The views expressed here are the author's own
Honor the most important women in your life when Vanille brings cupcakes
which is owned and operated by classically trained pastry chef Sophie Evanoff
Order individually wrapped cookies letting mom know just how sweet she is
There are also cupcakes with custom-printed macarons
and a macaron gift box anyone will be thrilled to open
Please note that orders need to be placed by 9am on Friday
Your order will be available for home delivery starting at 11am
We’re delivering this bakery event to Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Bolingbrook, and Lemont. Learn more about our delivery zones here
View menu + order: https://dwell.social/3EzTKMZ
Monday, 3:00 pmLemont, IL
Tuesday, 4:00 pmNew Lenox, IL
Saturday, 12:00 pmBeverly-MtGreenwood, IL
Sunday, 10:00 amTinley Park, IL
Friday, 9:00 amTinley Park, IL
2025 at 2:19 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}An 18-year-old Orland Park man was killed Saturday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash involving two motorcycles and a car
IL — An 18-year-old Orland Park man was killed Saturday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash involving two motorcycles and a car
was southbound on 94th Avenue in the 15400 block around 3:45 p.m.
when his motorcycle struck a car that had pulled out from a driveway to cross southbound lanes and turn northbound
according to Orland Park Police Commander Scott Lefko
A second motorcyclist lost control of his vehicle to avoid contact
according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office
The second motorcyclist was injured and taken to Northwestern Memorial Palos Hospital
Traffic citations were issued; no criminal charges are anticipated
Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash
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2025 at 11:03 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Mari Lou's Fine Jewelry in Orland Park will soon close after more than 40 years in business
(Courtesy of Mari Lou's Fine Jewelry)ORLAND PARK
IL — A beloved Orland Park jewelry store has lost its lease and will close after more than four decades in business
A closing sale is on now at Mari Lou's Fine Jewelry
with prices storewide discounted 70 percent on items including gold
Founder Mari Lou McCann started the business in 1979
with daughter Diana Butcher and son Donald joining her in the early 1990s in Lakeview Plaza
Butcher became the second-generation owner of the business in 2015
when they designed and built a new store at Orland Park Crossing
Butcher said Mari Lou's became known for "exceeding customers expectations in service
"It has been an incredible honor to serve our clients from special events to meaningful milestones
we will always be deeply grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way and for the trust our clients have placed in us over the years,” Butcher said
The business has also been closely involved in the community since its inception
supporting organizations like the Crisis Center for South Suburbia
Butcher said she remains optimistic about the new chapter and would like to assure clients that their team is "exploring new opportunities to continue to serve them in innovative and meaningful ways."
The store's final day of business will be in early-May
2025 at 10:00 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A brush fire burned five acres in Orland Park Thursday afternoon
(Courtesy Orland Fire Protection District)ORLAND PARK
IL — A brush fire burned for two hours and torched five acres before being brought under control Thursday afternoon
the Orland Fire Protection District responded to the reported grass fire on the 11900 block of Bates Court
First arriving crews found a large field and wetland fire in the grassland area behind Bates Court
The response was upgraded to a full still brush fire response
and Lockport Fire worked for more than two hours to bring the fire under control
Efforts were complicated by difficult marshy conditions and limited access to the burn area
The fire was successfully extinguished with no property loss to surrounding homes
No injuries were reported by civilians or fire personnel
2025 at 4:42 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Jim Dodge and his Orland Park For All slate celebrate at Blissful Banana Café Tuesday night
(Courtesy Orland Park For All)ORLAND PARK
The Election Night exchange between incumbent Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau and newly elected mayor Jim Dodge was brief and civil—quite the antithesis of a campaign season fraught with robocalls
Tuesday's numbers show former village clerk and trustee Dodge had thumped Pekau
with Dodge securing 8,916 votes to Pekau's 6,701 in Cook County precincts
Gathered with supporters at Blissful Banana Café
Dodge watched his Orland Park For All slate sweep Pekau's People Over Politics
with the former locking in trustee candidates Dina M
Dodge declared victory for himself and the slate as a whole
Nearly simultaneously as the Orland Park For All press release went out
Reflecting on the race and looking forward to next steps
Dodge on Wednesday said he'd known what he was getting himself into running against Pekau—but maybe
"A lot of the things that were said were literally distortions and outright lies," Dodge said Wednesday
You assume it will be distorted and unfair
but you don’t know the exact nature of what will be said."
At his own gathering at Papa Joe's in Orland Park Tuesday night, Pekau was a man of more words. He told supporters, he "got shellacked," The Regional News reports
He also took what could be interpreted as a parting shot
saying he doesn't "recognize the voter in Orland Park anymore," and
"People don’t get the government they want
"Once we all get sworn in and we get everybody on the team updated and briefed
we’re going to be very aggressive about making sure we understand exactly what the true financial condition of the village is," he said
He's referencing the delinquent audits that made headlines in fall 2024. That, along with contentious exchanges with residents, sparked something in voters
obviously the incumbent's performance in office was a factor," Casper said
and behavior toward residents led to a desire for change."
Dodge said he wants residents and Village employees alike to know that's something they can expect to change
"We'll be making sure that we signal a clear message to the people working at the Village
"We have a very different approach to leadership and management
We’re going to address some of the toxicity of the work environment."
In his candidate questionnaire, he noted that residents want to see a shift in tone
"This is what we hear from Orland Park residents: Focus on us," he wrote
"We want to feel safe at home in Orland Park
He'll strive to get back to a less politically-charged way of doing things
"I want to bring back the spirit of service to and focus on the residents and restore non-partisan leadership to the Village Board," he wrote in his questionnaire
he said he'll remind Village employees of that same goal
"Make sure employees recognize they’re there to deliver high level services to the community," he said
He'll focus on the platform that helped secure him the win
"Immediately start working on staffing levels
work conditions for the police department," he said
"We're going to establish ways for the people of Orland Park to let us know
and have a say on their spending priorities," he said
He mentioned Centennial Park West—a $12 million event and concert venue he's not sure many residents even wanted
"We’re just not going to do stuff like that anymore—the resources that Orland has
meaning tax dollars—that they’re not aligned with what residents want," he said
Dodge is taking the time to celebrate his team as they prepare to take the reins in May
the way this coalition came together," he said
we kicked this campaign off in October 2024
that became the messaging—and we worked our butts off to get it done."
Dodge said that with all votes including mail-in tallied
"This sure as hell feels better than losing."
2025 at 6:52 pm CTA car struck a garage in Orland Park Friday afternoon
(Photo by AJ Roccaforte)A car struck a garage in Orland Park Friday afternoon
(Courtesy of Orland Fire Protection District)A car struck a garage in Orland Park Friday afternoon
IL — One person suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital after a car crashed into a garage in Orland Park Friday afternoon
ABC7 news choppers captured the scene Friday afternoon
A black car appeared to have struck the attached garage of a home at 151st and 80th Avenue around 2:40 p.m
A second person at the scene refused transport
Orland firefighters were called to secure the structure for safe removal of the vehicle
The circumstances leading up to the incident were not immediately clear; Patch has contacted the Orland Fire Protection District spokesperson for additional information
2025 at 12:00 pm CTVillage officials and Edwards Realty will break ground Thursday on Downtown Orland Park
(Courtesy of Edwards Realty)Village officials and Edwards Realty will break ground Thursday on Downtown Orland Park
IL — Officials this week will mark the start of work on multidimensional development Downtown Orland Park
will officially break ground on the project
touted as "a world-class development featuring stand-alone restaurants
alongside a vibrant entertainment district filled with bars
Downtown Orland Park will encompass more than 140,000 square feet
including 37,000 square feet of mixed office space
and 26,000 square feet of entertainment space
The development will be situated adjacent to the Ninety7Fifty on the Park apartments
the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Advanced Care
Downtown Orland Park is often referred to as the Main Street Triangle because of the larger 27-acre property’s shape
The redevelopment also includes the expansion of Crescent Park
and serve as a central activity hub for Village of Orland Park residents and visitors
Designed by renowned Chicago-based architect Dunne Kozlowski
Downtown Orland Park will offer diverse outdoor activities such as farmers' markets
along with a scenic pedestrian walkway overlooking the pond on the north side of the property
"Downtown Orland Park is a once-in-a-lifetime development opportunity which will bring our community together in a space that is welcoming and full of life," said Ramzi Hassan
and we know how important this development will be to our community providing residents and visitors with a place to gather
and enjoy world-class entertainment in the Village of Orland Park."
with the projected full completion in Fall 2027
2025 at 2:11 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The body of a 49-year-old Orland Park man was discovered Thursday morning
(Shutterstock)COOK COUNTY — A man's body was found in Bremen Grove Forest Preserve early Thursday morning
A volunteer with the Forest Preserves of Cook County discovered the man's body around 8 a.m
director of communications for the Forest Preserves of Cook County
and Orland Park police were called to the preserve at Oak Park Avenue just south of 159th Street
The body was identified as that of a 49-year-old Orland Park man
His name is being withheld as of Thursday afternoon
Cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy
Vogel said it is an open investigation at this time
Initial indications are that no foul play is involved
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2025 at 10:00 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Orland and Tinley Park fire officials and local leaders continue to fight rumors of consolidation of the two departments
IL — Fire officials and local leaders continue to debunk reports of impending consolidation of Tinley Park and Orland Park fire agencies
as the rumor polarizes residents and further politicizes pursuit of one fire district's trustee seats
Fueled by what officials have called misinformation on social media and in some candidates' campaign literature
the rumors have prompted statements from several local officials
the latest by Tinley Park Fire Chief Steve Klotz
"You may have heard a rumor that the Tinley Park Fire Department (TPFD) plans to merge with the Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD). I wanted to assure you that there is no basis to these claims," Klotz shared on March 12
"At no time was there any thought of the two departments becoming one
nor would any such merger be beneficial to either department
the OFPD already has a very capable team of dedicated firefighters who work diligently to protect their community
except during those times when we assist one another on automatic and mutual aid responses."
Similar statements have come from Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau
and Orland Park mayoral candidate Jim Dodge
Orland Professional Firefighters Local 2754 said in a release to Patch (the latter group will be referred to as Orland Firefighters from this point)
Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz in a statement to Patch said a merger would never be supported
I have never met or talked to them about merging," Glotz said
"It has never even been discussed with the board
I would never recommend merging to our board."
The spread has been attributed as "politically motivated to disparage the Orland Firefighters and the candidates they have endorsed."
six-year seats on the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees are up for grabs
Running for the six-year seats are incumbent Beth Damas Kaspar
incumbent Commissioner Donald "DJ" Jeffers
and Bridget Tolan on the Fiscal Voices for Fire Safety Slate
Protecting & Supporting Orland Fire slate
A third slate also has two candidates—Mark Mitchell and Paris Stirrat—running for the six-year seats
and candidate Steven Troglio running for the two-year one
May and Tolan are all vying for the two-year seat
Protecting and Supporting Orland Fire slate is publicly endorsed by Orland Firefighters
Citing social media pushes and community-contributed pieces on Patch touting plans of a purported merger
the matter was brought before the Orland Fire Protection District's Board of Trustees at a meeting in late-February
Chief Michael Schofield "publicly took credit for all discussions of possible merger activities," Orland Professional Firefighters IAFF-AFFI Local 2754 said
"He further explained that when he brought the idea to the Orland Firefighters
He explained that Orland Firefighters has had no interactions with anyone regarding the issue."
the board at that meeting unanimously passed a motion for District Spokesperson Ray Hanania to compose a press release negating the rumors
talk of consolidation seems to be in tighter focus as a proverbial chess piece on the political board
Fiscal Voices for Safety claim to be the sole slate against the proposed merger
issuing campaign rhetoric and robocalls saying such—but Together
& Supporting Orland Fire rebuke that statement
"We would like to express our firm opposition to any proposed merger or consolidation with other departments," the slate said
It is deeply disheartening to find that we are being linked to a merger
It is equally absurd that anyone would suggest we
These claims do not reflect the priorities or interests of our team."
