Citizens for an Elected LWFPD

In a bid to promote transparency and democratic representation, the Citizens for an Elected LWFPD Board of Trustees are spearheading a crucial ballot proposition set to appear on the March 2024 DuPage County General Primary Election ballot pending the required number of petition signatures by registered voters served by the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District (LWFPD).

The proposition will read:

"Shall the trustees of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District be elected, rather than appointed?"

If added to the ballot, voters will have the option to choose between 'YES' and 'NO', marking a pivotal moment for the LWFPD. The LWFPD currently operates under the governance of a 5-person Board of Trustees. This board holds significant authority, overseeing the establishment of the tax levy and managing a substantial budget exceeding $25 million annually. Moreover, they are responsible for making critical decisions and executing major purchases for the district. However, in a deviation from common practice most for fire districts in DuPage County, LWFPD trustees are appointed by the DuPage County Chair.

This system has led to a lack of direct representation for residents. They are unable to exercise their right to vote for or against the trustees who determine the extent of taxation and allocate the district's funds. In contrast, neighboring boards with similar taxing authority, including the Lisle Community District 202 and Woodridge School District 68 Boards of Education, the Park District, and Library Boards, have boards that are elected by the residents they serve.

The LWFPD stands as one of just two active fire protection districts within DuPage County still operating with an appointed board. The majority have embraced the democratic process and hold elections to fill these vital positions.

The proposed proposition seeks to level the playing field by transforming the LWFPD Board into an elected body, in line with democratic norms and practices. Andrew Nelson, an unincorporated Naperville resident and former trustee for the LWFPD, is part of the core team advocating for the proposition, which includes several current LWFPD trustees. When asked about effort Mr. Nelson stated, “This proposition is about empowering the residents of the district whose tax collections fund the LWFPD to directly influence the placement of trustees onto the board. Today, the residents shoulder the tax burden, but have no say in the composition of this governing body that makes critical decisions impacting the fire service and community at large.”

Brent Frank currently serves as President of the LWFPD board of trustees and, as a resident of Woodridge, is participating in bringing the proposition to the ballot. Mr. Frank stated, “The time is right convert the board to elected. Our fire district is an outlier amongst most other DuPage County fire districts who empower their residents with the choice to select their own trustees. The residents of our district deserve to be afforded the same right.” To bring about this transformative change, the initiative is dependent on gathering petition signatures. These signatures are essential to ensure that the proposition secures its spot on the ballot for the March19, 2024 DuPage County general primary election. The message is clear: Your Taxes: Your Choice.