Election 2025: New Lenox Fire Protection District Board Candidate David Popp

NEW LENOX, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and early voting wraps up March 31.

Two seats are up for grabs on the New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, with four candidates vying for the spots.

The board of trustees comprises five members, with each elected to a six-year term. The terms are staggered to allow for continuity as the membership changes. The board serves as the District's policymaking body, and is responsible for providing financial oversight.

Running for the seats are incumbents Lori Fischer and Roy "Skip" Minger. They're challenged by W. Brandon Rinker and David J. Popp.

Patch provided a questionnaire to candidates. Their answers are now published in candidate profiles.

Candidate:

David Popp

Office sought:

Fire protection district board

Town/city of residence:

New Lenox

Party affiliation (if partisan race):

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

I have no family working government.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Firefighter in Orland Park 19 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

N/A

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

The most pressing issue is increasing the retention of the employees and making New Lenox a “destination” department. I would do this by making the district competitive in wages and benefits with comparable departments. The nature of contract services lends itself to a high turnover rate and a degradation of both fire and EMS.

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

I am fully supported and backed, by the New Lenox Fire Union because I recognize the day to day issues professional firefighters deal with. I am also a career firemen that is well versed in contract negotiations, the purchasing of Fire and EMS apparatus, and the general procurements of grants.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The shut down of station 2 in 2018 was a disgrace to both the employees and the residents of New Lenox. The loan from Mayor Baldermann to the NLFPD was the only reason station 2 reopened. It is the duty of the board to keep the lights on and the employees paid. The mismanagement of funds by the board put the residents in danger by delaying care.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

New Lenox is a growing town that is quickly out growing the current staffing model being implemented by the NLFD. My goal is to make sure that the Fire District is equipped and ready to handle the growth of the town.

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

I have negotiated many labor management contracts with my current employer, Orland Fire. I am also on the union executive board where much of my time is spent working on labor management issues.

Why should voters trust you?

The safety of all residents is my focus when it comes to running for fire trustee. I have no agenda other than to make New Lenox the best fire district in the state.

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

Making sure the growth of the department matches the growth of the town.

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

Total transparency is the key to any political office. There is a budget and as a board member it would be my job to stay within the budget. The current needs of the district require us to creat additional income through county, state, and federal grants to provide needed resources.

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

No, there is no reason I can see that would stop me from fulfilling my term.

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

I was born and raised in New Lenox and attended Providence Catholic High School. I have been married for almost 20 years and have 3 wonderful kids. I have volunteered in many New Lenox organizations including the NLSGA, NLYFO, and Lincoln Way Schools. I am a proud resident of New Lenox and eagerly anticipate serving as a trustee for the New Lenox Fire District.