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Arlington councilmembers urge North Snohomish County RFA to honor prior leadership commitment for Chief Dave Kraske
Summary
Two Arlington councilmembers publicly urged the North Snohomish County Regional Fire Authority to honor a previously discussed succession arrangement and appoint Dave Kraske to lead the authority when Chief John Cermak retires.
Councilmember Deborah Nelson read a letter during council reports urging the North Snohomish County Regional Fire Authority (NCRFA) commissioners to honor a prior understanding that Dave Kraske would assume leadership when Chief John Cermak retired.
Nelson said she was “closely involved with the negotiations” that merged the Arlington Fire Department into the NCRFA and that, during those talks, “there would be a progression of leadership in the NCRFA from Chief John Cermak to Chief Dave Kraske when Chief Cermak retired.” Nelson asked the current commissioners to “honor that prior commitment and put Chief Kraske in the lead of the NCRFA.”
Councilmember Michelle Blythe — who said she had checked with Dave Kraske and received permission to comment — criticized the commissioners’ selection process, saying it “became a political game” and that some commissioners “would not even consider him for the position.” Blythe said she felt the commission had failed Kraske and said the outcome raised concerns about Arlington’s relationship with the authority and future service levels.
Nelson closed by noting she expected an announcement from the fire authority but wanted her support for Kraske on the public record.
No formal council action or motion was taken; the remarks were entered as council reports and public comment to be placed on the record.
