Election 2013: John Brudnak

Campaign Info

• Position Sought: Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees
• Website:
• Email: jdbrud@att.net
• Phone:
• Hometown: Orland Park

Personal Info

• Family: wife Debbie, son Peter, daughter Anna, son Andrew
• Education: St. Mary's College 1983, BA in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing, Minor in History
• Occupation: Central Steel and Wire Co, Chicago, IL, Territory Sales Manager, 26 years
• Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Candidate Questions

Why are you seeking office?

To continue the fiscal path that the new members of the Trustee board have taken and to add fresh ideas on how to make the OFPD run in a more fiscally conscious way.

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

My single most important priority is fiscal responsibility. The district needs to show continuous improvement in its efforts to account for taxpayer money. As stated above, I think the new members of the present board have shown responsible management, but I do believe that there is more ground to gain. I can add additional oversight measures and feel that my experience will further enhance the current procedures.

What sets you apart from other candidates? 

What sets me apart from other candidates is first, my business experience. I manage a sales territory in excess of $20,000,000 and have to make tough decisions every day concerning profits and viability of accounts. I have also been Chairman of the Orland Fire District Commissioners for the past two years and feel that, and have been told, I am a very fair person in regard to my duties as commissioner.

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

One of the biggest challenges in the OFPD has been the fluctuation of the staffing levels. Our hiring classes have been very large and spread over a long period of time resulting in larger numbers of personnel retiring and hiring at or near the same time. A more consistent process would be to replace an employee as they leave and not have to wait for the next hiring class. As commissioner, I have helped improve the testing process so that it truly measures the qualifications and education of the candidates competing for advancement. As a trustee I would continue to improve the testing processes and will ensure that qualified candidates will be hired in the future.

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

I believe the current board has enacted some measures to control escalating costs, however, I believe my past experience would be valuable to the Board of Trustees and the taxpayers for fiscal responsibility. All taxing bodies face tough times with the state of the economy, but that does not mean that more cannot be done. We have to justify our current costs as well as anticipate and contain future costs. As the population ages, the calls for service typically increase. In working with Chief Ken Brucki, we have discussed the need for better response times and the district has made some significant improvements. If elected, I will work with Chief Brucki to ensure that as a district, we are prepared for any future growth.

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

Whether or not the current board engages enough in debate before voting is not a measurable question. A board could deliberate for one minute and make a great decision that can positively impact a district for many years or they can discuss for hours on a subject that can leave a board hopelessly divided. If elected I will promise to always debate or discuss with my fellow trustees in a respectful and thoughtful way.

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 believe the district's actions in regards to their current pension obligation shows a true commitment to the long term security of its personnel. I support the move because it not only has a sound financial basis but it also shows a commitment to the members of the district with regard to their financial well being. If elected, I would be interested in learning more of the true financial benefits and would even be interested in having a public forum to further explain the actions of the board of trustees.

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?

I do believe that hiring the additional 11 firefighters was a good move for a couple of reasons. First, a well run district needs to be able to establish a consistent staffing level. We were not able to function at that level until we were able to increase our staff to levels that were acceptable. Second, with the addition of these new firefighters we are able to eliminate a huge portion of overtime dollars that we have been spending the past few years.

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.

Once, but the case was thrown out for lack of merit, and then expunged from the court records.

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

Jayne Schirmacher for OFPD trustee.

Read about other candidates running for the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees.