Jenny Rydberg is an excellent choice for fire commissioner for our Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety organization. The fire commission is an important local organization that establishes policy and oversees its budget and operations with a five-member board of commissioners.

We are fortunate that Jenny has been a member for the board of commissioners for MVF&LS since April 2010. During this time she has acquired valuable experience and has achieved a successful track record in this position. She helped reduce overall administrative expenses, preserved firefighter jobs and was key in MVF&LS passing its last state audit with no errors. As a practicing attorney, she brings a needed skill set to ensure accurate, well-researched and legally sound judgments are undertaken. An example of this is the complex tax swap with the King County Flood Control District last fall where she saved taxpayers’ money and protected our fire district.

With MVF&LS facing additional budget reductions of eight percent in 2012, Jenny’s business management, financial planning and long-range planning skills will help ensure our community continues to be adequately served during this tough environment.

I have had the pleasure to have worked directly with Jenny in the Boy Scouts of America for five years where she serves as a member of the Foothills Advancement Committee. During this time she has demonstrated excellent collaborative, interpersonal and practical skills that will make her invaluable for this position.

Most of all, Jenny is committed to the success of Maple Valley and is passionate about doing what is right for its citizens. As a past president of the Tahoma School Board, she has extensive experience working collaboratively and will be accountable to the public and our community.

I strongly encourage you to vote for Jenny Rydberg for Fire Commissioner on Nov. 8. Our community needs the skills, understanding and passion that she brings to this position during these challenging times.

Mark Hageman

Maple Valley