Fire Commission Finalists to Participate in Public Interview Wednesday

A former fire commissioner, an attorney, a former detective, a business development manager and an insurance company team leader are the five finalists for East Lake Fire Commission Seat 4. 

The finalists will participate in a public interview at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10 at fire station 57.

"Of the five finalists, it's going to be a tough decision. I don't think this thing is a slam dunk. I will be interested myself to see what the outcome will be. There certainly is a great field to choose from," said East Lake Fire Commissioner Paul Ferreri.

"We're very fortunate to have some incredibly talented and committed individuals come forward to apply for the position. It's exciting to know that they want to commit themselves to service the community. The outcome will be positive for the East Lake Fire Commission," said East Lake Fire Commission Chairman Mark Weinkrantz.

The finalists' names were released on Tuesday. 

"I was thrilled to see that there were so many people interested in the position," said Ferreri.

"Every one of the candidates either had a passion or an interest or qualifications for the job and that's great."

The candidates were among 13 local residents who applied for Flo Galloway's seat on the commission. Galloway is planning on leaving the commission sometime this month so she can move to Ohio to live closer to her family. 

Galloway was elected to Seat 4 in 2010 and her term ends in November  2014. Whomever is selected to replace her will fill her position on the board until the end of her term. The job pays $500 per month.

The five finalists are listed below in alphabetical order-

J. Randall Burr- 

• Current Position: High Risk Team Leader at Fireman's Insurance Company

• Experience Includes: Unit Manager at two insurance agencies, founding member of East Lake CERT

• Personal: 17-year resident of East Lake, FEMA certified in Community Emergency Response, has volunteered with East Lake Fire Rescue

Wayne Ferguson- 

• Current Position: Retired

• Experience Includes: Former East Lake Fire Commissioner, former firefighter/paramedic, former contract manager for an aerospace simulation firm

• Personal: 26-year East Lake resident, married with two grown sons

John Hall- 

• Current Position: Business Development Manager, New Brunswick International

• Experience Includes: Former firefighter, pension board member, former business development manager

• Personal: Has volunteered with the Pendleton, Ore., Fire Department, associate of arts degree from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Ore.

Michael Peasley- 

• Current Position: President of Peasley and Peasley Investigations Inc.

• Experience Includes: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office detective, president of Peasley and Peasley Investigations Inc.

• Personal: Enjoys hunting, fishing and golf. Has volunteered for Brooker Creek Elementary.

Lauralee Westine- 

• Current Position: Land Use, Zoning, Permitting, Local Government and Licensing Attorney

• Experience Includes: Chairwoman of Pinellas County Local Planning Agency, Assistant State Attorney

• Personal: Resident of East Lake since 1994. Married to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, three daughters. Has volunteered with Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. 

• 13 Residents Apply for East Lake Fire Commission Seat

• East Lake Fire Commissioner Flo Galloway Moving Back to Ohio

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