Excerpts from Herald-News.com: The Homer Township Fire Protection District union is pushing forward with a proposal to place a referendum on the November ballot. If approved, it would give district residents the right to elect their own fire trustees, marking a potential shift in how the local fire board is governed. Homer Township Professional Firefighters President David Curtis explained that the union members voted unanimously in favor of the initiative. The goal, he said, is to allow firefighters and taxpayers to directly engage with candidates running for the fire board, as well as to enable the union to endorse qualified individuals. “We don’t have a direct voice with the current trustees,†Curtis said. “Right now, we have to go through the fire chief to communicate with them, which can be limiting.†Curtis outlined the responsibilities of the fire board, which include overseeing the fire chief, hiring administrators, managing financials, and making decisions about equipment purchases. The board meets once a month and is appointed by the Homer Township Board of Trustees. To get the referendum on the November 8 ballot, supporters need around 1,200 signatures — about 10% of the district’s registered voters. So far, the union hasn’t faced much pushback, and Curtis noted that several neighboring fire departments, such as those in New Lenox, Lemont, and Orland, already use an elected system. However, Homer Township Fire Board Secretary Mark Lobes pointed out that there are also 11 appointed fire boards in Will County. While he hasn’t taken a stance on the referendum, he expressed a desire to speak directly with the firefighters’ union. He said the board learned about the initiative through Chief Bob Tutko several weeks ago but hasn’t yet had a formal conversation with union representatives. “I’m hoping to hear from them soon,†Lobes said. Lobes emphasized that the current appointment system reflects voter interests, since the township trustees who appoint the fire board are elected. He also mentioned that the fire board includes members from different backgrounds and communities within the district, including Lockport, Homer Glen, and Homer Township, ensuring geographic representation. He added that because the board is appointed, it remains non-political. Homer Township Supervisor Pam Meyers echoed this sentiment, stating that the township has always been open to public input regarding fire board appointments. “I don’t see anything wrong with the way it is,†she said, though she didn’t rule out the possibility of change if the community supports it. If the referendum passes, residents will begin voting for fire trustees in 2017, marking a significant shift in local governance for the Homer Township Fire Protection District. Polyester Polyol Material,Synthetic Leather Case,Polyester Polyol Sofa Sole,Industrial Elastic Plastics Xuchuan Chemical , https://www.xctpu.com