Fiscal Voices for Safety allege that plans for a merger originated within the local firefighters union; leadership there says they were drafted by Schofield and shared with them for consideration
In an email from Patch seeking his comment
Schofield cited his comments at the meeting that "put to rest the consolidation talk rumors."
Schofield said Tinley Park had previously approached the Orland Fire Protection District "a few years ago" in an "off the record" conversation to broach the possibility of Orland expanding to encompass Tinley's service area
For context: Orland Fire Protection District covers Orland Park and Orland Hills
and fielded 12,423 calls for service in 2024
and wanted to get their opinion on that type of off the record comment," Schofield said at the meeting
Schofield declined further comment to Patch
"it is the Orland Fire Protection District’s policy to not comment on politics
"The District’s efforts are focused on being the best Fire District in the state and it has worked hard to achieve the status of Internationally Accredited
The District is also one of only a handful in the country that holds an ISO Class 1and Accreditation
Our focus is on the fire district and its residents not on politics
Schofield had shared a draft proposal with union leadership as recently as December 2024
Union representatives reportedly again denounced the idea to him
and publicly any connection to its origins then and now
as well as residents William Bonnar and Christopher Evoy
Minutes from March 2024 meeting of that committee indicate the group discussed it "could be a good time to discuss expanding and consolidating," noting previous mention of Tinley Park and Mokena
Rumors of the merger have circulated in campaign literature
again attributing it as the brainchild of union leaders
Mayor Michael Glotz labels the chatter and his connection to it as a political attack against him
"There has been no thought given to the idea of the two fire departments merging
nor would it be beneficial to either department," Glotz told Patch
"This is just another political attack by my opponents trying to create division by making something up in hopes that it will stick."
Orland Park mayoral candidate Jim Dodge told Patch that a merger would be unwise
"This is nothing something that two bureaucracies should do," Dodge said
"This needs to be really understood and then put to the voters
It’s a purely political question: what are the numbers
"I’m not convinced that a merger benefits the people of Orland Park
if and when it becomes a real question of public policy
absolutely needs to go to a voter referendum
At a March 17 Orland Park Board of Trustee meetings
Mayor Keith Pekau again said the rumor is not true
He noted he'd been approached during early voting
by a resident asking why there was not a referendum question regarding the issue
"That's because the rumor’s not true," Pekau said
It is a rumor being spread to benefit candidates and those that support them
and myself have all said these rumors are false
If people will lie to you to create fear in order to get you to vote
what do you think they’ll do when they get in office
Orland Firefighters have called for the rumors to stop
especially those attributing supposed plans for a merger to union leadership
"The Orland Firefighters have never participated in these meetings or discussions regarding the need for a merger," their statement reads
"These shameful attempts to create distrust in the firefighter/paramedics within the Orland community need to stop."
2025 at 2:09 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}John Lawler is running for Orland Park Village Trustee in the April 1
(Courtesy of Wehmeier Portraits)ORLAND PARK
IL — Orland Park residents in the thick of a contentious local election season are likely about ready to see it end
With the consolidated election set for April 1
and residents can make their picks for the village's next leaders
Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau's People Over Politics slate will face off against mayoral challenger Jim Dodge's Orland Park for All
Pekau is flanked by trustee candidates Sean Kampas
Dodge leads his slate of trustee candidates Dina M
Patch sent questionnaires to candidates, and their answers are now published in their candidate profiles. Early voting began March 17. Find out where and when you can vote ahead of April 1
Orland Park For All
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government
This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for
Current occupation is Real Estate Development and Real Estate Appraisal (I am self-employed for 10 years)
I also traded agricultural commodities at the CME for over 22 years(Self Employed)
Previous or current elected or appointed office
The most pressing issues facing Orland Park are _______
and this is what I intend to do about them
I think there are a handful of issues affecting Orland Park
3 issues I would like to focus on are: improving services in our community
and improving communication throughout our community
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post
The biggest difference between me and my challengers is who they are supporting for Mayor
I know my opponents love their families and this community as well
unfortunately they are still backing the wrong mayor
Our current mayor has been here for 8 years
and he has failed to make good on many of his promises
in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
I believe the current mayor and board have failed to deliver
the mayor is running again for his 3rd term even though he campaigned on 2 terms
we do not have a walkable downtown; the sears store at the mall is still empty; the Rivera County Club is still empty and slowly becoming a blighted eye sore; I should also mention that The Village of New Lenox is building a state of the art athletic complex and Tinley Park has started to develop one as well
meanwhile some of our fields are still in terrible shape
the current mayor and board have destroyed many intergovernmental relationships that are important for generating the funds we need and deserve
The mayor and the board have raised our taxes while overspending our tax dollars on Concert venues
Finally for 8 years our mayor and board have failed to listen to us (the Orland Park Residents) and to this point
I feel our community is more divisive than ever
Other issues that I find concerning is the failure to file audits on time
transparency and the amount of taxpayer money that the current administration is spending trying to block FOIA request
and finally why do village employees feel so dissatisfied with the culture in our many different departments
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job
and volunteered my time to help organizations in my community thrive
Voters should trust me for 3 things: People who know me would say I am Honest; I have integrity
what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success
My biggest accomplishment after serving would be a walkable downtown full of happy Orland Park residents enjoying their community together
government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking
My view on Fiscal Policy is focused on spending our tax dollars wisely on services and amenities that will have the greatest impact on our community as whole
If our taxes are too high our home values will suffer
if our taxes are too low our services will suffer
It is important to manage the checkbook and make sure we find the right balance
What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community
and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town
I feel our village has not been transparent about crime in our community
As a trustee I will work with the board to improve working conditions for our officers
so our well-trained men and women won’t leave Orland Park for neighboring police departments
I think we need to evaluate the number of officers we have and determine if we have enough staff to deal with the number of calls they receive
so people know what is really happening in our community
I want to hire more housing and compliance officers to make sure that rental properties are being regularly inspected
and our rental housing ordinances are being followed
What is your view of the Village's approach to commercial and residential development
I think we have to look at our zoning and building codes to make sure what is built in Orland Park meets the needs and expectations our residents want in our community
what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents
What will need to be done to make this happen
Improve the speed of the permitting process
Make investments in the training of personal and project management tools
or months to fix a damaged roof or install a new deck or patio
Having the right staff with proper tools will speed up the process
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office
As of right now I cannot think of anything other than health or family that would prevent me from serving the residents of Orland Park
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions
and enjoying a nice conversation over a cocktail with friends and neighbors
2025 at 5:49 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Jennifer May is running for Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees in the April 1
IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1
and some new faces could be joining the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees
Protecting & Supporting Orland Fire are Danielle Dorsey
Both Tolan and May are seeking the unexpired seat
and answers are now published in candidate profiles
Together, Protecting & Supporting on Facebook
Registered Nurse for 25 years currently working at a local University of Chicago Same Day Surgery Center
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:
The most pressing issues facing our board are _______
and this is what I intend to do about them.*
It seems there has been recent confusion among residents regarding rumors of a merger with neighboring Fire Departments and we can confirm that no such merger is being considered
confirmed these rumors are unfounded at our last Board meeting
It is our intention that Orland Fire Protection District continue to provide the exemplary services our community has come to rely on
Christian Barcelona and I are proud to be the only candidates fully endorsed by the Orland Firefighters and Dispatchers and we will establish and open discourse by listening to their concerns and ensuring their needs are met
I would never venture to comment the current board has failed
but it is my opinion that our department is one of the BEST in the nation and would hope to continue to maintain that status
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
It is my belief that my 20 + year background as an Emergency / Trauma Nurse provides a unique lens in Emergency Management Services and it is my intention to bring that knowledge to the table
I'm familiar with the trying circumstances they can be faced with upon entering a home of a person in critical condition
not to mention the harrowing situations they are faced with and can potentially be life threatening
It is my top priority to support our Heroes by listening to their concerns and needs in order to continue to ensure they have the tools they need to provide the absolute best service to which we are accustomed
As a proud graduate of the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana enjoying a successful 25 year career as a Nurse
a local Mechanical Engineer and Maggie May
I am deeply committed to and have the time to focus on our wonderful community and the safety of our residents
I have no political affiliation and would simply like to give back to the community
To continue investment in resources and technology so our Orland Park Fire Protection District can continue to receive the most advanced training to accommodate our community's growing needs
Fiscal accountability by being a good steward of taxpayer dollars through transparency will remain a top priority while maintaining the highest level of service
I have volunteered for local charities providing support to families struggling with debilitating health conditions as well as financial difficulties and now volunteer at my current position at University of Chicago Same Day surgery as Wellness Champion providing fellow employees with health and wellbeing guidance
2025 at 9:56 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}An Orland Park police sergeant was unjustly fired last year and should be reinstated
IL — A former Orland Park police sergeant terminated following an investigation into his claims of discrimination by department leaders was fired without just cause
Arbitration between the Village of Orland Park and attorneys for former Sgt
with a decision now nearly a year after Sanchez was fired
The Village and Orland Park Police Supervisors Association laid out their arguments to Arbitrator James Dworkin over the course of several weeks
The end to arbitration is the latest chapter in a strained relationship between Sanchez
with Sanchez and one police administrator filing complaints against one another
and two days later filed a grievance with the Orland Park Police Supervisors Association
Sanchez claimed he had been fired without just cause
and as disciplinary action to his filing a discrimination complaint against then-Deputy Chief Brian West
and Rossi and West were both cleared of any wrongdoing
Sanchez's complaint had been made "in bad faith," the Village said
claiming that Sanchez had created a hostile work environment
The Village has consistently insisted—after the investigation was completed
and throughout arbitration—that Sanchez was not harassed or discriminated against in any way by the Village or Orland Park Police Department leadership
Officials also decried the union's claims that the Village had failed to follow disciplinary procedure laid out in union and Village policies
arguing also that they had taken proper steps based on the investigation's outcome
Sanchez's attorneys Ray Garza and Steve McQueary said the Village had relied mostly on hearsay—the witness statements taken into account during the investigation—to move forward with his firing
The Village said the investigation and its contents were a "business record." The Village also said Sanchez was given "a complete post deprivation hearing procedure" before the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners; Sanchez elected to proceed via arbitration
"The Village does not have just cause to terminate the grievant," the union argued
"To the extent there is any cause for discipline
the magnitude of discipline imposed is excessive"
Both sides hashed out their own points in a four-day arbitration hearing over several weeks in August and September 2024
Sanchez's attorneys laid out his 20 years in the department
noting no record of disciplinary action taken against him throughout his career
Sanchez had claimed he was passed over for a promotion to lieutenant
which he says was motivated by his nation of origin
The Village's points of contention against Sanchez date back to 2019
detailing the complaint filed against West and Rossi
as well as talks of a vote of no confidence against West in May 2023
A vote of no confidence never actually happened
"The problem with the relationship between Sergeant Sanchez and Deputy Chief West continued to percolate."
