Candidate for
Director; Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District

Open Letter to the Citizens and Voters of Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District
To the Citizens and Voters of the Rodeo-Hercules
Fire Protection District,
I am writing this letter in support of William "Bill" Prather in his run for re-election to the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District fire board. I have known Bill for nearly 10 years, both in a professional fire service capacity, and as a friend to my family. I first met Bill when he brought a group of Rodeo-Hercules dignitaries and fire professionals, to view and learn about the fire fighting academy I teach, so he could return to your community to help organize a similar, successful program. As I got to know Bill I found that we have a lot in common. We both spent many years as active, professional fire fighters serving the citizens of our communities. We both were involved in efforts to help our departments become better and more efficient in serving you, our customers and friends. We both were injured in the line of duty which resulted in an untimely retirement from a job we loved. And we both continued to serve our communities by giving freely of our time, energy and past experience to help better the fire service. I learned, very quickly, that Bill is a man of integrity, high standards and honesty. The thing that impressed me the most about Bill is the passion he still has for the fire service and the extra-ordinary efforts he is willing to give to provide the best service possible to his community. I appreciate the honesty with which Bill discusses the wonderful qualities of his community, as well as the ongoing problems within the fire service that he wants to fix. Bill often voiced his concern that the citizens of R-H have no idea what various individuals are trying to do to sabotage the quality of service being delivered to you. In a time when "political correctness" only serves to dilute and mask the real meaning of things, Bill never hesitates to tell it like it is. I've met few men, true firefighters, with the drive and back-bone to push forward against political correctness (and those who would sugar-coat the truth) to make sure you, the citizens of Rodeo-Hercules, receive the best possible fire fighting and emergency medical services, from the best trained, professional members.
I have had countless discussions with Bill, and sensed his anger and frustration that others; individuals who have vowed to serve you are willing to compromise that service with sub-standard training, resulting in sub-standard service. I urge you to look at Bill's record of accomplishments and efforts. Get to know the man and you will soon realize that he is there to do battle for you and to put it all on the line for you, like a true firefighter should. I highly endorse William "Bill" Prather for your Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District Fire Board and I urge you to please vote for him. He will fight for what's right.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Whitson, Fire Chief
Careers Education Fire Fighting/EMS Instructor
Mariposa, California

ENDORSEMENT FROM FRANK BATARA, HERCULES:
Dear Fellow Residents of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District:
I would like express my support for William "Bill" Prather in his bid for re-election to the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District. In my opinion, he effectively represents our community through his thoughtful advocacy for the issues that affect the safety of our lives and property: effective and efficient delivery of fire protection services.
Bill is better prepared to represent all of us because he knows the needs of our communities. In the early 90's Bill and I both served in the Hercules Community Services Commission. In that role, Bill helped develop and support programs for the youth and the seniors as well as recreation services. I had the privilege of working with him again in 2000 as a Board Member of the District. During that period, Bill was + and still is - an energetic supporter of restoring confidence and fiscal stability to the District. And as a realtor/businessman, he is intimately familiar with dynamics of safety and physical condition of property in our communities.
A Board Member needs to be attuned to the community that he or she serves. Bill's connection to the community has given him the sensitivity to better use his people, financial and safety skills in performing his duties than anyone I know.
Please remember these qualities in Bill Prather when you cast your vote for Board Member of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District. Thank you.
Frank Batara
Former Council Member and Mayor, City of Hercules

William Lewis, Retired Battalion Chief Richmond Fire, Director Glen Ellen Fire District.
Bill Prather has always been dedicated to the Fire Service. I worked with Bill in the Richmond Fire Department and he was a true professional at his job. Everyone knew him to be a dedicated firefighter who knew his job and he could always be relied upon. He was at the leading edge when it came to training and drill. He went to great lengths to make young firefighters appreciate the responsibility that we in public safety owed to those in need of assistance. "It is not a game!" was his favorite expression when teaching classes or leading a drill. Many young Firefighters learned from Bill what it meant to be a real Firefighter. You can't just show up- You have to do the job at the toughest of times!
Bill has always told it like it is. Ask him a question and you get an answer from his heart. No BS just the real deal! Everyone should feel a bit better with Bill Prather on the Rodeo Hercules Fire Board!

