02/28/2010: "Rich Peterson Will Stand For Re-Election"

ig_Rich_Peterson-1 (37k image) Rich Peterson, Second District County Council Member, has announced that he will be a candidate for an additional term. He is hopeful that he has earned the trust of voters in the second district and their support for his re-election.

Peterson represents the citizens of District 2, which includes North San Juan Island, and Brown, Henry and Stuart Island.

Official Resume: 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 Santa Barbara 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.

He lives on the northwest side of the island with his wife of 44 years, Janice. They both feel extremely lucky to live on San Juan Island. Their daughter, Kira, and her family reside here too. Rich is a member and past director of the San Juan Lions Club, an officer of the San Juan Island Yacht Club, and a volunteer for the community theatre.

Rich has served as a member of the San Juan Island County Council since December of 2006. He serves on the Charter Completion subcommittee and the Board of Health.