Rossi and West both also say Sanchez was never promised a promotion
and that none had been available when Sanchez inquired
Sanchez filed a complaint against both Rossi and West
alleging he had "been the victim of both national origin and union activities discrimination." Sanchez also said that he never sought the removal of Deputy Chief West
In its private investigation conducted by Jimmy Lee of Gold Shield Detective Agency
the Village asserted two claims about Sanchez
including he had "engaged in a pattern of conduct to undermine" both West and Rossi
and his "conduct created a hostile work environment for Deputy Chief West.”
Dworkin pointed to several issues throughout the case
Calling the investigator to testify offers a chance to establish their credibility and reliability
as well as an opportunity to expound on their findings
Lee testifying would have given Sanchez's attorneys a chance to cross-examine him
"calls into question the fairness of the investigatory process that led to the termination of William Sanchez."
Dworkin also noted a discrepancy between the disciplinary measures taken against Sanchez
and the progressive disciplinary steps described in the Village of Orland Park Employee Handbook: oral warning
making him "a long-term employee with a good record
"Deputy Chief West testified that Sergeant Sanchez was a highly competent Traffic Officer," Dworking wrote
"Village Manager Koczwara testified that Sergeant Sanchez was not discharged for poor performance
What I typically find is that problem employees have a record replete with previous disciplinary actions
sometimes even including a Last Chance Agreement," Dworkin said
"This Arbitrator wonders why there is no previous disciplinary record for Sergeant Sanchez if the VOP feels that he has been involved in a so-called pattern of conduct to undermine the administration of the Police Department
and the creation of a hostile work environment for Deputy Chief West."
was not able to prove the claims that Sanchez attempted to undermine administration and create a hostile work environment for West
Sanchez's firing was done without just cause
other disciplinary action could have been taken
"If the VOP really felt that Sergeant Sanchez was creating a hostile work environment by filing complaints
he could have received some sort of progressive disciplinary action," Dworkin said
"Sergeant Sanchez is a very competent officer
I have a very hard time understanding why the VOP would not try to correct conduct they felt was inappropriate on a timely basis for such a well performing employee
There is simply not enough proof of the creation of a hostile work environment for Deputy Chief West by Sergeant Sanchez
If such a situation had been going on for so many years
certainly it should have been addressed much earlier."
that he did not agree with the union's claims of retaliations against a union president
a position Sanchez held at the time he filed his complaint
"Sergeant Sanchez was the Union President and did file a complaint," he said
"He had every right to do so and in fact was encouraged to put his complaint in writing by Chief Rossi
I do not believe that Sergeant Sanchez was discharged in retaliation because of the fact he was the Union President."
and the Village was ordered to reinstate him to his former position
pay for lost benefits and contributions and retirement plan(s)
In a statement released Jan. 28 and ahead of Orland Park Patch obtaining the document via Freedom of Information request
insisting on the validity of Sanchez's termination
"The Village of Orland Park acknowledges the Arbitrator’s decision in the matter of former police officer William Sanchez’s termination; however
the Village strongly disagrees with the outcome," the Village wrote
"The Village believes its decision to terminate Mr
Sanchez was made for ample cause after a thorough and impartial process
including an independent investigation conducted by an experienced external investigator and a comprehensive review of all evidence
the Village had clear and justifiable reasons for its decision
supported by substantial evidence showing that Mr
Sanchez engaged in conduct detrimental to the operations and leadership of the Police Department
The Arbitrator’s conclusions regarding the evidence
its significance and the application of the just cause standard do not align with the Village’s position
the severity of the conduct that led to Mr
Sanchez’s termination and its impact on our Police Department was not appropriately considered in the decision."
The Village will file a motion asking the arbitrator to reconsider his decision
In another development swirling around the department and Village—and linked to Sanchez's case—charges against a retired Orland Park Police sergeant stemming from harassment allegations by West were thrown out in Cook County court last month
<< READ ALSO: Fake Facebook Page Case: Judge Tosses Charges Against Retired Orland Sergeant
The allegations were lodged in April 2024 against retired Sgt
who police say created fake Facebook profiles purporting to be West
The accusations against Kovac arose amidst the investigation into Sanchez's complaint against West and Rossi
Kovac was accused of "creating two fake Facebook pages that impersonated Deputy Chief Brian West
engaging in activities that misrepresented West’s identity
and using an offset of the last name of Deputy Chief West," the Village previously said
the Village claimed Kovac "posted comments on Village of Orland Park social media sites while also soliciting friend requests from Orland Park Police employees and other citizens," all while portraying himself as West
Lawyers speaking on his behalf now say his arrest should have never happened
15 dismissed both charges—false personation and disorderly conduct—against Kovac
"The judge's decision to dismiss the charges was clearly correct," said Attorney Dave Sterba
"The complaints were fatally defective as a matter of law
and the acts alleged do not constitute criminal conduct
These charges should never have been filed."
including anonymous deliveries and false hotline calls linked to his work
the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office was unable to secure a prosecution
failing in its responsibility to protect Deputy Chief West as a victim of these malicious acts," Interim Village Manager Jim Culotta wrote in an email to Patch last month
"The Village of Orland Park is deeply disappointed by this outcome and stands unwavering in its support of former Deputy Chief West."
2025 at 3:08 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Brian Riordan is running for Orland Park Village Trustee in the April 1
(Courtesy of JC Penney Portraits)ORLAND PARK
People Over Politics
Our team has a phenomenal track record on both issues but we need to continue the good work that has been done over the last 8 years
We will continue to properly and fully vet all potential economic opportunities both commercial residential and be they fit into Orland Park's comprehensive plan
We provide the proper incentives to potential developments that will bring in high quality business and add to the more than 5000 jobs that have been created over the last several years
We will work with responsible residential developers who will work with us to bring in quality homes to continue to make Orland Park the best place to live work and play in the southwest suburbs
For public safety our team will continue to fully support our police department as we have done with new equipment
We have and will continue to fight against the radical policies of some of our county and state leaders when it comes to prioritizing criminals over residents and law enforcement
We will continue to recruit and hire the best officers
train them the Orland Park way and continue to keep our residents and visitors safe
Our department is the best in the area with the lowest index crime rates for several years running
Our team will continue to work closely with the department to provide them the resources and tools they need to keep us and our businesses safe
I have learned of their backgrounds and agendas
The most glaring difference to me is that everyone on our team is dedicated to serving the people of Orland Park
to get jobs or work for their family and friends
committed residents who want what's best for Orland Park
We want efficient government with low taxes
Former trustee Dodge and his team have a history of pushing for higher taxes
playing developer and helping their friends
Our campaign can be defined as continuing to move Orland Park forward
not going back to the days of part time politicians getting huge salaries
We want what is best for all of Orland Park and all of its residents
We have lowered to tax levy numerous times
We have put in term limits and lowered the salaries for politicians
We have provided economic incentive packages to attract numerous new business that have brought more than 5000 jobs
We have fixed roads and parks and finished jobs that were wasting away under the former trustee and former mayors watch i.e.; Centennial Park West
The John Humphrey Complex among many others
I stand up for what I believe and I tell the truth
I will do what is right for the people of Orland Park
This position is in no way benefiting me or my family personally
our opponents and their henchmen have filed frivolous claims
they contacted my employer and continue to tear down Orland Park
This is a great community with wonderful and diverse residents
I have been and will be a trustee for all of them
We may not always agree on every single thing but I will continue to listen
have empathy for others positions and make decisions on the facts and what is best for Orland Park
We will be successful if we continue to manage our finances appropriately while maintaining our high standards for new development
Keeping our taxes as low as possible and maintaining our low crime statistics by supporting our police
Orland Park needs to continue to manage and reduce its debt
We have and are in the process of completing some major capital projects
We will continue to work with all our departments to be as efficient as possibly and find ways to bring the same outstanding services Orland Park has come to expect
We have and will continue to find ways to reduce taxes and fees
We make it a priority to keep our residents
Thanks to the finest police department in all of Illinois
Orland Park is once again rated one of the safest towns in America
we have achieved the lowest level of crime in the last 31 years
we are top 5 for lowest property crime (#2) and lowest for violent crime (#5)
For cities with over 50,000 residents in Illinois
we have the lowest violent crime rate for the last 5 years
we proactively kept our residents and businesses safe
We’ve also ensured our law enforcement has the latest equipment and introduced body cameras before the state mandated them
We’re also adding a new training facility and firing range will open to better train our law enforcement professionals and to continue our success
I addition we need both to continue being a thriving community
We need more commercial development to keep up with the demand for the number of businesses who want to move here and we must continue welcoming that
We’ve added over 5,000 jobs under my leadership and welcomed over 600 new businesses that have strengthened our retail
Ones that take pride in being in Orland Park
We work hard to create an environment that makes good businesses want to come to Orland Park
We are finally going to complete the disaster left us by the previous administration and our opponents by getting the Triangle developed
Ground will break soon and it should be done by then end of 2026
We also have high quality residential developments going in btw Costco and Marcus Theater
We continue to work on the 159th st/LaGrange Rd and Andrew Corporation properties and have exciting opportunities at both locations
I've been a resident of Orland Park for 14 years and my wife and I have raised our 4 children here
We have been consumers of all the great things that Orland Park has to offer from the parks
and now for re-election has been to give back to my community that has given me and my family so much
2025 at 11:40 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Incumbent Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau (left) and challenger Jim Dodge faced off in the April 1 consolidated election
(Courtesy Village Of Orland Park/Orland Park For All)ORLAND PARK
Jim Dodge has won the mayoral seat in Orland Park
Dodge and his Orland Park For All slate issued a statement declaring victory just after 8 p.m
"This victory is not just about the vote,” said Dodge
“It’s about the people who have dedicated their time
and hopes into making Orland Park a vibrant and welcoming place for all
I am deeply grateful for your trust and overwhelming support.”
Pekau conceded defeat and said he sent a text to congratulate Dodge, telling supporters, "I will move on and I will be just fine," and "I fought the fight," according to the Chicago Tribune
to a return to dignity where we will bring back respect
we will breathe new life into our community
ensuring that every voice is heard and valued
Every resident deserves a government that listens and responds to their needs,” Dodge declared
Check in here for vote totals as they come in
Results are unofficial until certified by county clerks
Incumbent Pekau made a run to hang on to his seat for a third term
He was joined by trustee candidates Sean Kampas
Challenger Jim Dodge sought to unseat Pekau
He was flanked by trustee candidates Dina M
Patch offered a candidate survey to all candidates
and published their answers in candidate profiles
You'll find them linked below for the candidates who completed them
Voting April 1 marked the end to an election season rife with mudslinging
and a candidate "forum" that featured only one of two mayoral contenders
Pekau called financial pressure due to the stagnation of the State of Illinois and Cook County one of the most pressing issues for the village
"Both have poorly managed their funds and continue to pass legislation that puts a heavy burden of unfunded mandates on the village," Pekau wrote
Find more of Pekau's answers.
He also noted infrastructure improvements as a significant need
and says he will "continue improving the quality of life for our residents by delivering results
managing our finances properly and improving our roads and parks."
