Orland Fire District Trustee Candidate Tina Zekich: Election '23

Patch is providing candidate profiles for several races in the area. If you are a candidate seeking an opportunity to complete our profile form, please email lauren.traut@patch.com. Please note your position sought.

Name: Tina Zekich

Age as of Election Day: 57

Office sought: Fire protection district board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Bachelors Degree from Loyola University of Chicago and JD from John Marshall Law School

Occupation: Attorney for over 30 years.

Campaign Website: tinazekichfortrustee.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Board member for Orland School District 135 from 2011 to 2015

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Establishing good working relationships with the actual firefighters, to find out their needs is my top priority. Angela Greenfield and I are the only candidates to be endorsed by the Orland Firefighters for this reason. We made an effort from the beginning to speak with the Firefighters directly, to find out what they need to provide high caliber services on the street. Orland has the best Fire and EMS services and we want to protect that while maintaining a balanced budget.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Angela Greenfield and I are the only candidates that have been fully endorsed from the Firefighters and the Dispatchers. I could not be prouder of these endorsements and will not let them down.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? I believe that the Orland Firefighters are outstanding. This comes from the top down. I feel this is a testament to everyone that has come before me and I want to continue the proud tradition of top-notch services.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. I have first hand experience of how our Fire Department is responsive and how they treat each and every person they meet. I lost my father 8 years ago, in his day my father was a super hero, capable of doing everything. In the last years of his life the fire department was his life line. They were there when he fell or simply had to get out of the house to attend a doctors appointment. Our Firefighters showed up and they treated him with dignity and never made him feel embarrassed for needing help. The gratitude I felt as a family member was overwhelming and I want to support them in any way I can.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I am an attorney who has had my own practice for over 30 years. I was a board member for Orland School District 135 from 2011 to 2015. While I was on the board I held the position of board secretary.

Why should voters trust you? Angela and I are not connected to any politicians. Our motives for running are strictly from a position of wanting to give back to the community that has done so much for us. We also understand fiscal responsibility and will work hard to maintain proper budgets for the tax paying residents of Orland.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? I have been told by the Firefighters of the growing number of emergencies that they are faced with yearly. In 2022, the Firefighters responded to over 12,000 emergencies. That is up nearly 50% in just 6 years. As these emergency numbers grow the district will need to grow with it. Angela and I will make sure the Firefighters have all the resources they need to handle that task.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? When it comes to handling taxpayer dollars for a fire protection district, it is important to ensure that the funds are being used effectively and efficiently. This means prioritizing spending on essential services that directly benefit the community and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Transparency and accountability are also critical to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibility and in the best interests of the community.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community? No answer provided.

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: Treat others as you would like to be treated: This Golden Rule encourages people to show kindness and respect towards others and is often considered a cornerstone of ethical behavior.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Treat others as you would like to be treated: This Golden Rule encourages people to show kindness and respect towards others and is often considered a cornerstone of ethical behavior.