My name is Chuck Bernstein.  I am seeking re-election to the Board of Directors of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.  I would appreciate your vote on November 8.

I have had the privilege of serving as a Director for two terms.  This year I was elected by my fellow directors to serve as president of the board for the second time in my tenure.  Three years ago, in recognition of my financial expertise, I was appointed by the special districts in San Mateo County to serve as their representative to the San Mateo County Oversight Board that is liquidating $400 million in assets of the former County's redevelopment agencies.

I am independent of special interests, passionate about disaster preparedness, hard working, thorough in my preparations to conduct the District’s business, and experienced and well trained in financial management. 

Let me tell you about some of my recent accomplishments:

 ·  Helped uncover an egregious staff error that was costing the Fire District close to $1,000,000 per year in unnecessary interest costs for bonds that should have been redeemed years earlier.

·  Recommended and encouraged improvements in financial reporting systems that are now being implemented.

·  Spearheaded an improved program for purchasing fire engines and trucks in a cycle that made competitive bidding feasible and immediately saved over $500,000.

·  Recommended and advocated for increases in support of the District’s volunteer disaster preparedness program and CERT training for residents.

·  As president of the Board of Directors, created an ad hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to review for the first time ever the District’s staffing practices in order to ensure consistency with the District’s demographics and to encourage local recruiting and hiring.

Please review below what the local papers have said about the quality of my community service: