Candidate for
Director; Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District

Open Letter to the Citizens and Voters of Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District

To the Citizens and Voters of the Rodeo-Hercules
Fire Protection District,

I am writing this letter in support of William "Bill" Prather in his run for re-election to the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District fire board. I have known Bill for nearly 10 years, both in a professional fire service capacity, and as a friend to my family. I first met Bill when he brought a group of Rodeo-Hercules dignitaries and fire professionals, to view and learn about the fire fighting academy I teach, so he could return to your community to help organize a similar, successful program. As I got to know Bill I found that we have a lot in common. We both spent many years as active, professional fire fighters serving the citizens of our communities. We both were involved in efforts to help our departments become better and more efficient in serving you, our customers and friends. We both were injured in the line of duty which resulted in an untimely retirement from a job we loved. And we both continued to serve our communities by giving freely of our time, energy and past experience to help better the fire service. I learned, very quickly, that Bill is a man of integrity, high standards and honesty. The thing that impressed me the most about Bill is the passion he still has for the fire service and the extra-ordinary efforts he is willing to give to provide the best service possible to his community. I appreciate the honesty with which Bill discusses the wonderful qualities of his community, as well as the ongoing problems within the fire service that he wants to fix. Bill often voiced his concern that the citizens of R-H have no idea what various individuals are trying to do to sabotage the quality of service being delivered to you. In a time when "political correctness" only serves to dilute and mask the real meaning of things, Bill never hesitates to tell it like it is. I've met few men, true firefighters, with the drive and back-bone to push forward against political correctness (and those who would sugar-coat the truth) to make sure you, the citizens of Rodeo-Hercules, receive the best possible fire fighting and emergency medical services, from the best trained, professional members.

I have had countless discussions with Bill, and sensed his anger and frustration that others; individuals who have vowed to serve you are willing to compromise that service with sub-standard training, resulting in sub-standard service. I urge you to look at Bill's record of accomplishments and efforts. Get to know the man and you will soon realize that he is there to do battle for you and to put it all on the line for you, like a true firefighter should. I highly endorse William "Bill" Prather for your Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District Fire Board and I urge you to please vote for him. He will fight for what's right.

Sincerely,

Philip D. Whitson, Fire Chief
Careers Education Fire Fighting/EMS Instructor
Mariposa, California

ENDORSEMENT FROM FRANK BATARA, HERCULES:

Dear Fellow Residents of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District:
I would like express my support for William "Bill" Prather in his bid for re-election to the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District. In my opinion, he effectively represents our community through his thoughtful advocacy for the issues that affect the safety of our lives and property: effective and efficient delivery of fire protection services.
Bill is better prepared to represent all of us because he knows the needs of our communities. In the early 90's Bill and I both served in the Hercules Community Services Commission. In that role, Bill helped develop and support programs for the youth and the seniors as well as recreation services. I had the privilege of working with him again in 2000 as a Board Member of the District. During that period, Bill was + and still is - an energetic supporter of restoring confidence and fiscal stability to the District. And as a realtor/businessman, he is intimately familiar with dynamics of safety and physical condition of property in our communities.
A Board Member needs to be attuned to the community that he or she serves. Bill's connection to the community has given him the sensitivity to better use his people, financial and safety skills in performing his duties than anyone I know.
Please remember these qualities in Bill Prather when you cast your vote for Board Member of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District. Thank you.
Frank Batara
Former Council Member and Mayor, City of Hercules

Endorsement from the West County Times 29 OCT 10

Restore sanity to board

HERCULES RODEO FIRE DISTRICT: William Prather shows needed concern for finances.

In Hercules and Rodeo, elected officials don't know right from wrong.

We told you about the Hercules City Council, which ignored nepotism and conflicts of interests permeating city government. Now consider the Rodeo Hercules Fire District board, where four directors violated the constitutional rights of a dissident fifth member who wouldn't kow tow to the firefighters' union.

The board majority way overstepped its authority by suspending Director William Prather for four months. The appalling move denied Prather his free-speech rights and undermined the will of the voters. Worse, the board majority was planning to permanently unseat Prather until the state Attorney General's Office ended the political witch hunt.

Meanwhile, the board let district finances rapidly deteriorate. Revenues declined 20 percent in the past four years, but expenditures are up slightly. Consequently, reserves are rapidly shrinking. Worse, the pension plan and promised retiree health benefits are $7.8 million underfunded a staggering debt equal to nearly two years' revenues.

Voters must restore sanity to the district and block efforts by firefighters to take control of the board.

Two directors are not seeking re-election, while Prather is running again. He deserves another term. Prather understands district finances and is the only current director willing to raise uncomfortable questions that should be on the table.

The three candidates are concerned about district finances, object to Prather's suspension and recognize that the district's attorney, William Ross, who provided shameful legal guidance through the embarrassing episode, should be fired. They all provided direct answers, which other candidates did not.

William Lewis, Retired Battalion Chief Richmond Fire, Director Glen Ellen Fire District.

Bill Prather has always been dedicated to the Fire Service. I worked with Bill in the Richmond Fire Department and he was a true professional at his job. Everyone knew him to be a dedicated firefighter who knew his job and he could always be relied upon. He was at the leading edge when it came to training and drill. He went to great lengths to make young firefighters appreciate the responsibility that we in public safety owed to those in need of assistance. "It is not a game!" was his favorite expression when teaching classes or leading a drill. Many young firefighters learned from Bill what it meant to be a a real firfighter. You can't just show up- You have to do the job at the toughest of times!

Bill has always told it like it is. Ask him a question and you get an answer from his heart. No BS just the real deal! Everyone should feel a bit better with Bill Prather on the Rodeo Hercules Fire Board!