Donna Vegter, Frankfort Fire Protection Trustee Candidate

FRANKFORT, IL — Donna Vegter is a candidate for Frankfort Fire Protection District trustee. There are three candidates running for two open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

You can find Vegter's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your Name:

Donna Vegter

Age (as of Election Day):

51

Town/City of Residence:

Frankfort

Office sought:

Frankfort Fire Trustee

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

MBA Northern Illinois University & BA Saint Xavier University

Occupation:

Retired Human Resources Executive

Campaign Website or Facebook:

Donna Vegter for Frankfort Fire Trustee 2023

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Frankfort Fire Trustee (2021-Present); Frankfort Fire Commissioner (2003-2021)

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

One of the most pressing issues all fire departments face is a shortage of firefighter/paramedics. I plan to improve and expand recruitment of first responders by evaluating social media opportunities, employee referral incentives, and internal cadet programs.
Secondly, we strive to maintain current service levels despite rising costs and skyrocketing inflation. I will work to evaluate and prioritize capital expenditures and hiring while keeping a balanced budget. Finally, my goal is to keep the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting streak alive – it has been awarded to the Fire District annually since 2011!

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners in 2003 and have personally interviewed, hired, and promoted every firefighter/paramedic in the Frankfort District between 2003 – 2021. I understand the components of the hiring process like no other: written, physical agility, psych eval, and oral interviews all factor in when considering candidates.

Additionally, I was appointed to the Board of Fire Trustees in 2021 when a Board seat was vacated. I am the only candidate running for a 6 year term that is a certified Fire Trustee by the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts. I have been certified in administration, procurement, operations, finance, liability, and personnel management of a fire district.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Or what changes would you like to see?

N/A

Describe the other issues or ideas that define your campaign platform

 Identify ways to improve efficiencies on response times
 Hold the line on staff health and work comp insurance premiums
 Ongoing forecasting of repair and replacement of the emergency fleet and capital projects

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As Trustee I have:
 Appointed new Fire Chief (highly qualified with 20+ years in the district) in September 2021
 Maintained a balanced budget through skyrocketing inflation
 Upheld current service levels despite increasing costs

Why should voters trust you?

I have resided in the Fire District since 1999 and have witnessed explosive growth and how the Department has responded, including the construction of two additional fire stations over the years. The Fire District is well poised to accommodate future growth of the community.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

As a community, let’s work to reduce emergency response times. On average, it can take between 4 – 7 minutes to respond to a call after it has been dispatched. We can improve this if people will PULL TO THE RIGHT FOR SIRENS AND LIGHTS! I have been a passenger in emergency vehicles and am astounded by the number of drivers that do not pull over. Every second counts!

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Property taxes are the Frankfort Fire District’s sole means of funding, therefore, it is crucial that accurate budgeting and forecasting is done to account for fixed and planned expenses. Many additional services such as car seat inspections, CPR training, and special needs registries are available at little to no cost to residents.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

N/A

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality? If not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Firefighters/paramedics can be exposed to some of the most grueling and unpredictable situations during a call. The physical demands of the job coupled with the need for mental toughness and quick thinking are not for everyone. However, if an individual is between 21 – 35 years old, can climb a ladder wearing 80 pounds of gear, pass written/physical agility tests, as well as an oral interview, then we welcome those interested parties regardless of race and gender!

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

I do not support the SAFE-T Act; I believe it puts first responders and the community at risk and does not protect victims. I’m thankful to Will County States Attorney, James Glasgow, for his efforts to halt this absurd legislation.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Our police and community leaders do a good job of educating the public, and in particular senior citizens, about various financial or public utility worker scams. However, our police can’t be everywhere. It’s on all of us to lock it or lose it, look out for our neighbors, and generally remain vigilant. These efforts will create crime deterrents.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

N/A

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

N/A

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Toss up between:
1) If you’re not early, you’re late.
2) If something takes 5 minutes or less, do it now!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the community in this capacity. I pray for the safety of our first responders, as well as the health and wellness of the communities they serve.