Excerpts from chicagotribune.com: Three candidates are vying for the single open seat on the Tri-State Fire Protection District Board, but the race has been low-key and largely devoid of traditional campaigning. With no public debates or extensive outreach, the focus has shifted to the candidates' past records and their stance on governance. Julie Strenzel, the current board member, hasn’t responded to calls or emails seeking comment on her campaign. She has faced scrutiny from the Better Government Association (BGA) over several decisions made during her time on the board. Last year, the BGA revealed that Strenzel is in a civil union with former Tri-State Chief Michelle Gibson, yet she voted to approve a $136,000 retirement package for Gibson, covering unused sick and vacation days. Strenzel has also supported pension increases for two other former chiefs and an assistant chief, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and mismanagement of public funds. Matthew Goodwin, a retired U.S. Army major, says the BGA’s investigations have motivated him to run. “I’m concerned about how the board has operated in the past and the issues that have led to these reports,†he said. “We need more transparency and accountability.†Goodwin emphasizes stewardship, service, and openness as key pillars of his campaign. He criticized the board for not focusing enough on taxpayer interests and expressed strong opposition to pension spiking, a practice where employees receive higher raises before retiring to boost their pensions. Eric Habercoss, a lieutenant with the Cicero Fire Department, shares similar concerns. Having lived in the district for 10 years, he has witnessed the growing public frustration over financial mismanagement. “I’ve read the BGA and Doings articles about the misuse of funds,†he said. “As a 22-year veteran firefighter, I want to make a real difference in our community.†Habercoss pointed out that pension spiking could cost the district up to $1.5 million over the next 20 years. He also criticized the high legal fees—over $500,000 in recent years—and the lack of competitive bidding for equipment. Habercoss is particularly upset by the board’s decision to destroy meeting tapes older than 18 months. “I won’t support that,†he said. “There needs to be real accountability in this district.†The Tri-State Fire Protection District covers parts of Burr Ridge, Darien, Willowbrook, and unincorporated areas of DuPage County. As the election approaches, voters are left to weigh the candidates’ promises against the district’s history of financial and ethical controversies. biodegradable lip balm tubes,twist up paper lip balm tube,ECO Friendly lip balm tube,paper lip balm packing tube Zhoushan Xinmei Packaging Products Co., Ltd , https://www.xinmeipackage.com