Orland Fire District Trustee Candidate Matt Rafferty: Election '23

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Name: Matthew G. Rafferty

Age on Election Day: 58

Office Sought: Fire Protection District Board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My wife works for Orland Township in Senior Transportation.

Education: Master's in Criminal Justice, Governor's State University

Occupation: 32 years Cook County Sheriff's Police, retired as a deputy chief. Now Director of Campus Safety and Security at the University of Chicago.

Campaign Website: www.OrlandFirstResponders.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Commissioner, Orland Fire Protection District since 2014.

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. (Note: I am responding to the questions as a member of a slate including my slate colleague William Bonnar Jr.) Electing experienced first responders (police or fire) to the board is our priority. I believe that we need first responders who understand every aspect of the fire district on the Orland Fire Protection District board. I also believe in keeping politics OUT of the fire district.

Critical differences between you and other candidates? Unlike most of our opponents, I am an experienced First Responder (Police Officer) with 34 of experience. I have pledged to not accept any endorsements from elected mayors. Our opponents have been slated and are actively backed by Orland’s mayor and other politicians. I am not criticizing those endorsements, only noting that I will enter the position without political debt or allegiance. My allegiance is solely and fully for the best interests of firefighters, paramedics, and the taxpayers of the Fire District.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community? I am proud of what the Orland Fire Protection District’s firefighter/paramedics have accomplished already over the past decade including: achieving one of the highest Cardiac Arrest Save Rates (71 percent) in the country; providing the highest quality and professional emergency responses to citizens in emergency situations and in fighting fires; holding the line on taxes and ensuring that we maximize the services that the district residents get from existing taxes and the budget; managing money and being transparent is important; and, most importantly, maintaining the district’s consistent effort to separate from local politics and focus almost exclusively on providing emergency services. And I am committed to continuing education, training for our firefighters/paramedics, and upgrading equipment needed to perform their jobs successfully.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. I am running as an independent on a team with William Bonnar Jr., without the financial backing or endorsements of politicians, political action committees or elected officials. I feel this allows us to stand out over other candidates in this election. I feel our political independence allows us to focus entirely on enhancing the services and environment of the Orland Fire Protection District.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I worked in budgeting, managing the budget for the Cook County Sheriff's Police. I worked in police Task Force settings in large groups with successful outcomes.

Why should voters trust you? I have a proven record as an experienced First Responder, spending more than 30 years in the profession.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? I would hope to further increase the Cardiac Arrest “Save Rate,” to increase the training and experience of existing firefighter/paramedics, and continue fiscal responsibility at the Fire District.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I am very conscious of the importance of managing the district’s finances professionally and not wasting money. I believe we owe it to the taxpayers to assure them that we would maximize services without sacrificing quality and effectiveness in responding to emergencies and without unnecessary increases in taxes. With my budgeting experience, I would ensure that the district spend the money as if it is our own, always seeking the best product for the best price.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community? I believe that an effective response to increasing crime must include a provision that would impose stricter and tougher sentences on convicted criminals who use weapons in the commission of a crime. Taking weapons from law abiding citizens without toughening the consequences on criminals is an ineffective way to reduce crime.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No.

Best advice ever shared with me was: Work hard, be honest and treat people the way you want to be treated yourself.

What else would you like voters to know? I would serve ethically, honorably, and with the best interests of the citizens served by the Orland Fire Protection District.