Today's Question: What's most important to you in selecting a Fire District chief?

COLUMBIA – The much-discussed search for Boone County's new fire chief was whittled down to two candidates last week after Dominick Lanza dropped out of consideration.

That leaves Kenneth Craft Jr., of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Scott Olsen, currently the interim chief, as potential leaders.

Former Fire District Chief Steve Paulsell was forced by the board of directors to resign last November. A board member noticed that Paulsell had been paid over $37,000 that he shouldn't have made five years ago. Paulsell denied taking the money intentionally.

Both Craft and Olsen have met and interviewed with a review panel and the Fire District's board of directors. They have talked about the importance of being honest with the community.

Additionally, Craft has said he would be a new face for the Fire District, as he does not have a background in Columbia. Olsen currently serves as the interim Fire District chief, and has pointed out changes that have been made since he took over.

What are your thoughts on the remaining candidates? What qualities in a Fire District leader are most important to you?