Orland Fire District Trustee Candidate William Bonnar Jr: 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: William E Bonnar Jr

Age as of Election Day: 62

Town/City of Residence: Orland Park

Office Sought: Fire protection district board

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

Education: BS in Fire service Administration, SIU

Occupation: Fire Chief, 45 years

Campaign Website: http://orlandfirstresponders.com/

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: none

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. The first issue is the Paramedic shortage in the State. we are not effected yet in the District, but we will be in the future. the second issue is Electing experienced first responders to the Board that understand the needs of the Emergency responders and the best way to protect the citizens of the Fire District.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? 45 years of experience, 31 years as a Chief Officer Administrating Fire Districts and Fire Departments. I am not a politician, I am a public servant, I want what is best for the citizens of the district.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? I have personally witnessed how outside politicians and board members have tried to manipulate the Chief Officers over the years. I will make it my mission to stop any interference to the district operations so that we can maintain our high level of service to our citizens. I have extensive experience in budgeting and cost analysis and can assist with keeping the costs in check for the taxpayers.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: We are running as independents without financial backing or endorsements from any politician or political group. The citizens deserve board members who are not bought and paid for.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My service in Orland included, Cadet, Firefighter/ Paramedic, Engineer, Lieutenant, Training Safety Officer, Union President, Shift Battalion Chief, Fleet maintance Chief, Administrative and operations Chief. My service at the Homer Township Fire Protection District as Chief included building 2 fire stations, increasing manpower from 2 a day to 10 a day, and going from a part time fire District to all full-time. My service in Chicago Ridge is administrating a full-time / part-time Fire Department for the village.

Why should voters trust you? I have dedicated my entire life to serving the public. I am not in it for me.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? Maintaining our high level of service to the citizens and keeping the costs in control.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I always approach spending by what would the tax payers think and how would I explain it to them.

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: Be nice to everyone, you don't know their story.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am a simple man who uses common sense to make decisions. I have lived in Orland for 58 years, was married to Susan for 32 years and lost her to cancer, we raised 4 wonderful children and helped many foster children. My mother still lives in the house I grew up in and my father died in the line of duty as a Battalion Chief for Orland 25 years ago. I am a public servant, not a politician. Semper Paratus Servio.