Dear Editor,
On Wednesday afternoon, the governing board of the Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1 (NACFD) announced that NACFD does not endorse any candidate in any election and any use of NACFD’s logo, patch, or other NACFD images in political material are not authorized by NACFD.
This special meeting was scheduled after NACFD became aware that its logo was being used by Rick Veradt, Jerry Lucero, and Sue Brown, without permission, on political signs and on a website.
The individuals using the NACFD logo were put on notice that their use is misleading as it falsely portrays NACFD’s support and moreover that Arizona law prohibits use of NACFD resources to influence an election, specifically prohibiting support of any candidate for public office.
The users were asked to remove the NACFD logo from its signs and website and refused to do so. NACFD Board member Sue Wilkin volunteered to make a personal request to the users to remove the NACFD logo. The governing board has considered legal action.
Pursuant to A.R.S. Section16-192, a person or public entity that knowingly violates or knowingly aids in violating the prohibition may be subject to a civil penalty up to $5,000.
James Bailey, Chairman
Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District #1 Board of Directors