Here's a recent snippet from the chicagotribune.com:
In the race for the sole vacant seat on the Tri-State Fire Protection District Board, it seems like the candidates aren't exactly going all out with their campaigns. One of the contenders, Julie Strenzel, who currently holds a position on the board, hasn't responded to any of the messages or emails sent to discuss her candidacy. This silence is somewhat concerning given the attention she's received from the Better Government Association (BGA). According to the BGA, Strenzel, while in a civil union with former Tri-State Fire Chief Michelle Gibson, approved a retirement package that handed over approximately $136,000 to the ex-chief for unused sick leave and vacation time. On top of that, she’s been documented approving significant pension increases for other former chiefs and an assistant chief near retirement.
Matthew Goodwin, a former U.S. Army major, has stepped into this political void partly because of these controversies. He expressed concerns about how the board has been managed and the subsequent BGA investigations. “This kind of scrutiny isn’t what we need,†Goodwin remarked. He emphasized that his campaign is built on three core principles: stewardship, service, and transparency. “We don’t need personal agendas here,†he stated firmly. “Taxpayer money should be handled responsibly, and the board must be as open as possible.†Goodwin also highlighted his worries regarding the practice of pension spiking, which inflates pensions by granting large raises just before retirement.
Eric Habercoss, another contender and a lieutenant at the Cicero Fire Department, shares similar sentiments. Having lived in the district for a decade, he’s noticed the media coverage surrounding financial mismanagement within the board. With 22 years in firefighting under his belt, Habercoss is eager to bring positive change. “Pension spiking, where employees get substantial raises right before retiring, will cost the district $1.5 million over the next 20 years,†he pointed out. “It’s time to stop this reckless spending.†He criticized the board for high legal costs—over half a million dollars a few years back—and a lack of competitive bidding for essential equipment. Adding fuel to the fire, the board recently decided to destroy meeting recordings older than 18 months. “Destroying records? No way,†Habercoss said. “We need more accountability, not less.â€
Tri-State Fire Protection District covers sections of Burr Ridge, Darien, Willowbrook, and parts of unincorporated DuPage County. It’s clear that voters have some tough decisions ahead of them.
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