Dodge stresses on his aim of "bringing back non-partisan/bi-partisan leadership to Village Hall and toughen our ethics laws."
He also said he would seek to improve services to residents across all departments like police
Find more of Dodge's answers.
Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Not sure of your polling place? Look it up here: Cook County | Will County
2025 at 4:22 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Charles McShane is running for Orland Park Public Library Trustee in the April 1
and two spots on the Orland Park Public Library Board of Trustees are up for grabs
The board consists of seven residents of the Village of Orland Park who are elected biennially to six-year terms
and serve as the policymaking body of the library
Seeking to keep their seats are incumbents Bridget M
They're challenged by John Nugent and Linda S
Patch provided a questionnaire to candidates
Their answers are now published in candidate profiles
Lindbloom and McShane for Orland Park Public Library Trustees
Previous or current elected or appointed office:
Secretary/Trustee of the board for the Orland Park Public Library Board
The most pressing issues facing our (board
The most pressing issues facing our library are keeping it modern in an increasingly technology-driven world and ensuring that it remains a place that serves everyone in the community
An ongoing challenge is balancing traditional library offerings with new services that people expect in today’s world
This means continuing to expand programs like the Library of Things
and adapting our collection to meet the changing needs of our patrons
are in high demand but are significantly more expensive than print books
so we need to be smart about how we allocate resources to make sure we provide the services people want without overspending
Another major focus is making sure the library remains a place for everyone
We work hard to offer programs that appeal to a wide range of patrons
and to provide spaces where people can gather
The library should be a place where anyone can find something that benefits them
It’s important that we keep listening to the community and making adjustments so that the library continues to serve Orland Park in the best way possible
One of the biggest differences between me and the other candidates is my experience and deep connection to the library
I have served on the board for eight years
which has given me a strong understanding of how the library operates
and what steps need to be taken to keep it moving forward
from building renovations to program expansions
and I understand the financial and logistical considerations that come with maintaining and improving a public library
I will not need time to adjust or catch up
I can continue serving the community effectively from day one and keep the library on the path of growth and innovation
I am also a lifelong resident of Orland Park and have used the library for as long as I can remember
It has always been an essential part of my life
and I want to make sure it remains just as valuable for others
Some candidates may approach the library with the mindset of making sweeping budget cuts or eliminating programs without fully considering the impact on the community
I believe in a more thoughtful and balanced approach
The library should be financially responsible
but it also needs to continue providing resources and opportunities that benefit residents of all ages
I have always been committed to ensuring that our library can grow and adapt without sacrificing the services that make it such an important part of Orland Park
I want the library to continue being an incredible resource for my children and future generations
I understand firsthand how valuable it is to families
The library is not just a place to check out books
It is a community hub that provides educational programs
My goal is to ensure that it remains a place that welcomes everyone
and continues to serve the community in meaningful ways
I am committed to making sure the library is not only preserved but also improved so that it can meet the needs of both current and future patrons
A key issue that defines my campaign platform is ensuring that the Orland Park Public Library continues to be a leader in the area
Our library has set a high standard by offering innovative programs
and providing a space for residents of all ages
Many other communities have allowed their libraries to fall behind
but Orland Park has consistently invested in its future
I want to make sure we continue to lead the way by embracing new ideas
and keeping our library at the forefront of what a modern public library can and should be
Expanding services is another major focus of my campaign
A library should evolve with the needs of its patrons
Whether it is through expanding digital resources
I want to make sure our library continues to grow in ways that benefit as many people as possible
This also means ensuring that the library remains accessible to everyone
from young children attending storytime to adults seeking job resources or seniors looking for a welcoming space to connect with others
maintaining the excellence that our library already has is just as important as expanding it
Growth should never come at the expense of what already makes the library great
We have built a strong foundation of services
and a space that is valued by the community
My goal is to ensure that every new initiative enhances the library without compromising what residents already love about it
I will work to keep Orland Park Public Library a place that continues to thrive for years to come
I consider how we navigated the challenges of COVID while keeping the library open and continuing to provide services to the community to be a huge accomplishment
Many libraries in the area struggled to adapt
but we worked hard to ensure that Orland Park residents still had access to the resources they needed
and found creative ways to continue offering programs and materials at a time when people needed them the most
Keeping the library accessible during such a difficult period was not easy
but it proved how important our services are to the community and reinforced my commitment to keeping the library strong no matter the circumstances
Another major achievement was the successful completion of a massive renovation that improved accessibility
and enhanced the overall experience for patrons
Large-scale projects like this come with challenges
but we ensured that the work was completed on time and within budget
Careful planning and responsible financial management were key to making it a success
and it demonstrated our ability to invest in the library’s future without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers
my professional experience has prepared me for this role
My job requires me to manage complex projects
and ensure that initiatives are completed on time and on budget
I have been promoted multiple times because of my ability to navigate these challenges successfully
These same skills translate directly to my work on the Library Board
and strong leadership are essential to keeping the library moving forward
I am proud of what we have accomplished so far
and I am committed to continuing that success in the years ahead
Voters should trust me because I am not running for personal gain or to push any kind of political agenda
My commitment to the Library Board comes from a genuine desire to serve the community and ensure that our library remains a valuable resource for everyone in Orland Park
responsible decisions that benefit all residents
I take this responsibility seriously and always strive to listen to different perspectives
I work hard to find common ground and have productive discussions
The best solutions come from collaboration
and I am committed to making sure that the decisions we make reflect the needs of the entire community
I have seen firsthand how important the library is to people from all backgrounds
It serves as a space where everyone can learn
I chose to raise my family here because I believe in this town and want to help make it the best it can be
The library is a vital part of our community
and I want to ensure that it continues to serve all residents in meaningful ways
I will always make decisions with the best interests of the community in mind
and I am dedicated to keeping the library strong
success in this role is not just about big projects or new initiatives
we introduced new services through the library remodel
which have made the library more accessible to more members of our community
Expanding services and continuing to improve what the library offers will always be a priority
But the real measure of success comes from the experiences of the people who use the library every day
When parents tell me how much they love spending hours at the library with their kids
when someone shares how a staff member went above and beyond to help them
or when I hear that someone discovered a new hobby through the Library of Things
Knowing that the library is a place where people feel supported
Whether it is a child developing a love for reading
or a resident accessing new tools and programs
the impact the library has on the daily lives of our patrons is the greatest achievement
The library is a small portion of property taxes
but every dollar spent needs to be justified
I believe in responsible financial management that ensures taxpayer dollars are used wisely while allowing the library to grow and provide valuable services
Every project and expenditure should be carefully evaluated
and if it benefits the community and improves the library
I do not believe in making cuts simply to reduce spending
It is important to continuously review programs and budget allocations to ensure that resources are being used efficiently and effectively
An overlooked aspect of fiscal management is maintaining a strong and experienced staff
Through careful budgeting and financial planning
we have been able to retain employees for long periods of time
reduces the costs associated with turnover
and ensures that patrons receive consistent service from knowledgeable staff members
A well-managed budget does not just keep the library running
It also creates an environment where employees can thrive and continue providing excellent service to the community
we are establishing a meeting of the whole board dedicated to reviewing budget line items
This will allow for a more detailed examination of how funds are allocated and ensure that every expense is appropriate and supports the library’s mission
Taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to financial planning will allow the library to continue expanding services
and remaining a valuable resource for all residents of Orland Park while maintaining fiscal responsibility
The Orland Park Public Library has always been an important part of my life
and I am passionate about making sure it remains a resource that benefits everyone in our community
I am not running for re-election to push an agenda
I am running because I care about the library
Every project and investment should have a clear purpose
and every dollar spent should bring value to the community
That mindset has helped us make meaningful improvements while ensuring that our financial management remains strong
We have worked hard to maintain and expand library services while keeping spending in check
and I am committed to continuing that approach
I am also running alongside Bridget Lindbloom
who has served with integrity and dedicates an incredible amount of her time to volunteering around the village
She is passionate about making sure the library remains a strong and vital part of the community
and I am proud to be running with someone who shares that same commitment
and I care deeply about making it the best it can be
I enjoy messing with technology as a hobby
2025 at 11:17 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Linda Michaels is running for Orland Park Public Library trustee in the April 1
People Over Politics
Review budgets to find where monies could be better spent and reduce wasteful spending
As incumbents it is easy to get complacent
Have position as account 4 years currently and 27 years previously
Held the position as Librarian for 4 years at my DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) Chapter and am now Vice-Regent
Businesses and organizations have entrusted me and promoted me
I volunteer at Parkview Christian Church every week
To reduce spending thus curtailing increase in taxes
2025 at 6:08 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}John Nugent is running for Orland Park Library Trustee in the April 1
(Courtesy of JC Penney Portrait Studio)ORLAND PARK
The current trustees are just now "thinking they need to take a more involved role in the library's budgeting"
Yet for the last 6 years they have voted to raise the tax levy of Orland Park property owners every year
property owners saw a 20% increase in the library taxes on their property tax bill
The difference is they have been tax and spend board members
They were charged with more than library oversight
They had a responsibility to keep spending in line
One can not argue though that it is a great library
All the candidates love this town and the library and want it to continue to be a beacon of the Southwest suburbs
Only Linda Michaels & I are committed to doing so fiscally responsibly
Everyone thinks the Orland Park Public library is top notch
The taxpayers agreed to fund a brand-new state of the art library and that was done so about 20 years ago
A multiyear multimillion dollar update & renovation was completed before it's 20th anniversary with much taxpayer funding
aesthetically beautiful and well maintained
It is also well resourced; it is well funded
and it is supported by taxpayers and patrons
the incumbents and their president decided another large tax increase should follow all that spending
They failed the community to slap a tax increase on after all the community support
Only now are the incumbents thinking they should question expensive professional relationships
The library has a vast array of quality programs
Yet the incumbents and their president state that there are not enough activities in town for seniors
either the library needs to market what they offer even more or have additional programming
I support figuring out which is it and enacting that
Linda Michaels and I are both political newcomers and agree on these positions
The local schools are often touted as excellent
their achievements are not good enough and the library needs to realize it needs to be doing its part to help keep our kids excelling
I have served over 12 years on the board of directors of the nearby McCord Art & Cultural Center and was involved in their expansion on a village owned property
I understand the balance between serving patrons and fiscal responsibility
Another resident of Orland Park who loves this community and appreciates our phenomenal library
but I also understand that most of us just had a 25% increase in our total property tax bill
We need to say to all the taxing bodies that enough is enough
While the tax increase can be mostly attributed to our school boards
other taxing bodies need to be prudent as well
Being part of the most recent Library Board to not pass an increase in taxes while maintaining the library's great programs
led by a long-term President now seeking higher office
have ignored their responsibility to keep finances and spending in check
Now they are acting like any other government agency that spends all they have while adding another increase each year to spend more and more and ignoring the continued creep in spending effects taxpayers
I graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Economics
My kids are now college graduates and products of the #135 & #230 schools
I have been in the same Book Club for 29 years
2025 at 2:50 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Mary Ryan Norwell is running for Orland Park Village Clerk in the April 1
(Courtesy of Wehmeier Portraits)ORLAND PARK
Orland Park for All
I am a retired Cook County State's Attorney
my brother Mike is a retired local 150 heavy machine operator for the City of Chicago and my brother Patrick is a retired United States Air Force Fireman
The most pressing issues facing Orland Park are management of finances
improvement of services for the residents and respect for all residents regardless of sex
I intend to work with and listen to professionals in the finance and economic development fields
I promise to treat all residents with respect
even if we disagree on the substantive issues
There is only one candidate that I am running against - Brian Gaspardo
The difference is that I am an attorney who has worked in public service for my career
I am semi-retired and plan on being a hands-on clerk
Gaspardo is an accountant who has his own full-time job
This is unfortunate because the Clerk's job is so much more than meetings
The residents need someone who can help them on a day-to-day basis
One of the Clerk's duties is to ensure that the Village complies with local
I decided to run for the legal compliance arm of the Village
when I learned that the current administration was ignoring the law when they failed to file state-mandated audits
I will take responsibility for ensuring that the laws are complied with
I will not let years pass without compliance and then blame others for my own inaction
The Village Clerk’s office needs a strong leader who will not disregard the law
Even though the current Clerk is an accountant and auditor
he has not taken any leadership role in getting the Village in compliance with Illinois law requiring the filing of yearly audits by municipalities
who was appointed by the Mayor after making a sizeable donation to his campaign
has a history of financial negligence when he failed to account for a $700,000 theft when he was auditor for the Village of Burnham
accused of making “material representations” in claiming to have found no irregularities in village accounts during annual audits
Gaspardo subsequently settled with Burnham and paid them $200,000 for his negligence
instead of working with the State to bring the village into compliance on the audits
Gaspardo and his slate have made this a political issue and blamed the State for picking on them
A public servant is a person who will do what needs to be done for the betterment of the Village
One issue that is important to me is the respect that we as a Village must give to our residents
It is painful to watch the Mayor use his gavel to shut grandmothers asking about parks or yell at residents to go back to their own country
We are a bi-partisan ticket with the words "for all" in our name
I want residents to be comfortable talking to us about issues they have with the village
I promise to treat all residents with the respect they deserve
the Ethics Ordinance needs to be tightened
especially when it comes to being the watchdog for our citizens’ money
We cannot allow anyone to profit from vendors who do business with the Village – it is unethical
is weak and allows the Administration to ignore potential conflicts in the Village
The current Administration is not following its own Ethics ordinance
The Ordinance provides for an Ethics Officer and independent commission to investigate Whistleblower and Ethics violations
the Commission has not had a public meeting in the four years that it has been in existence
When the commissioner came up for reappointment in May 2024
Any employee with whistleblower information has no independent commission to report it
we will not only activate the Ethics Commission
appoint a Commissioner and members of the Commission but also ensure that employees
and citizens are not afraid to file ethics complaints
I will support the following changes to the Ethics Ordinance: 1
When there are potential conflicts of interests - where an elected official or employee has a financial relationship with a vendor of the village- the law provides that before the vote
the relationship must be disclosed and the elected official must refrain from any discussion on the issue and abstain from voting
That has not always happened in the Village pursuant to the current ordinance
Requiring Vendors to disclose whether they have any relationship with any Village officials
they will not get the Village’s business.3
Put limits on the amount of money Vendor’s can contribute to campaigns
when and where signs may be posted and how large signs may be on residential and commercial property
I have been an attorney for 41 years as well as an Adjunct Professor at Chicago Kent Law School and an Adjunct Professor in Legal Studies at Purdue
I currently run my own small business – Ryan Norwell Law
representing municipalities and school boards
Michael’s parish and am the Assistant Treasurer on the Chicago Gaelic Park Board
I am here to serve the residents of Orland Park
I have chosen to run on with a bi-partisan slate of professionals and am not beholden to any politician or political party
My loyalty is to the everyday person or business who is looking for information
or simply has needs help with figuring out the bureaucracy of a municipality
I have a proven record of working for people during my life and career
I stood up to bullies to ensure that the voice of the people was heard
The Illinois Freedom of Information law ("FOIA") is one of the most powerful tools to allow our residents to find how the Village represents them when it spends money and makes decisions
The law provides that public records pertaining to the transaction of public business of the Village are available for the public to view
The Clerk of the Village is traditionally the FOIA officer
He/She then appoints deputies and others to help with gathering the records
To ensure that FOIA is complied with to the highest degree of transparency
each person responsible for FOIA collection or response must take a FOIA certification class every year from the Attorney General
The Attorney General's office has revealed that neither the Mayor
the Village Manager nor Assistant Village Manager have current certification from the class
I would ensure that all Village employees responsible for FOIA would be in compliance and the Village’s responses be more transparent
This Administration has taken the FOIA responsibility from the Clerk's Office and placed it under the Village Manager's Office
the FOIA responsibility will go back where it belongs – the Clerk’s office
the Village Manager fights the release of information under the FOIA - especially when it comes to financial documentation
If the Village is not transparent in its responses
it will result in litigation with the Attorney General’s Office or through the Courts
The Attorneys who represent the village engage in the FOIA releases
It is my understanding that they review every FOIA request and response
The litigation costs have been reported as costing the Village at least $275,000
Where our Village has thousands of FOIA requests per year
that adds up to thousands in Attorney’s fees for FOIA review
I would review the Village's responses to the requests for documents
not the outside attorneys - thus saving the Village money by doing so
As an attorney I would also review why our attorney costs are so high - close to one million dollars a year
The Village has taken the unusual position to have a law firm attorney inside the village two full days a week - not just when needed
There are also two attorneys at staff meetings
Each attorney bills the Village by the hour
It is easy to see why the fees are so high
The Village needs to be more transparent in its use and payments to attorneys
I will use the word "transparency.” " Currently
there are too many no bid contracts with little explanation
who will oversee the Requests for Proposals
("RFP") I will encourage the use of this method of awarding contracts to open competition and encourage a variety of alternative proposals that might be considered by the project's planners
We must live up to our residents’ trust to use their tax dollars wisely when they voted for us
The Orland Park Police Department is comprised of dedicated
due to issues with the current administration
they have lost over thirty officers in the last 2 years
I would begin combating crime by hiring police officers and providing them with the resources they need to stay in Orland Park and become part of our community
With the turnaround of current village staff
including the development and planning positions
the Village's current approach is lacking - especially when it comes to senior services and housing
the seniors do not have a voice in the Village
We plan to institute a Senior Advisory Committee which will work with a Village official to bring issues that seniors face in Orland Park
I hope to be the official working with the seniors
I would like to see more small business owners in our community
I would help guide them through the paperwork to help them get their business license
We would make this happen by reaching out to the community through social media
the Chamber of Commerce and working with the Village to let people know that we will work with them to fulfill their dreams of owning their own business
I have lived in Orland Park for over 30 years and belong to St
My husband Bill and I believe in service and were very involved in the school and parish – room parents
I was also a Children’s Liturgist for 10 years and am currently a Eucharistic Minister
I am most proud of my years on Youth Ministry where I volunteered with high school students – I helped with retreats
Habitat for Humanity trips to Appalachia and was a Quest parent to a group of teens throughout their high school years
I lead the inter-faith team where our teens and families socialized and volunteered with teens and families from the mosque
I was also in charge of our monthly volunteer luncheon at the Daybreak homeless shelter in Joliet
I was an Assistant Scout Master with Orland Boy Scout Troop 318 where my son Joe is and Eagle Scout
Orland Park is where my heart is and where I will stay
2025 at 3:31 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Jim Dodge is running for Mayor of Orland Park in the April 1
Orland Park for All
Linda Peckham Dodge - D135 School Board Member
We will change the way we govern Orland Park to create the future Orland Park residents tell us they want
This is what we hear from Orland Park residents: Focus on us
We want to feel safe at home in Orland Park
1) Focus on and deliver the needs of Orland Park residents by bringing back non-partisan/bi-partisan leadership to Village Hall and toughen our ethics laws
2) Manage the finances of Orland Park better
3) Improve services to residents across all departments like police
We will focus all of our attention and future spending on the priorities of the residents
who have been very clear about what they see happening and what they want
Orland Park’s challenges are directly related to the overall approach of Mr
It is clear from the decisions they’ve made
how they treat residents and their lack of collaboration with other governmental bodies on what needs to change
here are the clear challenges and how I will address them to better serve Orland Park residents
1) Overall tax burden has increased on residents and businesses
Property taxes have not been flat in the last few years
the sales tax has been increased to the highest level allowed in the state
and a new utility tax is costing all of us nearly $4M per year
We will start by reducing wasteful spending while we also work hard on finding ways to cut back on the increased tax burden
2) Challenges with police staffing and its impact on safety
As measured by the Gallup organization and available via public records
It traces back to working conditions for the police force and political interference from the Village Board on promotions
Making statements like “if you don’t like it you can leave” to the police department should never be made from a mayor to a vital department that impacts our family’s safety
We will end that attitude and work with both Police Administration and police officers to address these issues to strengthen a great police department
3) Lack of progress on economic development
Despite an ordinance requiring full-time focus on economic development in exchange for the $150,000 per year salary which he took for four years
Pekau has not made any progress on the Mainstreet Triangle (walkable downtown)
We will be laser focused on improving our economic development efforts by making it easier and faster to get approvals and permits for businesses
we will also work hard to find ways to reduce permitting fees and the tax burden
We will ramp up our efforts at “marketing” Orland Park
We will thoughtfully use targeted financial incentives to encourage commercial developments that benefit all of Orland Park
Many parents want more playable time for their kids on our fields
simple things like a free indoor playground
more recreational classes and opportunities in dance
They are not happy that building space for those offerings has been eliminated by the Village
It’s also clear from talking with residents and businesses that getting basic services like permits takes too long because of staff turnover and loss of expertise
We will focus on creating new recreation opportunities
finding the space for those programs and make it much easier
faster and cheaper for residents to get things done with the Village
the village will be at or near $200M in debt
far exceeding anything in our 132-year history
This is a combination of spending on things like the $13M concert venue that sits empty 350+ days per year
$10M on parks that still have playing time issues
Money that goes for these projects or frivolous
losing lawsuits takes money away from roads
and narrow the focus to critical infrastructure residents want and need
6) Strained relationships with other governmental bodies
the State of Illinois created a $45 Billion infrastructure program
After his disastrous visit to Springfield to “lobby” for Orland Park
Towns like Orland Hills received $12M+ to build new recreation facilities
some youth sport programs have to leave Orland Park to practice and play
the Village has an Intergovernmental Agreement with the school districts that it is not honoring which may force the school districts to sue the Village to get their promised funds from the TIF district
We will do two things to improve this: 1) we will honor our agreements because while there might be many taxing bodies on your property tax bill
2) We will also work positively with legislators from both sides of the aisle
to seek the funding we need for major infrastructure projects
I view being Mayor of Orland Park as an honor and an obligation to serve
not a political steppingstone or bully pulpit
I will bring together my experience and knowledge from a long professional career
with my deep knowledge of how local government works best
my approach is to find ways that “we” can solve problems and build a better Orland Park
I talk to people that I don’t always agree with
we will provide leadership in deciding “the right things to do” and hold accountable the full-time Village management
whose job will be “to do things the right way.”
