Excerpts from the Daily Herald: A proposed ballot question in Warrenville could determine whether the Fire Protection District's trustees are elected or appointed, and this decision may affect future consolidation efforts in DuPage County. Voters in the district will have their say on April 7, deciding whether the three-member board should be chosen by public vote or through appointment by the DuPage County Board Chairman. Currently, the trustees are selected by the county chairman, a process that has drawn criticism from local residents. "We citizens have very little say in who leads our fire protection district," said William Mennell, a resident who collected over 1,600 signatures to bring the issue to the ballot. "The people should have the right to choose who is spending their money." Mennell, who is also the president of the fire protection district board, emphasized that the initiative comes from the community, not the board itself. In 2012, a consulting firm hired by the county recommended exploring consolidation opportunities with fire protection districts, including Warrenville. However, the firm found Warrenville to be financially stable and capable of providing high-quality fire and ambulance services without merging with other agencies. "Consolidation can work in some cases," Mennell said. "But in Warrenville, we believe that bigger isn't always better." However, DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, who has been praised by Governor Bruce Rauner for his efforts in consolidating emergency services, questions the motives behind the ballot initiative. He claims that county officials have long sought to increase transparency and accountability within the fire protection district. "It's no secret that they've resisted these efforts," Cronin said. "They adopted our ethics policy but refused to sign an intergovernmental agreement that would make it enforceable." Cronin also mentioned that the county has repeatedly encouraged Warrenville to join the West Suburban Fire/Rescue Alliance, which has helped reduce response times and share resources. So far, the district has shown no interest in joining, according to Cronin. "They just want to maintain their own little empire," he said. "Whether the trustees are elected or appointed doesn't matter to me, as long as the district remains efficient and safe." Mennell, however, argues that the district already collaborates with other fire departments to share equipment and services. Kate Perkins, a former trustee working to support the ballot question, believes Warrenville needs a voice in any future consolidation plans. "If we have appointed trustees, they'll answer to Dan Cronin, because he's the one who hires and fires them," she said. "We need to have a say in our future." Thanks, Dan and John Rubber Products,Golf Mat Tee,Unbreakable Golf Tees,Golf Rubber Products Yantai UVT Sports Co.,Ltd. , https://www.uvtgolf.com
July 12, 2025