2 running for fire commissioner in election today at Albion Joint Fire District

Charlie Monacelli, left, and Derek Howes are both seeking a five-year term as fire commissioner for the Albion Joint Fire District.

ALBION – Two people are running for fire commissioner today in an election for the Albion Joint Fire District.

Charlie Monacelli and Derek Howes both are seeking the five-year term. One of them will take the spot of Chris Kinter, who isn’t seeking re-election.

The election is from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. in Albion. Registered voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines (as well as the Village of Albion) can vote.

The Albion Joint Fire District is concluding its first year after the joint fire district was formed to serve the towns of Albion and Gaines. Before, fire protection was under the oversight of the Albion Village Board with the two towns in a fire protection contract with the village.

Monacelli has been a volunteer firefighter for 36 years. He said he is running to bring more transparency in the joint fire district.

“Every resident deserves clear, honest communication and open decision-making,” he said.

Howes is an Albion native who recently moved back to the community after being very involved with the Town of Niagara Active Hose fire company. He served on the Executive Board and as a lieutenant with that fire company. He works full-time as a project manager/estimator for a fire protection company.

He said those experiences will would make him an asset to the board of commissioners at the Albion Joint Fire District.