At a meeting held March 25th in the Sarge Littlehale Room at Orinda City Hall, Moraga resident Richard Olsen was appointed to represent District 3 on the Moraga-Orinda Fire District’s (MOFD) Board of Directors. Olsen will fill the seat vacated by former Board member Pete Wilson who stepped down in February, citing health issues. Others vying for the position included Vince Maiorana of Orinda and Jonathan Goodwin of Canyon.
At the meeting, MOFD Board Members John Wyro, Brook Mancinelli and Fred Weil spent 45 minutes with each candidate. Board President Frank Sperling recused himself, stating that Olsen had been his campaign chief and had contributed to his campaign. In the interviews, each candidate presented a summary of qualifications and engaged in a question and answer session with the board members.
Once the interviews were complete and public comments were heard, the Board deliberated. Wyro said that while each candidate brings his own expertise to the table, all three were to be commended on their willingness to serve. “What I admire about our community is that when you need some help, people show up,” Wyro said. “Good ideas came from all three (candidates) and we will benefit from all of this.”
Olsen was the unanimous choice of the Board, which cited Olsen’s extensive fire district experience as well as his experience with public relations and crisis communications. Immediately after the announcement was made, Olsen was sworn in by Fire Chief Randy Bradley. Olsen’s term as Board member officially ends December 3. An election for the District 3 Board position will be held in November and Olsen is eligible to run.
Wyro said that Olsen will bring a good deal of expertise to the board. “I think his skill with public relations is something we need,” he said, “also, his familiarity with (the) Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). We have many LAFCO issues ahead of us, he is well versed in that and I believe he will be of great help there.”
Olsen said a fluid transition is key. “My first goal is to start working immediately and smoothly with my fellow directors, and to set a tone of collaboration and cooperation,” he said. “I also want to go about the task of making further progress, putting some of the problems of this District from the immediate past behind us.”
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA