Candidate: Jeff Kern

I have lived with my wife, Linda in Englewood for thirty years. Together we raised three wonderful children. They also reside in Englewood and are raising our two grandchildren here. I am a member of New Life Community Church and have served on the Church Council since 2000. I also serve as the Senior Commander for Royal Ranger Outpost 392. The community of Englewood is our home and I am highly committed and energized to serve on the Fire Board of Commissioners for our special district. I retired as a Battalion Chief from the City of Venice Fire Department after 21 years of service. While there I was responsible for updating the department into the computer age. I also served on the Hazardous Materials Response Team, and 8 years on the Firefighters Pension Board. I also was an instructor at the Fire Academy. I received my college degree in Fire Science with an emphasis in Business Administration. I have owned and operated Total Computer Consultants locally for the past 26 years. These experiences provide a strong background for serving on the Fire Board of Commissioners. I served on the Fire Board of Commissioners from 2000 – 2008. During that time I saved the district tens of thousands of dollars by eliminating duplicate insurance policies. I helped convert the clerical positions into FRS and Social Security jobs to provide better retirement benefits and save the district money. I am well acquainted with the needs and workings of our Special District. I believe the district needs to be fully manned and adequately compensated to keep the high quality of fire protection and EMS assistance that our community needs.