8 Battle For 2 Seats On Orland Fire District Board: Election 2023

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park voters heading to the polls Tuesday will have to whittle down a list of eight contending for a spot on the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, to just two.

Current commissioner Matthew Rafferty is joined by William Bonnar Jr. on the Orland First Responders slate. Those also seeking seats include Angela Greenfield, Tina Zekich, Michael Gabriele, Eric Vates, Richard Miller and Craig Schmidt.

Schmidt is an incumbent. Rafferty is currently a commissioner with the fire district. Gabriele serves as deputy fire chief in nearby Palos Park.

Orland Fire Chief Michael Schofield in February announced the district's "save rate" has risen to 71 percent, from 65 percent in the last year, making it one of the highest in the region and state.

Among talking points with the candidates, some note their experience as first responders as essential to the role they're seeking. Others, though not first responders, said they prioritize communication and engagement with first responders to recognize and fulfill their needs.

Read more about the candidates who completed the Patch questionnaire:

• Tina Zekich
• Angela Greenfield
• William Bonnar Jr.
• Matthew Rafferty
• Michael Gabriele