Candidates for Snohomish Fire District 4 Fire Board want whats best

Richard Flath and Evan Merritt are running for the Snohomish Fire District 4 board, with the election scheduled for Nov. 4. Merritt, the incumbent, won his seat in 2019 with over 58% of the votes and has a deep-rooted connection to firefighting, advocating for enhanced firefighter safety and skills. He has proposed expanding programs such as hazmat and technical rescue teams to better serve the community. Flath, a former pastor, stresses the need for diverse perspectives in leadership and aims to ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized effectively for fire services.

He previously won a commissioner seat in 2019 but lost re-election in 2023. Both candidates express a strong commitment to serving the citizens of Snohomish, albeit from different professional backgrounds. The outcome of this election could significantly impact the direction of fire services in the area. Voters will weigh their options based on the candidates' differing qualifications and visions for the fire district.