Palm Harbor Fire Commission Candidate: Debbie Buschman

Palm Harbor Special Fire Control & Rescue District, Seat 3 Candidate: Debbie Buschman

• Age: 43
• Resident of: Palm Harbor
• Occupation: Fiscal Assistant for the Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender's Office

Pinellas County has been struggling to figure out how to pay for EMS transport services with fewer tax dollars. What kind of emergency transport system do you think should eventually be implemented in Pinellas County and why?

I would look into having fire-based transportation, revisiting the Sanford/Millican plan which was proposed to the county earlier this year. This plan was in support of fire-based transportation. I believe that our firefighters are well trained and qualified to provide EMS transportation and services.

What do you see as the top challenge facing the Palm Harbor Special Fire Control & Rescue District and what is your opinion on how to solve this challenge?

The shrinking budget, which has seen continual decreases for the past several years, due to declining property values.  I would work very hard to assure that the Palm Harbor Fire District is staffed appropriately, that the fire equipment is up-to-date and well maintained, and that the budget is balanced to meet the fire and rescue service responsibilities of the District.

I would continue looking for a solution for fire-based transportation working with Pinellas County, the residents of Palm Harbor and surrounding communities to find a solution.

What makes you the best person for the job? 

As a wife and a mother of four, as a homeowner and citizen of Palm Harbor for 9+ years, as a community volunteer, and as a Spring of 2013 USFSP graduate, I consider the safety and security of our community to be first and foremost of importance to our neighbors, friends and family members in the Palm Harbor Fire District.

I am a fiscal assistant in the Public Defender’s office and also have volunteered for the past two years on the board of the North Pinellas Community Action Council, currently serving as the Vice President.