Here is a summary of my more complete answers in the “challenges” question
All of these issues will be addressed by Orland Park for All
we are truly bipartisan and our vision of what we’d like to improve in Orland Park is based on what residents are telling us
financial and other facts that are publicly available about what is actually happening
We haven’t and will never do negative robo-calls or anonymous texts that attack other candidates or their families
and we don’t do “hit piece” mailings that are complete fabrications and deliberate distortions
please email us at info@orlandparkforall.com
My accomplishments include being the primary lead on creating the TIF district that redeveloped the “dead mall” into the space that now has Dicks Sporting Goods
we worked closely with the school districts to use increment sales tax to pay off the TIF early so the schools could recover their investment
This successful development helped kick off more growth on LaGrange Road south of 153rd Street
the movie theater and restaurants south of 159th
we secured funding for the major rebuilding and expansion of LaGrange Road
which included $34M of Orland Park money to make it a better road from 135th Street down to I-80
I was heavily involved in the Open lands Referendum that preserved open space like Boley Farm and Stellwagen
We won our first 100% transparency award when we made more Orland Park official documents available online
We also increased the size of the police department
built the new police station at 153rd and Ravinia
the Veterans Memorial in front of Village Hall
while keeping Orland Park’s property tax levy flat for many years
We brought the University of Chicago medical center to Orland Park which also got Northwestern Medical to expand into Orland Park
The development of University of Chicago Medical and 9750 in the Mainstreet Triangle kicked off the development of Mariano’s and Orland Crossing Mall
I am focused on service to the residents of Orland Park with a simple philosophy of government: the greatest good for the greatest number
while also having a full-time professional career and raising a family
I’m easy to reach and my home number has been listed the entire time I was on the Board
I never once used the Village Board floor to argue with residents
During my time serving the people of Orland Park the village grew with major developments
$900M worth of major infrastructure improvements were completed like LaGrange Road and other major roads
we fixed the “dead mall,” we did tens of millions of dollars of property tax rebates
we held property taxes flat for many years
we expanded the police department and reduced crime
and we never turned in financial audits late
I want to bring back the spirit of service to and focus on the residents and restore non-partisan leadership to the Village Board
The big picture accomplishment will be to return Orland Park to its leading position in the southwest suburbs while behaving with civility and decency
The specific actions and accomplishments will be:
The Village of Orland Park for decades has been financially well resourced
The fundamental question is about priorities and efficient management of those resources
how do we bring about the greatest good for the greatest number
how much government do you want and what are you willing to pay for it
The job of the Mayor and Board of Trustees is to answer those two questions and then deliver expected services for our residents by running the Village effectively and doing so cost efficiently with the lowest possible tax burden
That is how Orland Park for All will approach building the future of our town
I consistently voted for the long-term investments that built up our great police department
Orland Park currently is a safe community from a violent crime perspective
residents have also asked about retail related crime
and known neighborhood-level challenges like burglary and car theft from driveways or dealerships
we will strengthen and expand our police department to bring up staffing levels
We will commit the resources needed for leading edge technology and equipment and most importantly
working conditions and quality of life for our police officers
We will continue the cooperation with the schools on school safety that started while I was a Trustee
We will work proactively with legislators from both parties on public safety issues to make sure our needs and concerns are known about the impact on our community and police department
For residential development we need to focus on permitting and building codes
as well as enforcement of maintenance codes once built
Encouraging a range of prices and types of housing will make for a great hometown
Young families might not be worried about having stairs in their first home
but older couples might want a ranch townhome
We will work to make sure future development reflects the range of needs of all our residents
For commercial development we need to make sure our businesses get moving quickly with fast and efficient approval processes
so we don’t become uncompetitive with areas like Mokena or Frankfort
The top answers from residents are fairly consistent: more dining options that are local restaurants (not chains) and more “things to do in Orland Park” such as a walkable downtown with great new restaurants and an entertainment venue near those restaurants
A number of residents asked about the ability to do sports tournaments
All of this comes down to working with the development community to bring their attention to Orland Park and our possibilities
making it easier and faster to get things done in Orland Park and being very selective on using financial incentives
We will ask hard questions on how does this development benefit residents in the short
I’m a veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard
a graduate from DePaul University’s Honors Program
and I have an MBA from University of Chicago in Finance and Economics
as part of team I secured a US Patent for an advanced analytical method on time series data and completed an Executive Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma
I’ve been honored by the people of Orland Park to be elected to the Board of Trustees
2025 at 11:41 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Kenneth Duffy is running for Orland Township Trustee in the April 1
(Courtesy of JC Penney Portrait Studio)ORLAND TOWNSHIP
and Orland Township leadership will inevitably see a shakeup
Three separate slates will vie for Township spots including supervisor
Twelve candidates are jockeying for four trustee spots
Incumbent Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady and his Orland Township Together slate includes clerk candidate Reem Odeh
highway commissioner candidate John Lynch (a current trustee)
and trustee candidates Michael Maratea (incumbent)
current Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly tops the ticket as supervisor candidate
current highway commissioner Antonio Rubino for assessor
Several declared Republican candidates are trying for spots
Appearing as Republican candidate for clerk is Shannon Olson
Competing for highway commissioner is Republican candidate William Brennan
Orland GOP Facebook
My son is a federal agent with the US Border Patrol
My father was a village trustee in Park Forest for over 10 years
Milton Township Precinct Committeeman - Previous Elected Office
The most pressing issues facing our township are _______
Our tax dollars for the township are minimal in comparison to our overall real estate tax bill
That makes it crucial that each dollar is spent wisely
There is so much more we can do in the way of services and maintenance if we were to stop overspending
Currently the administration gets reimbursed for an exorbitant amount of money for business expenses
They are also in an expensive pension plan
Hiring at the township office is often based on who you know or who you are related to
The transparency of the government today is minimal
There is no live feed or video available of the monthly board meetings
The township expenses are always delayed in being published to the website as well as the meeting minutes
To determine where the money went takes some digging and studying
If I am elected I will end wasteful spending by getting competitive quotes for all contracts
Limit the amount of expenses board members can get reimbursed for and eliminate the pensions for elected officials
All board meetings will be live streamed for everyone to see
And a video copy will be permanently maintained online for later viewing
All township expenses will be published monthly online
And expenses will be compared to the budget
Meeting minutes will be published online within 30 days of the meeting for all to see.I will get all township roads paved and up to recognized standards
As well as all of the township infrastructure
I also intend to increase senior services and the food pantry
I am a current member of this organization and it brings a huge service to our community
That is a rare quality for a person holding public off today
I am Christian and use my faith to lead my actions
I am conservative in my approach to finances and life
just the opposite of everything I stated here
don't maintain the township offices and building
claim credit for items they have nothing to do with (i.e
violate the law and the ethics of elected officials
The current trustees appear to not be putting in either the time or the effort to get the job done
The board meetings for the entire month take only a few minutes
Trustees have either no report on things they have done or there report takes less than 5 minutes
You will rarely find them in the township offices
I plan to spend whatever it takes in my time and energy to complete all the needed tasks to serve our community
If you go to the township office you will most likely find me there
I love this question as our opponents have no platform at all
When I walk our community the most common theme I hear is "we are all neglected by our township officials
hear from them or are able to contact them
If they call with questions they are dismissed."
Our unincorporated areas have excessive water bills and nobody cares
I would define my platform as bringing back the great township we had in the past
One that is in tune with the communities needs
Stops nepotism in hiring and hires the best qualified people in all positions
When I was first elected as precinct committeeman the voters had no idea who our elected officials were
Everyone knew who I was because I talked to them and responded to their needs
I have been a board member on every HOA I have lived in
I know how to get things done in a cost effective manner
That leaves funds to do additional items without raising income
I have spent my life running multi million dollar companies
I know how to operate lean and efficiently
I have the perseverance and desire to do things right
9 grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way
I live by example for them and intend to have a positive legacy for them to be proud of
I am a God fearing Christian who lives for God first.I have a huge social media presence so my life is an open book
Anyone can Google me and learn all there is to know about me
I have worked or volunteered on the campaigns of many candidates in the past
The number one success would be no increase in taxes
In my first term pensions for elected offices will have ended
Senior services will have increased as well as the food pantry
I will have reduced costs on all contracts and services that we pay for
Will have eliminated fees for our programs and services
Our senior transportation service area will have been increased
All unincorporated roadways will be paved as well as sidewalks replaced and parks renovated
Our township building will not smell like dirty socks and the grounds will be properly maintained.We will not be beholden to other political entities as is the current situation.We will not be hiring people who are our relatives
As a trustee we have the entire responsibility for all spending
We determine policy and regulations regarding all spending
My views are that we are responsible to the taxpayers
We have a budget based on our income and that will always be our guide
But there are many ways to increase income without increasing taxes
We can also reduce existing costs by changing service providers
The facts are our crime rate is down substantially
programs and systems need to be implemented to maintain a good rate as well as reduce it or prevent an increase
I am currently an active member of the Carol Stream Volunteer Police
I am also a current and active member of the Carol Stream C.E.R.T
Both are about improving and contributing to the safety of the community
I fully intend to implement and lead the C.E.R.T
We will also be working closely with the police departments of Orland Park
What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development
Our township currently does not have an active role in development
I hear complaints all the time about issues that are not township issues
ANYTHING occurring within the boundaries of Orland Township are our business
I will never except that "this is not your purview"
The number one area of development for Orland Township is to provide information and services to our community
First I would address our responsiveness to inquiries
Currently residents don't receive a timely response if at all
All inquiries will be addressed within 24 hours
Currently our offices are absent of elected officials
Our team will commit to be available a minimum of 10 hours per day via in the office
I will respond during 15 hours per day and 7 days per week
We will develop a documented/written plan showing all projects and maintenance
Every item and plan documented and published
I will serve my full term and run again for reelection
What I would like to accomplish will never end
As the plan for Orland Township will always be improving
I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago
I moved my family to the northwest suburbs and lived there for decades only to return here
I have witnessed the south suburbs decline dramatically
When you look around you will see many of our towns and townships in a deplorable condition
Our Orland Township has survived that for now but its not going to continue unless we have change
We need to stop the reckless spending and the over spending on services
We can not only maintain but increase our services by more direct involvement in our programs
My goal is to increase services and improve our infrastructure while reducing costs
As a businessman I have been successful at this for decades
2025 at 3:12 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Sean Kampas is running for Orland Park Village Trustee in the April 1
People Over Politics
solving complex challenges and delivering measurable results
I’ve applied that same approach—ensuring that every decision we make prioritizes results over rhetoric and people over politics
Orland Park is in a strong position today—but only because we made the tough decisions necessary to secure our future
The biggest risk we face now is backsliding into the political failures of the past
They wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on failed projects while our infrastructure crumbled
we changed that.• Infrastructure: Over 40% of our roads were in poor condition when we started
and restored long-neglected facilities.• Public Safety: Orland Park is one of the safest communities in America
with the lowest violent crime rate in Illinois for cities our size
We’ve provided our police with the best tools and training to keep it that way.• Fiscal Responsibility: We cut waste
and lowered taxes—while investing in the services our residents rely on
This election is about keeping Orland Park moving forward
This election presents a clear choice: Do we continue the path of responsible leadership
or do we go back to the failed policies of the past
My opponents have a track record of raising taxes and spending
• Joanna Leafblad has repeatedly voted to increase the Orland Park Public Library’s tax levy over the years
resulting in a 61% increase in the operational levy during her tenure
