Meet the Candidates: Matthew Gober Running For O'Fallon Fire Board Director

Matthew Gober is one of three candidates running for the six-year term director position on the  Board in the April 2012 election.

To help you prepare for the April 3 election, we have Q&A's from the candidates who responded to our email questionnaire. The candidates are run in alphabetical order.

Matthew Gober: Candidate for O'Fallon Fire Board Director

Where do you live? I live in North O'Fallon, in the Homefield Estates Subdivision

What is your current job and/or position? Currently I am a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union One, and am employed as a Journeyman Electrician.  I also serve as the Press Secretary for Local One, as well as serve as a delegate to the Greater St.Louis AFL-CIO Labor Council

Why are you running Director of O'Fallon Fire Board?
I am running for the Fire Board because I believe I have the qualities and ability to give back to our community, a community which has given so much to myself and my family. I have a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-St.Louis. With this education and experience in law enforcement, I understand the importance of public service and having experienced, educated persons in those positions.

Relevant Experience: I am a former St.Louis County Police Officer, so I understand the need to have quality, highly-skilled first responders available at a moments notice for our citizens.  In addition, with my background in the electrical industry, I have a substantial knowledge of both national and local Fire Protection codes.

What do you think you can bring to this position? I know that I bring honesty and Integrity. As a parent, I am always teaching my children to do the right thing. Public service is the right thing to do.

Please tell us about one goal you have for this position. One goal of mine would be to familiarize our citizens with what "it is" the Fire District actually does. My goal would be to educate our public about the district, about our training, and how fire safety starts at home.

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A request for information was sent out to each of the candidates and this is the response. 

Note: Candidates and supporters should feel free to comment, but please keep things professional. No attacks, no name calling, no profanity.