Questions and Answers Provided to The Daily News

By Robert J. Silano

Questions and Answers Provided to the Daily News

Age, occupation, city of residency, length of residency.

Please limit your responses to 60 words and be as direct as possible in answering the following three questions:

1) Given that many wouldn't view serving on the Menlo Park Fire Protection District board as a political springboard, why did you decide to run for this office?

I am not interested in any other political office at this time. I have been in public service for over 31 years as a police officer, federal agent, a past Menlo Park Commissioner and now work out of the Governors' office for Emergency Management. I feel I have the training, education and experience to serve in this position. I have management skills in public safety and emergency management that many of the other candidates do not possess. This is my community and I want to make it one of the best.

2) What is your stance on the ongoing dispute between the firefighters union and district administration over salaries, pensions and other benefits?

We need to evaluate this serious situation. The fire fighters are without a contract for going on three years. This impasse has cost the taxpayers almost a million dollars to date. We need to settle this dispute ASAP.

3) What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the district today?

There are many , but not in order of importance... 1) Possibility of reduced revenues to district 2) Affirmative Action 2) CALPERS Issue 3) Board's role of District Directors and Fire Chief 4) Behind the IT and Technology curve. 5) No full time HR Director 6) Training 7) Consolation 8) No contract with Fire Fighters ..and many more.