Roberts new fire commissioner

Sylvia Roberts, a retired educator, has been selected as the newest member of the Lacey Fire Commission.    Her selection came Thursday evening in a split vote.

Commissioners Judy Wilson, Frank Kirkbride and Gene Dobry voted for Roberts.   By telephone, a sick Tom Nelson voted for David Morrison, who current works for the Port of Tacoma.

In making the motion to select Roberts, Kirkbride said her work in the Snohomish School District in getting community support for school levies would serve the fire district well.   “We’ve had trouble doing that in the past,” he said.

Kirkbride urged those not selected to become involved in the community through various citizen boards and commissions including the district’s citizen advisory committee.

Wilson said she was pleased with the overall quality of applicants.

Dobry said he, along with the rest of the commission, were moved by Robert’s story of her parents, who live in the fire district.   She said that the fire fighters and medics had responded to her family several times and that response gave her parents  the feeling of security they need to continue living in the Lacey Fire District.

While Nelson supported Morrison, he said Roberts was well-qualified and looked forward to working with her.

Roberts was not at the meeting, but was attending a candidates school put on by the Thurston County Auditor for prospective candidates this fall.

Roberts will have to file for her seat in May and run in the General Election this November for the unexpired term.