Richard Jacobs is running for Seat 5 on the East Manatee Fire Rescue District Board in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Joseph Houlihan.

Jacobs said in our candidate questionnaire, "I have been a EMFR Fire Commissioner for 15 years." He said he is running because "We have keep up with the growth in our Fire District. Since I have been a Fire Commissioner we have added 6 new fire stations and hired fire personel for them." He added, "We are building a new Fire Station on SR-64 and Bournside Blvd."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Republican," Jacobs said in our questionnaire.

Family: Jacobs said in our questionnaire that he is "Widowed" with a "Son: Douglas Richard Jacobs" and "Daughter: Dianne Rae McClay."

Education: Jacobs listed "High School/Shattuck Miltary School" and "Northwestern Michigan College" in our questionnaire. He also listed fire service and fire officer training at various fire schools, according to a 2018 Your Observer candidate profile.

Occupation: Jacobs listed his occupation as retired in the 2018 Your Observer candidate profile.

Experience and public service

Work history: Asked about his occupation and work history, Jacobs said in our questionnaire: "I owned a manufacturing plant that made parts for the auto industry and sold it after 10 years. Then I worked for Tower Automotive as Sales Excutive. I started the Garfield Township Fire Dept. (volunteer) which was the busiest station in Grand Traverse County and was Fire Chief until we merged with Grand Traverse Metro Fire Dept. I then became Assistant Fire Chief of the much larger Dept."

Elected office: "I have been a Fire Commisioner for EMFR for 15 years since 2009," Jacobs said in our questionnaire. The Manatee County Democratic Party's elected officials page also lists Jacobs as fire commissioner for Seat 5.

On the issues

Keeping pace with growth: Asked how the district keeps pace with Lakewood Ranch's rapid growth, Jacobs said in our questionnaire that "additional Ad Valorem Tax and Non-AD Valorem Tax due on the new construction of homes and commercial buildings help the Department keep pace with increase costs annually."

Most pressing challenge: Asked about the most pressing challenge facing the district in the next four years, Jacobs said in our questionnaire that "our main income the Ad Valorem tax income may be REDUCED nearly 20-25%" if Amendment 3 is approved.

Accomplishments: Asked what accomplishments he would cite as evidence he can handle the job, Jacobs said in our questionnaire: "EMFR has been able to stay within the yearly budgets that the Commissioners approve. We have a good solid Fire Department."

Differences from opponent: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Jacobs said in our questionnaire: "I do not know the other canidate. He has not been to any EMFR meetings that I know of."

Best advice: Asked for the best advice ever shared with him, Jacobs said: "If you have a problem, then break it down thoroughly and you'll find the aanswer."