GVFD Board roles

Editor:

Recent articles and letters to the News & Sun have focused on different views regarding the conduct and roles of members of the GVR Board of Directors.

A few years back, the Board of Directors of the Green Valley Fire District, in concert with the district’s administration, addressed similar issues.

A comprehensive manual was developed for the Board with one section being devoted to a Code of Ethics for board members.

In this manual, it was noted that the primary responsibility of the Board was to formulate and evaluate policy and to delegate the responsibility for routine operations to the Fire Chief and his administrative team.

In its deliberations, board members are expected to be attentive listeners and to respect the dignity and opinions of their colleagues.

There is an absolute right to disagree but not to be disagreeable in the process of doing so.

Once a decision has been made by a majority vote of the Board, those in the minority may not take any action to obstruct the implementation of the decision.

However, nothing in this policy is to be construed to prohibit dissenting members from speaking publicly against the decision, should they choose to do so.

This is their legal and constitutional right as well as an obligation to their constituents who elected them.

Ed Clarke, Chairman Green Valley Fire District