despite the library receiving a revenue windfall that could have provided relief to taxpayers - a point I made to their board in 2023 when they came to the Village Board meeting concerning the release of that funding
the library’s property tax alone makes up 55% of the Village’s levy
• John Lawler wants to impose two new taxes on Orland Park residents—a 1% tax on food
and entertainment and a sales transfer tax on real estate transactions
He was also involved in a questionable land deal that personally benefited him while leaving residents responsible for maintaining his private park at taxpayer expense
Orland Park thrives when we put residents first
That’s why I’m running—to continue protecting taxpayers
and ensuring our village remains one of the best places to live
You didn’t ask a question for incumbents only
so I want to take this opportunity to convey how our leadership has delivered real results for Orland Park—and why we can’t afford to go backward
Orland Park was burdened with over $100 million in debt
Previous administrations prioritized pet projects over core infrastructure
and made reckless financial decisions that left residents paying the price
and made historic investments in our roads
and ensured that residents—not politicians—are the ones who benefit from our decisions
and more financially secure than it has been in decades
That didn’t happen by accident—it happened because we refused to repeat the mistakes of the past
I’m running to ensure we continue that progress and never return to the days of reckless spending
We cannot afford to return to the days of mismanagement
and paid down debt while still delivering the services our residents expect
We must continue this responsible approach
We will continue giving our police the tools and training they need to keep Orland Park safe
Infrastructure & Development: We’ve rebuilt parks
We must continue investing in our community’s future while keeping Orland Park affordable for families
I’m running to make sure we keep moving forward
I have a proven track record of delivering results for Orland Park—both in government and in my professional career
• Ethics & Good Governance: I co-authored Orland Park’s ethics ordinance with an evenly balanced committee of Republicans and Democrats
• Fiscal Responsibility: I have helped cut waste
and reduce Orland Park’s debt by over $25 million
all while making critical investments in our roads
• Economic Growth & Jobs: Under our leadership
Orland Park has welcomed over 600 new businesses and added more than 5,000 jobs
• Public Safety: I have worked to keep Orland Park one of the safest communities in America
achieving the lowest crime rate in 31 years and ensuring our police have the best training and technology
• Accountability & Performance: I helped bring merit-based performance evaluations to village staff
ending political patronage and ensuring that government employees are evaluated on their work—not on who they know
I have built a successful career in consulting
and make strategic decisions that lead to measurable results
I take this role seriously and put in the work to review every policy
and decision in great detail—always prioritizing what’s best for Orland Park
Because I have consistently delivered on my promises—and I have done so with integrity
and a commitment to putting Orland Park residents first
we made a promise to restore good governance in Orland Park
and eliminated pensions for elected officials
because public service should never be about personal gain.• We instituted term limits and increased transparency
making board meetings public and accessible to all residents.• We ended insider deals and eliminated political patronage hiring
ensuring that village staff are held to performance-based evaluations instead of political connections
I also co-authored Orland Park’s ethics ordinance with a bipartisan committee
ensuring accountability in local government
That ordinance was passed with the support of then-Trustee Jim Dodge—yet today
But we know the truth: we put real accountability in place
and we are not going back to the old ways of doing business
Orland Park belongs to its residents—not career politicians
The progress we’ve made isn’t an accident—it’s the result of hard work
and a firm commitment to people over politics
I will continue to bring that same dedication to my role as Trustee
and that is why voters can trust me to serve them
We’ve already cut debt by over $25 million while lowering property taxes and maintaining a balanced budget
I want to continue reducing financial liabilities while ensuring that Orland Park remains affordable for families and businesses
We’ve repaired and upgraded 32 parks and improved miles of roads that had been neglected for decades
I will push for further infrastructure investments that enhance our parks
and ensure long-term sustainability—all while staying financially responsible
Public safety will always remain a priority
Orland Park is already one of the safest communities in America
with crime at a 31-year low over the last 6 years
I will continue to support our law enforcement professionals by ensuring they have the tools
and resources they need to keep our residents safe
and fiscal responsibility that has defined our leadership
and my goal is to ensure we never return to the reckless spending
and making reckless financial decisions that burdened residents
we have:• Cut operating expenses and eliminated wasteful spending.• Reduced debt by over $25 million while maintaining a balanced budget.• Lowered property taxes while continuing to invest in essential services.• Rebuilt financial reserves to ensure Orland Park remains financially secure
long-term investments that save taxpayers money in the long run
A great example is the new public works facility
which will move all trucks and equipment indoors
reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of our assets
Thanks to the outstanding work of our police department
we have achieved the lowest crime rate in 31 years
Among the 360 largest suburbs in the country
• #2 in lowest property crime• #5 in lowest violent crime
And among Illinois cities with over 50,000 residents
we’ve had the lowest violent crime rate for five years straight
This didn’t happen by chance—it happened because we prioritized public safety and provided our law enforcement with the best tools
we must remain proactive:• Continue investing in law enforcement—ensuring officers have the latest training
and resources to protect residents.• Expand community policing efforts—strengthening partnerships between officers and the neighborhoods they serve.• Enhance crime prevention strategies—utilizing data-driven approaches to identify and address emerging threats before they become major issues.• Maintain our strong stance against crime—ensuring Orland Park remains a place where criminals know they are not welcome
we acted decisively to protect Orland Park’s residents and businesses
That same commitment to safety continues today
We have a simple message: Orland Park is not an easy target
We will always stand up for the safety and security of our families
We need both commercial and residential development to ensure long-term economic vitality
we have:• Welcomed over 600 new businesses and added more than 5,000 jobs
strengthening our local economy.• Revitalized key commercial areas
making Orland Park a top destination for shopping
and entertainment.• Supported responsible residential growth
ensuring new developments align with community needs and infrastructure capacity
One of my top priorities has been strictly enforcing Orland Park’s residential density caps
I have been vocal and passionate about ensuring that new developments respect the village’s density limits to preserve our community’s character and protect our infrastructure from being overburdened
If you review Village Board meeting videos
you will see that I have consistently advocated for responsible growth while rejecting high-density residential proposals that do not fit Orland Park’s vision
This commitment to responsible growth is also why we insisted on no new residential development in the 143rd & LaGrange project
After decades of mismanagement and failed proposals
we made it clear that this site should be developed as a vibrant commercial destination—not another high-density residential complex
This approach will generate economic activity
and bring lasting value to Orland Park without increasing residential density or overburdening our infrastructure
we must:• Encourage high-quality commercial development to attract businesses that complement our existing economic base.• Ensure residential development is well-planned
maintaining density limits while meeting the needs of families and young professionals.• Continue modernizing our downtown area by advancing projects like 143rd & LaGrange in ways that benefit the entire community
A thriving community requires a strong business environment and a high quality of life for residents
Our approach ensures Orland Park remains a great place to live
and raise a family—without sacrificing the community standards that make it unique
well-planned development that enhances Orland Park’s character
Key areas for improvement include:• Continue expanding commercial development by maintaining an environment where businesses want to come and invest
but we ensure that Orland Park remains a desirable location by maintaining low taxes
Part of this includes refilling abandoned locations through appropriate incentives
as we successfully did with Steinhafels and many others
Instead of allowing empty buildings to sit idle
we focus on making redevelopment attractive to businesses that will provide lasting value to the community.• Enhancing public spaces and parks by continuing to upgrade facilities
We’ve already made significant improvements
but we must keep investing in parks and community gathering spaces that improve residents’ daily lives.• Strengthening infrastructure to support both businesses and residents
and utilities to ensure they can accommodate future growth without causing congestion or strain on resources
we must:• Continue enforcing responsible development standards
including strict adherence to our residential density caps
ensuring that new projects fit within Orland Park’s vision.• Maintain a business-friendly environment by keeping taxes low
improving efficiency in the permitting process
and ensuring developers see Orland Park as a stable
welcoming place to invest.• Ensure new developments contribute to the community rather than placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers
We will continue holding developers accountable to provide value to residents
By staying committed to responsible development
and strengthen our community without sacrificing what makes Orland Park unique
We can continue moving forward—building on our progress
and political games that serve politicians
I’m running to make sure that Orland Park stays on the right path
Serving as your Trustee is a responsibility I take seriously
making every decision with the best interest of the village in mind
I work hard to review everything we do in great detail
and project serves the people of Orland Park—not political agendas
problem-solving mindset to local government
and ensure that our financial future remains secure
Orland Park is stronger today than it was a decade ago
That’s not by accident—it’s because we made tough decisions and focused on results
I’d be honored to continue serving this community and ask for your vote to keep Orland Park strong
2025 at 5:50 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Beth Damas Kaspar is running for the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees in the April 1
Fiscal Voices for Orland Fire
Fiscal Voices for Fire Safety (political committee)
since 2010 (15 years); General Dentist in Tinley Park
Commissioner for the Orland Fire Protection District
Merger and consolidation of the OFPD with Tinley Park and potentially other surrounding municipalities
We have the best Fire District in Illinois with one of the highest Save Rates in the country
I am against any merger or consolidation that would decrease our Save Rate and be to the detriment of Orland Park and Orland Hills taxpayers
Tinley Park has part-time firefighters and rents its ambulances
but those improvements should not be paid by Orland Park and Orland Hills taxpayers
Based on the current merger and consolidation plans that I have seen
I absolutely would vote NO MERGER to protect our Save Rate to protect Orland Park and Orland Hills taxpayers
There are two other slates running for the Fire District
but only my slate – Fiscal Voices for Fire Safety
and Bridget Tolan – are against the proposed merger and consolidation of the OFPD and Tinley Park
The other two slates are being led by people who would benefit from consolidation
and none of those candidates have come out against consolidation
Initially they said consolidation was a myth
and when evidence came out that the leadership of the OFPD was trying to buy land for new firehouses for a consolidated fire district
then these slates suddenly changed their message to
but it wasn’t our idea.” I don’t care who came up with consolidation
what I am here to tell you is that I am against consolidation and I will fight it every day on the job
I was appointed to the OFPD Board of Trustees in 2024 and am running for election to serve another term
I have fought the past year to stop consolidation
Board president John Brudnak and Trustee Jayne Schirmacher
the taxpayers have my promise that I will fight against consolidation and will fight hard to protect our high Save Rate
I am fighting for the taxpayers of Orland Park and Orland Hills and to find the right balance between our outstanding Fire Protection services and the costs and expenses for those services
We have one of the best Fire Districts in the country
But we also want to make the right fiscally responsible choices to protect the taxpayers whom we represent
I have built a highly-successful multi-office Endodontic practice that employs two other doctors and a dozen staff members
I have built my practice by delivering the highest quality treatment to our patients and at the same time investing in my valuable staff
but through putting in the time and effort and taking input from my staff into consideration
we have achieved one of the most successful Endodontic practices in the Chicagoland area
known for its patient care and quality work
I have served as a Commissioner for the OFPD and the past year on the Board of Trustees and have demonstrated that I will ask tough questions and challenge others based on the data
and have been very accessible to anyone with questions
I do not need this position for any reason; but rather want this position to protect the world-class Fire Protection services that OFPD provides while insisting on accountability to the taxpayers
Preventing merger and consolidation of the OFPD with Tinley Park or any other surrounding municipality and maintaining our #1 Save Rate are my priorities
If we stop the consolidation plans that have been discussed behind closed doors by mayors
I will consider that an incredible victory
The Board of Trustees serves the taxpayers
We are entrusted by the taxpayers who elect us to protect our Fire District's services and to protect the tax money that the Fire District receives
we have added new equipment to maintain the strength of our Fire Protection services
But we have only added equipment that is justified by the data demonstrating that the equipment is needed and that it is properly budgeted and accounted for
We also approved a much awaited pay increase for our Firefighters
But we only did so after doing our due diligence to be sure those pay increases were appropriate and would not take taxpayer dollars away from other important investments
raised in Lemont in a house that my parents still own
and chose Orland Park as the place to raise children and to build my practice
We live in a wonderful community with an incredible Fire Protection district
and it is incredibly important to me to fight to keep our world-class Fire Protection services and #1 Save Rate
2025 at 2:28 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Dina Lawrence is running for Orland Park Village Trustee in the April 1
Orland Park for All.
