Excerpts from the Herald-News.com:
The Homer Township Fire Protection District union is actively pushing for a referendum that could appear on the November ballot. This referendum aims to give district residents the ability to elect their fire trustees directly. According to Homer Township Professional Firefighters President David Curtis, union members have voted unanimously in support of this initiative. The union strongly believes that having elected trustees will enable direct communication between the union, taxpayers, and candidates running for board positions, allowing them to endorse suitable individuals.
"Currently, we lack a voice with the existing trustees," Curtis explained, noting that the union can only communicate with the board through the fire chief. He emphasized the desire to establish a more direct relationship with trustees. The role of the district's Board of Trustees involves supervising the fire chief, hiring administrative staff, managing financial oversight, and approving equipment purchases. These trustees, who convene once a month, are currently appointed by the Homer Township Board of Trustees.
To place the referendum on the November 8 ballot, supporters need approximately 1,200 signatures—equivalent to 10% of the district's registered voters—to back the proposal. Curtis mentioned they haven't encountered any opposition so far, highlighting that neighboring fire agencies such as New Lenox, Lemont, and Orland already operate under an elected fire board system.
However, Homer Township fire board secretary Mark Lobes pointed out that there are currently 11 appointed fire boards in Will County. While Lobes himself remains neutral regarding the referendum, he expressed a keen interest in establishing better communication with the firefighters' union. He noted that the board first learned about the union's efforts from Fire Chief Bob Tutko a few weeks ago but hasn't yet had a direct conversation with a union representative. "I'm just hoping for some communication from the union," Lobes said.
Lobes also argued that voter representation is already reflected in the appointee system since the township trustees who select the fire board are elected officials. He stated that the fire board is diverse, with members holding various jobs and backgrounds, ensuring representation across Lockport, Homer Glen, and Homer Township. Lobes claimed that because the board is appointed, it avoids political bias.
Homer Township Supervisor Pam Meyers voiced openness to public input regarding fire board appointments. "I don’t see anything wrong with the way it is," she remarked. Nevertheless, she indicated she wouldn’t necessarily oppose a potential shift to an elected system. If the referendum makes it onto the November ballot and gets approved by voters, residents could start electing fire trustees as early as 2017.
Additional thoughts: It seems like both sides acknowledge the importance of transparency and effective communication. Whether the current appointed system or a proposed elected system proves more beneficial may ultimately depend on how well these discussions translate into action. Regardless, fostering dialogue between the union, township officials, and residents will likely play a key role in shaping the future of Homer Township's fire protection services.
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