Election 2025: New Lenox Fire Protection District Board Candidate Brandon Rinker

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:

Brandon Rinker

Office sought:

Fire protection district board

Town/city of Residence:

New Lenox

Party affiliation (if partisan race):

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

No.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Lieutenant/28 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

None

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

The continued growth of the fire district. I would like to begin with getting a 5th ambulance staffed a soon as fiscally possible to stay current and get ahead of the increased call volume that our district is experiencing.

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

I have an extensive history in the fire service with numerous state fire marshal certifications. I also have an AAS in Fire Science from JJC, a BS in Organizational Leadership, and an MS in Training and Development, both from the University of St Francis.

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

I feel that allowing station 2 to close was a major failure. I also believe there is a disconnect between management and labor. This is an all hazards industry and everyone within the district needs to work together to move forward to better serve the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

In addition to the 5th ambulance, a fifth station will also be needed in the future to stay with the growth of the district. I would like to work with the administration and crews to develop a training center to continue give our department members the highest quality training but also give them the opportunity to host class to keep up on their instructor skills and generate revenue for the district/training division. I would also like to see implemented Mobile Integrated Health for the residents of our district.

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

I have extensive knowledge in staffing and budgeting, department needs analysis, and labor relations and negotiating.

Why should voters trust you?

I feel that I can be approached outside of meeting nights to address ideas or concerns of the residents. Transparency is also very important to me and that it is important to have this for the continued growth of the district.

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

Implementing Mobile Integrated Health and staffing a fifth ambulance.

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

It is very important to be responsible with taxpayer dollars, but also, acknowledging that taxpayer dollars need to be spent to make the district successful and beneficial to the taxpayers.

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

No

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

I started my career at New Lenox Fire Protection District 28 years ago. I’d like to have an opportunity to give back to the community that gave me that start.