2011 Election: Christopher Evoy, Orland Fire Protection District Board Candidate

Four candidates are vying for two seats in this year's race. In Patch's issue-specific questionnaire, candidate calls the district's administration center expansion a "colossal waste" and advocates televising board meetings.

What are the biggest problems facing the district? How do you propose to solve them?

As I speak with residents of the community, I hear praise for our firefighters/paramedics on the street while at the same time I hear complaints ranging from: administration spending excessively, the high increased taxes residents pay on their real estate tax bill, poor morale, scandals with promotions and buy-outs and an infiltration of politics into this essential service.

As a trustee, I would research expenditures and determine what could be trimmed or eliminated while maintaining the level of service. Why cannot the fire district do more with less just like Orland families have learned to do? As a small businessman, I understand the frustration of higher taxes and vow to work hard to eliminate wasteful spending. I would implement an open bid system for every service and product that the district purchases.  

The phrases “fiscally conservative” and “efficient use of taxpayer money” comes up regularly on the campaign trail. How do you propose keeping a tighter budget that doesn’t burden taxpayers, while giving staff the tools to do their job?

Incumbent trustees need to address their “fiscal responsibility." Orland Fire District, in its annual report filed with the Illinois State Comptrollers office, stated actual expenditures for 2005 were $20,895,773. The last report filed for stated actual expenditures in 2009 were $32,229,382. Expenditures increased 64% in just 4 years! As a taxpayer, I am outraged at this enormous increase and vow to determine the justification. The expenditures for 2010 have not been filed and based upon past years, this number will increase even higher. During the process of running for trustee I discovered this figure, and was surprised that it has never been reported by any of the local media. Taxpayers feel the squeeze, looking at these numbers you can see why!  Something is drastically wrong, change is needed! Businesses looking to potentially locate in Orland Park pay close attention to taxes and what they receive for them. In this economy it is more important than ever to keep the great business community we already have and try to expand it.

The fire district purchased a small parcel of open space last summer for the addition of its administrative center. The land cost $68,500 and the project reportedly cost $4 million. Was this a worthy investment? Why?

This project speaks to the judgment of the current leadership and board.  Given the state of the economy and the fact that Orland is on the decline for growth and at some estimates 85% built-out, how can any rational person justify a new administration building? An administration building does not put out fires, nor assist people on ambulance calls. Considering the size and expense, this appears to be a colossal waste of taxpayer money and resources.

The fire district is considering abating taxes for a third year. Is this a good idea? And, if the district has extra money to refund each year, is this an indication that the district taxes too much?

Reverting back to the Orland Fire Districts report to the Illinois State comptroller’s office: 20 million in 2005 to over 32 million in 2009, collecting  nearly $12,000,000 more from taxpayers in just 4 years the “abatement” falls far short. A political tactic much like the Village of Orland Park did with the promised real estate tax rebate that disappeared. Charge the taxpayers more but give them back a fraction as an “abatement” or “rebate” attempts to make government and elected officials appear responsible. This is slot machine politics which I am not in favor of. Taxpayers should pay less up front and force conservative spending. The taxing body must demonstrate and justify the need for any increase and not be allowed to have the taxpayers open checkbook.

The fire district is the largest around and one of the largest in the nation. Its 2009 tax rate was about twice as high as Orland Park’s, which includes the police department. Is the fire district’s size justified? Why?

Again, expenditures increased a whopping 64% in just 4 years. Prior to the tenure of the current fire district board, the tax rate was similar and more in line. Orland Fire District has been used as a bloated political vehicle. Examples include patronage hires to newly created positions and not opening them up to all Orland residents, campaign donations from vendors and unions doing business with the district, and legal fess have increased substantially. This is not responsible government, not what the taxpayers wants or deserve. A change is needed, new trustees with a business attitude and background with an approach to running the fire district like a business and never forgetting who we work for. I intend to represent the taxpayers of this district and be an advocate for responsible government.

Orland Fire District encompasses Orland Park, Orland Hills and unincorporated Orland Township. Due to this increased coverage area, the number of fireman/paramedics is greater then the number of Orland Park police personnel. However, the manpower is not double, and therefore does not justify the tax rate as being double.

There has been talk of putting a referendum on the 2012 election ballot to dismantle the autonomy of the fire district, bringing its control back under the village board. What do you think of this possibility?

A complete analysis would be needed to determine if this is financially feasible, fair and equitable to all taxpayers. Since incorporated as a fire district, residents of Orland Park, Orland Hills and Orland Township have paid taxes that created and built this district. The best interests of the District and the taxpayers served will always be first and foremost. I will have an open mind, seeking creative ways to save taxpayer dollars while maintaining the level of service.

Does the board engage in enough debate and discussion?

Reviewing meeting minutes and voting patterns, unanimous votes appear to be the norm.

Considering the amount of money our residents spend for fire protection, I would be in favor of taped and televised meetings that the public can view on Comcast public access channel. This would allow our “shareholders," the taxpayers to understand how their tax dollars are being spent and hold elected officials accountable for their decisions while bringing much needed transparency to the Orland Fire Protection District.  

Any past arrests or convictions?

None