Crowded race for Huntley fire board

Candidates for the Huntley Fire Protection District are proving that citizens don't just vote or run for office when they are mad.

Most of the seven candidates say there are no hot-button topics or controversial issues that compelled them to run. Rather, at least three of the hopefuls are former firefighters who want to remain active in the community. Meanwhile, the lone incumbent says she wants to bring balance to a board that already includes several former firefighters.

Among the candidates vying for one of the two available six-year terms are Former Huntley Fire Chief David Veath, as well as two former Chicago Fire Department veterans: Huntley's Patrick Conley is a retired lieutenant, while Joseph Mahoney, of Algonquin, served as a battalion chief.

Other candidates include incumbent Bonnie Bayser, as well as Huntley resident Sean Smith, Terry Hora and Jerry Bergquist. Robert Kunde will not seek re-election.

Bayser, 67, of Huntley, said her nursing background is valuable as most calls are for medical emergencies, rather than fires.

“My past experience, education and record all show that I am qualified for this board,” said Bayser, who is seeking her second full term on the board. “I have passion and experience and I want to see through to fruition the things we have been working on.”

That includes the construction of the fourth fire house in Huntley and the fire district's accreditation.

For Veath, after 10 years in retirement, the time was right to work again with the firefighters.

“I took some time off, but the fire department has always been a passion and always will be,” said Veath, 69, who retired from the department in 2001. “I thought it was time to take a chance and run for trustee.”

Veath said the responsibilities of a board member would be familiar to him as he worked with trustees on budgets, levies and other tasks.

Conley, who retired after 34 years with the Chicago Fire Department in 2004, said a number of Huntley firefighters asked that he run for a seat.

“I thought I could help the firefighters,” he said. “There's no particular issue, I just have knowledge of firefighting and safety.”

In addition, after almost 40 years with the Chicago Fire Department, Mahoney wants to share his experience with the local fire protection district.

“I want to improve the quality of service,” Mahoney said. “After 30½ years, I just want to stay active in the fire service.”

Bergquist, Hora and Smith could not be reached for comment.