. I am very sorry to see you go.

Connie+H wrote: I am very saddened to have just hear that Mike Bartlett, a ten year veteran volunteer firefighter, captain and board member has just turned in his resignation. The current board of Elk Creek and the board supporters have gone to great lengths to tell people that the board works well together and that all of the conflicts have been resolved. Mike's resignation says otherwise. I am very sorry that Mike is gone. His years of selfless service, efforts and community caring will be missed. His service to all of us is very appreciated and I know each of us felt much safer knowing that Mike was there for us. Thank you Mike. I am very sorry to see you go.

What former director Bartlett’s resignation means it that current election will go forth, as is for the two vacancies that were already on the ballot. Election law does not allow canceling or modifying the election once it has been established. Mike Bartlett’s seat will be filled at a later time, again by appointment by the board. So I have to ask, If I am not on the board will there be anyone to stand up for an outside voice?

Thanks Grady.

Some of us don't have facebook accounts so we haven't seen anything other than the video SC/AG did.

Could you say more about yourself. We still don't know much. I have lots of family who live in your district. And new blood with a new perspective just might be the answer. There is still too much rancor. I remember when Elk Creek used to be one of the best, cohesive fire departments in the area. Now I wonder if volunteers will bother to show up to calls with all the problems that are still going on.

Thanks.