Community News by Tom Harris, Associate Editor
The Sentinel was in attendance at the September 1, 2026 MFPD Board of Directors meeting, along with about 50 residents. The primary reason for the Sentinel’s presence (and evidently, for the majority of those in attendance) was concern about the progress of MFPD’s Shared Services Agreement (SSA) with the Garden Valley Fire Protection District, which is being negotiated. The public comment segment of the meeting exposed these concerns. There were four new MFPD board candidates who spoke during this segment: Jamae Lacey, Jackie Lemasters and Selah Valiente. Meredith Blain spoke via Zoom. It was obvious to most in attendance that the SSA issue is going to be a referendum on the upcoming November board election. Discussion of the SSA issue was on the agenda as Item 7.2. MFPD board members of the Shared Services Agreement committee are Trent Williams and Bill Buhnerkempe, both of whom are incumbent candidates in the November board election.
As the new candidates spoke, it became apparent that there is a lot of misinformation and outright falsehoods being distributed on social media on this subject – some of it from non-community members, and some from those with ancient personal grievances. On one hand, some of the candidates seem to rely on this misinformation. And on the other hand, some do not. The two candidates who apparently do not are Trent Williams and Bill Buhnerkempe. Both presented a clear, precise and detailed account of the ongoing negotiations with Garden Valley, thereby dispelling the rumors and innuendo that social media are known for. They pointed out that there were two concerns regarding some contract details which needed clarification. One was from MFPD’s attorney concerning contract obligations.
The other was from MFPD’s insurance provider concerning liability issues regarding shared services. Their “Due Diligence” will benefit the taxpayers of the Mosquito Fire Protection District who, without our fire department, could face much higher insurance premiums, if we could get insurance at all. Ironically, it became obvious during the meeting that both sides want essentially the same outcome. But, on one hand there are those candidates who seem to want a quick resolution to this project – apparently favoring an immediate end to the negotiating process and proceeding directly to a board vote, signing anything put in front of them. And on the other hand, the two incumbent board members appear to favor the long- standing tradition of due process. Their goal is a coherent agreement with no reduction in services, that benefits our community while preserving emergency response capabilities, and includes maintaining a staffed firehouse.
This goal was presented in a calm, respectful manner, and did not cave to the pressure of faceless voices on social media. It was pointed out that at this point in time, all Garden Valley has agreed with is to share a fire chief. The Sentinel has reviewed the names and heard the voices of candidates running for the four open seats on the MFPD board of directors, including an extensive interview with James “Scott” Laing, and stands by its decision to endorse those most likely to provide qualified experience and competent leadership:
For the full (4 year) term:
Meredith Blain
Trent Williams
James “Scott” Laing
For the short (2 year) term:
William M. Buhnerkempe
Karen Paul, president of Swansboro Country Property Owners Association (SCPOA) noted that they will sponsor a “Meet and Greet” featuring all eight candidates at Dyer Lake on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. All residents who are registered to vote in the Mosquito Fire Protection District are invited. The Sentinel urges voters to meet the candidates, learn the facts, then make a decision and vote.
Community Blog 