Incumbent Mike Eslava will be facing Robert McGee for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s commissioner position 3 in the Nov. 7 general election, a six-year term.

Eslava has held the position since 2013 and has been with SKF&R for over 50 years as a volunteer firefighter and then a firefighter/EMT and paramedic, retiring in 2012. He graduated from South Kitsap High School and attended Olympic College’s Fire Command Administration and Tacoma Community College’s paramedic program.

McGee has been president/owner of Fox Fire Prevention Inc. since 2005 and co-owner of Whiskey Gulch CoffePub since 2012. He is also a Local Union 699 journeyman fire sprinkler fitter/superintendent since 1992 and National Fire Protection Association member since 2005. McGee also graduated from SKHS and graduated from Central Washington University and South Seattle Community College.

Both candidates were asked why the public should vote for them over their opponent.

Eslava: I have lived in South Kitsap since 1952. I have worked in the South Kitsap community for most of my working life.

I have been in the fire department (South Kitsap Fire) since 1967 first as a volunteer firefighter. I was hired in April 1978 as a career firefighter. Progressing through fire service I chose to return to school to become a paramedic. An injury caused my retirement in 2012.

I chose to run for fire commissioner at SKF&R, and I was elected. We commissioners and the fire chief have created a debt-free agency, with a balanced budget and multiple state audits with no negative findings or recommendations. We have continued to build the agency to its current place. I have built a strong presence in the commissioners arena and in the state government for any fire or life safety issues.

As you can see I have chosen to commit many years of my life to South Kitsap Fire and Rescue and my constitutes. I would like to continue to do so.

McGee: Voters should choose me as fire commissioner because my diverse background uniquely qualifies me for this role. With over two decades of business and management experience, a deep understanding of union dynamics, 31 years in the private fire industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Our community thrives on diversity of thought and backgrounds on our commission, ensuring balanced decisions that truly represent our constituents.

In light of the recent narrow passage of the levy, my primary goal is to earn the trust of the 48% who didn’t support it. I’ll judiciously allocate these funds to improve response times, handle increasing call volumes, and meet staffing needs, enhancing community safety. I’m asking for the community’s trust in representing them—it would be an honor. Together, we’ll ensure our fire district operates efficiently, prioritizes community needs, and stands as a model of responsible governance.