Peterson announces for County Council
Rich Peterson has announced his candidacy for the Second District County Council position. He has considerable experience in governmental structures similar to that created by the charter’s passage in San Juan County. He was fire chief for Santa Barbara County for eleven years, serving as a department head under the leadership of an administrator appointed by the board of supervisors.
Rich began his career in public service as a firefighter for the City of Santa Barbara in 1963 and was promoted through the ranks until he became the fire chief in 1976. He was hired as the County fire chief in 1980 and continued in the position until his retirement. His career in fire service totaled 28 years. Rich administered a department of over 200 employees and was involved in combating major emergencies including several conflagrations. During his tenure, Rich served on numerous boards and was elected president of the California Fire Chiefs Association. While a California resident, he completed many building projects including a number of boats and the family home.
After his retirement in 1992, Rich began a new career as a metal sculptor. He created two significant public art pieces in the Santa Barbara area and has a piece locally at the Leo Lambiel Museum on Orcas. His work is represented in private collections in the United States and Europe. Rich built the “government sculpture” that was displayed at the freeholders’ booth at last year’s County Fair. He lives on the northwest side of the island with his wife of 43 years, Janice, who serves as a trustee for the Community Theatre They both feel extremely lucky to live on San Juan Island. Their daughter, Kira, and her family reside here too, as does his mother-in-law, Hazel, who lives at the Convalescent Center.
Rich is a member and past director of the San Juan Lions Club, an officer of the San Juan Island Yacht Club, a league bowler, and a volunteer set builder for the community theatre.
Rich Peterson’s interest in serving as a member of the County Council arises from his affection for the San Juan Islands and his belief that this election will be pivotal in successfully implementing the new charter and building an exciting future for San Juan County. If elected, he will strive to reduce bureaucracy whenever possible and represent the residents of the 2nd District in a straightforward, candid manner. Rich looks forward to discussing issues in the coming months. He can be reached at <[email protected]>