There are two seats open on the Felton Fire Protection District board and four candidates: Norman Crandell, James Anderson, Craig Winter and Bill Finlayson. Anderson and Crandell are incumbents. We asked them one question:
Property owners approved an assessment expected to generate about $1.7 million annually for around-the-clock staffing, training and equipment. What measurable results should residents expect during the first year of the new assessment, and how should the district publicly account for the additional revenue?
Norm Crandell
Felton Fire Director
The FFPD has been through some tough times in recent years. We found ourselves relying on a volunteer model that has become more challenging nationwide. We were forced to tap into surpluses and reserves to pay for equipment and maintenance.
Norm Crandell
We became overburdened with call volume, and some 911 calls were unanswered by our district and had to be covered by other agencies. The Felton community paid attention to our needs, responded to the invitation to nine town hall meetings and ultimately made their hopes and expectations known through their support of the 218 assessment.
As the current board director, I intend to make sure we deliver what we promised at these meetings: replacement apparatus, critical station maintenance, staffing to serve alongside volunteers, training and community outreach, such as our chipping program.
With the benefit of the 218 funding, the new hybrid staffing model has allowed us to answer every call, with shorter average response times than at any time in the last decade, increasing safety and saving property owners money on homeowners insurance with a better ISO rating.
It has also helped us cover other agencies’ calls.
Of course, accountability is key. The community needs to trust the district’s expenditure of funds coming directly from them. There will be a Citizen Review Committee to check on this expenditure quarterly and provide an annual audit. This will be presented to the board and available to the public. Preliminary steps are currently being taken to form that group. Although it’s not required by law, this will fulfill the commitment the board and the chief made to the public during the election process.
As one who served for 18 years as a FFPD volunteer firefighter and nearly eight years on the board, I truly appreciate your interest in the civic and fiscal duties of the FFPD board and would be honored to receive your vote in the upcoming election.
Jim Anderson
Felton Fire Director
Your question is very appropriate. As you know, the 218 assessment was just passed, and we will not receive any funds until late this year.
Jim Anderson
We’re in the process of hiring a full-time fire chief, who will be one of the main drivers in implementing all processes going forward. What should the residents expect? Timely responses to calls by a well-trained team with reliable equipment would be one. Responsible spending and accounting that covers all aspects of spending would be another.
We already have evening meetings so more can attend. There are also Zoom meetings, so you can attend remotely.
We have a new and improved website where we post all meetings and documents.
What residents need to do is attend our meetings in either form and ask questions. I’d ask them not to get their information from social media. Call the chief or email the fire board.
One of the community members said in public comments that she was worried we weren’t doing enough or something to that effect. Toward the end of the meeting, she again spoke and said she was now aware we’re doing a lot.
I’m only one of five board members, so I can assure our residents we’re all working diligently to ensure a satisfactory outcome for years to come.
Craig Winter
Appointed Fire District Director
I attended every assessment town hall, and I know residents want proof, not promises. Whether you’re a property owner who voted yes, voted no or a renter who couldn’t vote under Prop. 218, we owe everyone the same thing: continuing proof that we’re making their home and neighborhood safer. This year, I want residents to see what their investment delivers, starting with firefighter training, safety and readiness.
Sustained Fast Response Times
When you call 911, you need the right apparatus and trained personnel to arrive quickly. I would work with fellow directors and the chief to adopt a first-year plan with deadlines for around-the-clock staffing, training, equipment purchases and priority repairs.
Monthly reports should show staffing coverage and gaps, training completed, equipment placed into service and response times. Since most calls are medical, faster turnout and travel times are the clearest sign that the staffing is working. The board should set measurable goals from baseline data and the chief’s recommendations, then track progress.
Community Preparedness
Preparedness should be something we do together: the chief, firefighters, board members and residents, sharing what we know and listening to one another. Crews need to know every street, access challenge and evacuation route. Residents need practical help preparing their homes and families.
With Firewise groups, neighborhood gatherings and tours can cover emergency communications, evacuation planning, home hardening and defensible space. They also help neighbors and firefighters know one another before an emergency. First-year goals should track activities completed, neighborhoods reached and residents involved.
Consistent Public Proof
Monthly website updates should show assessment revenue, spending by authorized purpose, remaining funds and progress against milestones. An annual financial report should account for assessment funds.
Newsletters, quarterly town halls and public events should invite questions and feedback. Missed deadlines, cost overruns and unmet goals need explanations and corrective plans reviewed at public meetings.
Since joining the board in August 2025, I’ve focused on turning priorities into action. My product management background means building plans with deadlines and checking them against results. That’s the discipline I want to bring to board oversight, with real numbers residents can hold us to.
Bill Finlayson
General Contractor
The Santa Cruz County Elections Department website did not list contact information for Finlayson. We made attempts to reach him through other means but received no response.