Politics & Government

Election 2013: Glenn Michalek

Glenn Michalek is running for the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees in the April 2013 election.

Campaign Info

  • Position Sought: Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees
  • Website:
  • Email: g.michalek@orlandfire.org
  • Phone:
  • Hometown: Orland Park

Personal Info

  • Family: Nanette, wife; three adult sons
  • Education: Morton West High School (Berwyn IL)   Class of 1972, University of Illinois – Fire Certificates
  • Occupation: Retired after 31 years of service with the Berwyn Fire Department
  • Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Candidate Questions

Why are you seeking office?

To ensure that the district doesn’t end up like other districts and fire departments in the states that are closed or have had services drastically cut.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

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To maintain excellent fire and EMS service while staying with the budget.

What sets you apart from other candidates? 

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31 year career Firefighter/Officer experience along with 2 years as Commissioner, 6 years as Trustee, certified by NIAFPD, and serving on the Pension board.  I understand the functions of day-to-day operations along with the special divisions with the department and also with the equipment used to accomplish those tasks.  I also have taken classes in handling district budgets, pension laws, hearings, and investments.

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

Some stations are beginning to show their age and repairs will be needed, along with the increasing call volumes that we have been experiencing every year, which in turn taxes the equipment.  Healthcare for employees is another issue.  As in the past we have shopped around for different healthcare providers to get the district the best price on healthcare.  Along with every department in the district where we can cut back but still maintain superior service throughout the district.

How do you propose keeping a tighter budget that lessens the burden on taxpayers, while giving staff the tools to do their job?

Look into having other fire and police departments use our training facility and instructors to train them for a fee along with applying for grants for equipment and classes.

Does the current board engage in enough debate and discussion before voting?

I believe so. That’s what we talk about in closed sessions.

In December, the board approved issuing a $26.7 million in general obligation bonds to cover 100 percent of its pension liability. State funding is drying up, but the district was already able to cover 73 percent of its obligation, which is considered a healthy percentage. Do you agree with this course of action? Who or why not? If not, what could be done differently?

I agree 100%. Being on the pension board along with our finance director and board of trustees we took a hard look at this. We were currently paying around 7% on the unfunded liability in our pension system. With our good credit rating the district was able to sell debt certificates at 4.37%.  It’s like refinancing your home from 7% down to 4.37%. The district will save the taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of this loan.

In 2012, the district hired 11 new firefighters to cover several spots left vacated due to several instances, including injuries, resignations and leveraged removals. Do you agree with adding more personnel to reduce burn out and reduce overtime costs? Why or why not?

Yes, I agree.  Due to duty injuries and retirements the level of manpower has dropped.  By hiring the eleven we have cut back on our overtime thereby saving the district money.  Plus there was a study done by the Chief’s Association and their findings recommended that we hire the eleven.

Have you ever been charged with a crime? Were you convicted? If yes, please say what the charge was, and what was the case's outcome as it stands.

No.

Are there any candidates in other races you would like to endorse here?


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