Photo credit: JAMES WOODCOCK/Billings Gazette John Staley is veteran fire chief ready to use his experience and knowledge to lead Yellowstone County into the future.
John has been protecting working families as a firefighter for more than 42 years - most recently as the Lockwood Fire Chief. As Fire Chief, John has successfully managed meeting the needs of a growing community. He’s a tested leader known for being collaborative, innovative, and responsible.
Vote for Chief John Staley on June 4th!
As a First Responder John has a much wider view of public safety than just crime and violence.
The county must address public safety as we do things in our everyday life, with a plan. For far too long the Commission has been rushing to fight fires, using gasoline to try to put them out. For ten years we have known the concerns of our county jail. Why is it only recently the Commissioners began asking for data to decide what to do? John makes informed decisions, but we can’t wait for a fire to fill the truck with water. John will promote strategic planning, share that information with the people of Yellowstone County, get their feedback, so we can decide how to prioritize our plans.
Speaking of fires, John has seen firsthand how staffing levels and retention problems, along with the rising cost of equipment and vehicles, has made Public Safety unmanageable. As our county continues to grow our emergency medical services, transport services, fire and sheriffs are going to feel the burden. The county must start planning now to avoid the fire that is coming.
As a seasoned first responder, John has a much wider view of public safety than just responding to crime and violence.
As Fire Chief John has worked with many business leaders helping them be profitable and meet the safety requirements.
John saw firsthand ways Yellowstone County could encourage and support local growth in the new Lockwood Industrial Park. The lack of sewer and water access is delaying and discouraging new businesses from locating in the industrial park. As a County Commissioner John would advocate for the Lockwood Water and Sewer District and other county groups to get funding through state and federal grants. This would create good paying jobs across Yellowstone County.
John saw as Fire Chief the inefficient and costly method Yellowstone County uses for building code enforcement. Currently when someone builds in Yellowstone County, they send the plans to a back logged department in Helena for approval, allowing the state to collect and keep the fees. If the county would enforce these locally our local builders could get their plans reviewed faster and more efficiently and the county could keep the permit fees in house.
As Fire Chief, John has worked with many business leaders helping them be profitable and safe.
As the leader of fire departments John was responsible for all the men and women that served under him.
The taxpayers knew John’s department was properly trained and ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Taxpayers expect this from every county employee, hired or elected. It is essential we have the most qualified employees, and ensure they perform their jobs efficiently, effectively and professionally. In return the county needs to review wage structures to ensure county compensation is competitive with like size counties and cities. The county has lost many employees because of pay and benefits for years.
In his position John has interacted with many elected officials. John fully supports the upcoming county government review process. We need to review the current slate of elected offices and decide if the county would be better served by appointed positions. Consideration should be given to increasing the County Commission to five members. Doing so may better represent the county’s population and allow commissioners to attend functions in teams which under the current system is not allowed by law.