Hello All,

You may recall that 4 years ago I was an unsuccessful candidate for the RHFD Board of Directors. I said then and still believe that the District is not being operated in a fiscally prudent manner; and, for that reason, I am supporting the candidacy of Bill Prather this November.

The District has taken little if an action to reduce operating costs in the recent recession; has exhausted a $3 million plus reserve over the last five years. Overtime costs are out of control. The recent "Special Assessment District" election has caused a taxpayers' lawsuit which I believe the District will lose ( after spending many tens of thousands of our dollars on lawyers) just as it lost the suit brought by Director Prather in 2009 when he was illegally denied the opportunity to ens of participate in Board meetings.

The public is not being kept informed about the goings on at the District.

This all needs to change. Bill is committed to change.

I will be voting for Bill in November and hope you will all give this candidate serious consideration.

Bill Kelly

William J. Kelly, Esq.
LAW OFFICE OF WILLIAM J. KELLY
1511 M Sycamore Avenue, PMB 188
Hercules, CA 94547-1767
Telephone No.(510) 741-8334
Facsimile No. (510) 964-7032
e-mail: billk@wjklaw.net website: http://www.wjklaw.net

September 14, 2014

To whom it may concern,
Mr. Bill Prather, Director of the Rodeo/Hercules Fire District is again seeking re-election to the Board of Directors. A yes vote for him is a positive direction for the District, and any taxpayer to take in this election. If you are concerned as to how your District will maintain a positive status, then Mr. Prather is your choice.
I have known Bill Prather for well over 40 years, his employment with the Richmond FD as a Captain and his continued career with the Rodeo/Hercules Fire District. He is a fine example of dedication to seeking the best value for this District. Yes, he has raised some issues, but not without genuine concern for his fire fighters. Yes, "politically correct" is a fine term to equate to situations, but not in the fire service. This occupation demands high endurance of physical fitness, teamwork, and knowing that your crew is always taking care of each other's safety.
As for myself, I spent 30 years in the fire service, working for two different jurisdictions, San Pablo Fire Protection District for 8 years and 22 years as a Captain for the Orinda Fire Protection District. The first eight years of my career consisted of the most strenuous of times. Our District included many Industrial Companies (some contracted by the CIA) that we had no knowledge of what was in their storage vessels. Yes, we did have one of those vessels catch on fire and never found any remnants. We found a five foot deep hole in the ground, of compressed two foot thick concrete. This was probably the first orbiting satellite! Now further, we entertained structure fires at least twice a week, numerous auto wrecking yard fires nightly and medical emergencies in between. Oh yeah, I forgot to include the Richmond Sanitary dump complex, which ignited at will almost every couple of months.

So, yes I do know what it is to be a firefighter, have confidence in your crew, and never being injured at any situation that I was exposed to. Why, you ask, well it was my crew that looked out for each other's safety. I am really sorry that Mr. Prather spoke the truth, and was promptly chastised by the District and the Fire Fighters Union. What he was trying to tell you, "politically incorrect", was the fact that hiring individuals not able to perform their duties was compromising the safety of all firefighters. Never, at any time was his intent to belittle any ethnic group or any women. All he was trying to do was tell the truth, "politically correctness", has no business compromising the safety of others.
Now, it is time for the public to see through the smoking mirrors that are being presented towards the ouster of Mr. Prather. He is the only person to stand up to Local 1230 Fire Fighters, the District, and tell the truth! Yes, he will continue to find the best value for your District without compromising anyone's safety. Once a Fire Fighter, always a Fire Fighter.
If anyone reading this has any issue or concerns regarding my validity, feel free to contact me via email: bobretfd@gmail.com or my telephone 925-376-3794.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Nelson