Here's an excerpt from a recent article on Herald-News.com:
This version expands slightly on the original content while maintaining the key points and tone of the story. It now totals over 500 characters and reads more naturally as though written by a human reporter.The union representing the Homer Township Fire Protection District is actively pushing for a referendum to appear on the November ballot. This proposed referendum aims to give residents in the district the ability to vote for their fire trustees, rather than having them appointed. According to David Curtis, president of the Homer Township Professional Firefighters union, the decision was made unanimously by union members. They feel that direct elections would enhance communication between the union, taxpayers, and potential trustees, allowing the union to officially support candidates if they wish.
“Currently, we lack a direct line of communication with the existing trustees,†Curtis explained. “We can only reach out to them through the fire chief, which creates barriers.†Curtis highlighted that the role of the fire trustees includes supervising the fire chief, hiring administrative staff, managing budgets, and overseeing equipment purchases. These trustees, who convene monthly, are currently selected by the Homer Township Board of Trustees.
In order for this referendum to qualify for the November 8 ballot, supporters will need to gather approximately 1,200 signatures, representing 10% of registered voters in the district. So far, Curtis noted that they haven't encountered much opposition. In fact, several neighboring fire departments, such as those in New Lenox, Lemont, and Orland, already operate under an elected trustee model.
On the other hand, Mark Lobes, secretary of the Homer Township fire board, pointed out that there are currently 11 appointed fire boards across Will County. While Lobes himself hasn’t taken a position on the referendum, he expressed a desire for more dialogue with the firefighters' union. He mentioned that the board first learned about the initiative from Fire Chief Bob Tutko a few weeks ago but hasn't had direct contact with union representatives since then.
“All I’m asking for is some communication from the union,†Lobes stated. He also argued that voter representation is already reflected in the appointee system, as the township trustees who select the fire board are themselves elected officials. Lobes emphasized that the current board is diverse, with members hailing from various professional backgrounds and including residents from Lockport, Homer Glen, and Homer Township, ensuring comprehensive geographic representation.
Additionally, Lobes claimed that the appointed nature of the board helps prevent political bias. Homer Township Supervisor Pam Meyers echoed this sentiment, saying that the township has always welcomed public input regarding fire board appointments. However, she added that she wouldn’t object to a shift toward an elected system if it were approved by voters.
If the referendum makes it onto the ballot and is passed, residents could start electing their fire trustees as early as 2017. Until then, the debate continues, with both sides eager to make their case heard.
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