Elmhurst Mayor Hopeful Knocks Rival's Fire Department Plan

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst mayoral candidate Mark Mulliner on Sunday criticized adding advanced life support services to the fire department, saying it would be costly.

Mulliner made his comments during a virtual candidates forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters. While it may not have been obvious, Mulliner appeared to be attacking a key plank in the platform of one of his two opponents, Michael Bram. The other candidate is Scott Levin. All three are aldermen.

Mulliner was responding to a question about how to handle budget shortfalls during a pandemic.

"What we need to be cautious about is bringing in new programs," Mulliner said. "I understand there is an interest in looking at (advanced life support) in relation to the fire department. The reality is that ALS will take an additional $2 million onto our budget. We don't have the space for that. It will also affect our pension funds long-term. I think it's very important we should look at each project we bring in and make sure we bring in something that's fiscally responsible."

Mulliner did not mention Bram by name in his comments. But in December, Mulliner tried to stop Bram from continuing to talk about his proposal for advanced life support during a City Council budget discussion.

At the time, Bram proposed equipping all fire trucks with advanced life support. Such a service includes starting IVs, administering medication, cardiac monitoring, and advanced airway maneuvers, including intubation, according to Bram's campaign website.

About three minutes into Bram's comments, Mulliner called for a "point of order."

"I believe we are getting in a discussion that is outside the realm of the budget," Mulliner said. "I think at this point we are discussing the budget and right now we seem to be arguing on a point of personnel and further servicing, which is being directed to a committee."

Mayor Steve Morley, who is not seeking a third term, let Bram continue. No other aldermen supported Bram's proposal to budget money for advanced life support equipment.

The city has long had a contract with Superior Ambulance to provide paramedic services, including advanced life support. A few years ago, the city got a "rapid response" vehicle, which also provides advanced life support. But it is based on the south side, which Bram says is an issue for his northside Ward 3.

In an interview Tuesday, Bram disagreed with Mulliner's $2 million number. He said equipment for advanced life support would cost the city $75,000 to $80,000.

Bram said it appeared as if Mulliner's number may be what it would cost to replace the private ambulance service with city personnel. But he said that was not his proposal.

Bram said he understands that about 40 to 50 percent of the city's firefighters are paramedics already, meaning they have the skills to offer advanced life support.

"I would hate to see our firefighters arrive on the scene first and they cannot utilize the skill set that they have today," he said. "Do you want to be that family where the fire department arrives first and they cannot do something for your loved one?"

He said he has looked at a number of nearby towns and that all but one of them have advanced life support on fire trucks.

Mulliner did not return an emailed message for comment left on Tuesday afternoon.