Engineer with MBA in Finance and Business Strategy
I have a variety of experience in engineering operations oversight
I also have extensive experience performing business case analyses for projects valued up to hundreds of millions of dollars
I was previously elected to my condominium board
I do not serve in any elected position; and I never ran for any other elected position
Issue 1: Village officials should be more respectful to the residents and our employees
and they should encourage harmony and enthusiasm rather than create divisiveness and apathy
I intend to invite stakeholders to offer their ideas and share their concerns
I will listen with curiosity to find value in what they offer
I will encourage experimenting with new ideas
I will respond honestly when I believe that I know the answers and I will seek answers from reliable sources when I do not know the answers
I will acknowledge my mistakes and learn from them
Issue 2: Village resources and government activity should be managed with greater transparency and in a manner that ensures compliance with regulatory requirements
I intend to advocate for transparent and consistent accounting for Village resources
I intend to facilitate the timely filing of our annual
I will help residents to understand the big picture of our financial situation
I will carefully evaluate alternatives and apply economic analyses where appropriate
I will not be coerced to say or to do something just because someone else told me to get in line and obey
I will listen with curiosity and consider how we might be able to incorporate more ideas to satisfy the tremendous variety of interests of our residents
I have a unique combination of professional skills that are well suited to making policy decisions regarding municipal operations and resources
the current office holders are failing the community in a variety of ways
Fighting against residents' desires to be fully heard at Village Board meetings
Publicly disparaging residents who dare to voice their concerns about issues in their neighborhoods
Residents have become fearful of approaching the Board to voice their concerns.2
Refusing to respond in a timely and transparent manner to Freedom of Information Act Requests
and consuming significant financial resources for lawyers to obstruct those requests
That money could be used to employ additional police officers and to help hold the line on taxes.3
Building new projects without careful business case analyses
while neglecting maintenance of some existing Village assets causing unrecoverable losses to those assets.4
Disparaging residents of differing ethnic backgrounds when they ask to be treated the same.5
Micromanaging Village departments rather than focusing on good governance and policy issues
Bragging repeatedly about small savings for residents while avoiding discussion of the large new charges
Our slate is purposefully bipartisan and running nonpartisan
then committed to acting with integrity and appreciating our differences
We have a variety of valuable business and legal skills that are well suited for Village service
and making sensible decisions for the betterment of our community
I learned to prioritize while coordinating a myriad of professional
and material resources for successful completion-- on time and on budget
I learned to comprehend complicated legal issues and to devise sensible solutions for compliance
Although I never aspired to elected office
recently I chose to run for election because many of my friends and neighbors were telling me that they are thinking of leaving due to the declining neighborly feel
I decided that I could make a greater impact for improvement by getting into a leadership position
People can see from my lifestyle that I do not aspire to gain
but rather to be a good caretaker and to respectfully enjoy what we have
My term in office will be a success if we can bring back more open and respectful communication among and between Village officials
We can choose to continue to fight with each other or we can learn to appreciate and enjoy each other
I will be thrilled to increase neighborhood-centric events like block parties
We must improve our financial management and submit our audited financial statements in a timely manner
conservative manager of my personal resources
The crime rate has always been rather low in Orland Park for a variety of reasons
Our police officers are well trained and well equipped to perform their jobs well
There is very good community engagement between our police officers and our residents and visitors
we have responsible and respectful citizens and visitors
and the residential and retail footprints are increasing in size and complexity
additional police officers and innovative policing tactics appear to be needed to maintain and improve safety
Our police officers have expressed their strong desire for increased predictability in their scheduling as a means to attract new talent and improve morale among existing officers
The Orland Park police officers created a business case to support their preferred alternative
I will give careful consideration to their business case; and if it proves to be attractive
to implement their plan as a means of improving policing in Orland Park
there appears to be opportunity for increasing the number of police officers without increasing expenditures by increased use of competitive bidding in Village contracting
Orland Park has a long history of successful commercial and residential developments
conditions changed and desired uses changed
developments continuously adapted to accommodate that change
some of the housing stock is deteriorating
some older residents are seeking housing that is easier to maintain
and some younger residents are seeking lower cost alternatives
with very little green elements such as trees and flowers
and insufficient infrastructure to comfortably accommodate good traffic flow and safety
I will encourage a return to development standards where overcrowding is avoided
I believe that Orland Park is attractive enough that Village funding through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) should not be needed
I have heard directly from residents that Orland Park has grown so large that it is inconvenient to travel all the way across town for routine activities
They are asking for consideration of how to provide a greater variety of amenities closer to the far reaches of our Village
I would like to get residents' ideas for what they want-- at prices that won't hurt our cost of living
and I will hope and pray that my health and family needs will not interfere with that commitment
I want to give residents more reasons to like shopping locally rather than online
I love being close to good medical resources
I want to see little kids and their elderly neighbors chatting with each other at the parks
I would like Orland Park to have a real Farmers' Market and a Taste of Orland Park with a greater variety of foods and beverages
I would like to have more cultural events to celebrate and enjoy our differences
2025 at 3:29 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Keith Pekau is running for Mayor of Orland Park in the April 1
KeithPekau.com
My wife is a teacher in a school district outside of Orland Park
Financial pressure due to the stagnation of the State of Illinois and Cook County
Both have poorly managed their funds and continue to pass legislation that puts a heavy burden of unfunded mandates on the village
neither adequately cares for the infrastructure they are responsible for and the village has had to pick up the slack
We will continue to manage our finances well and implement policies that attract economic development in spite of being located in Cook County and Illinois
we will continue to work with other municipalities in efforts to stop unfunded mandates
to restore funding levels and to fix the public sector pension system that continue to break our backs
Another top press issue is our infrastructure
over 40% of our roads were in poor or very poor condition after years of underinvestment
The McLaughlin and Dodge administration ignored our infrastructure to spend money on the “Downtown Triangle”
They were fixing just a single park every two years
I also led the redevelopment of Centennial Park West
and renovated 32 neighborhood parks complete with pavilions
and replace all the paths at Centennial Park West
We will also be bringing back the summer concert series for families and residents to enjoy
As Mayor I will continue improving the quality of life for our residents by delivering results
managing our finances properly and improving our roads and parks
Jim Dodge is a career politician who wants to bring Orland Park backward to the same failed political games of the past
career politicians had run our village for their own benefit
Politicians like Jim Dodge had exploded our village’s debt from $13 million in 1998 to $110 million in 2016
The former leadership depleted reserves and spent money like they had a bottomless balance
Over 40% of our roads were in poor condition after years of underinvestment
and the village was only investing in a single park every two years
the career politicians and their allies were getting rich off our tax dollars
Dodge and his allies voted unanimously to hike the mayor’s salary
including a whopping 275% increase for the mayor
which would have increased McLaughlin’s pension by $2.1 million and $3.1 million if Dodge had followed him as they planned
They also lost $47 million playing developer in the downtown Triangle and gave $64 million to a developer for the 9750 apartment buildings covering 98% of the cost
wasteful spending our taxpayers cannot afford
Jim Dodge has demonstrated that he is doing this to serve himself
He voted against term limits and is already collecting two pensions for part time government board positions
He would add over $600,000 of our hard earned tax dollars to his village pension should he win
I am a community leader who wants to do what’s best for the village
I lowered my own pay by $110,000 and implemented term limits (3-terms)
I’ve also found ways to cut costs while making our village more efficient and make significant investments in improving our roads and parks while simultaneously reducing debt
These decisions have improved the quality of life for all of our residents
Orland Park is primed for success long into the future
We can’t afford to go back to the failures of the past
We need to continue moving forward with a mindset and culture that puts people over politics
We must build on Orland Park’s positive momentum welcoming new businesses that creates jobs
keeping Orland Park the safest it has been in over 30 years
and adding new parks and fixing roads to improve our residents’ lives
We must also continue to help working families by protecting their tax dollars
We’ve made progress cutting expenses and reducing the debt while making much needed infrastructure improvements
We’ve added over 5,000 jobs in the last 8 years and we can add more by creating an environment where businesses thrive
We can’t let the political games of the past return—plain and simple
our village can’t afford the same mistakes of the past
The Orland Park we live in today is not the Orland Park of the past
We’re welcoming new businesses and growing the job market
lowering crime by increasing public safety efforts
and improving our residents’ quality of life by prioritizing fixing our roads and renovating our beloved parks
We have turned Orland Park into a model for good government—one that prioritizes transparency and fiscal responsibility by instituting a plan and acting on it
We recently approved a plan for the downtown center
which has had no direction for over 20 years
and are committed to having it completed within the next term
We stabilized our economic development by welcoming in over 600 businesses and are reimaging how to continue making Orland Park a destination
and will be focusing on updating Doogan Park and replacing the paths at Centennial Park
We’ve delivered results that are making our residents’ lives better
we’ve restored good government in Orland Park
We eliminated the lavish pension benefits that career politician Dan McLaughlin and his allies had provided themselves with our hard-earned tax dollars
I kept my promise and led the charge to lower the mayor’s salary back down to $40,000 a year
because serving in local government shouldn’t be about getting rich off taxpayers
We instituted term limits for our local elected officials to put an end to career politicians
And we increased transparency by making our board meetings public and digitally accessible
shining a spotlight on decisions that had previously been made behind closed doors
Now there’s a new mindset and culture in our local government
one that’s focused on doing the right thing for our residents and small businesses
We no longer have career politicians lining their pockets at our expense and we can’t afford to go back to that style of leadership
our community leaders are working cooperatively to move Orland Park forward
People are stepping up to serve for the right reasons without personal agendas
And we are bringing our village together to further make Orland Park the community that our citizens expect
There is no single accomplishment than defines a term’s success
it was the loss of 2 anchors and 3 other large retailers in one month
What defines success is managing through these challenges and coming out on the other side in a better financial position
The old school mentality of government spending was to deplete reserves and waste our hard-earned tax dollars
I have prioritized reducing our village’s tax levy
maintaining a surplus in our operating budget that is used to address our infrastructure needs
I will continue to invest our tax dollars wisely and only spend what we have to ensure we don’t have to ask our residents for money because we are still digging ourselves out of a financial hole the past leadership left
We have also started on a new project for our public works facility that will move all of the trucks and equipment indoors to last longer and operations will be more efficient to save on operating costs
I will continue to find ways to lower costs and be creative with our budget to help our working families
I have made it a priority to keep our families safe and our neighborhoods secure
We need both to continue being a thriving community
As someone who was raised in Orland Park and then raised their family here
I want more families to experience the joys of our village
There are several developments that are in the queue
First is the 143rd & LaGrange project (formerly known as the Triangle)
It will break ground in the coming weeks and completion is expected by the end of 2026
we have a single family home development that has been approved (~126 homes) between Costco and Marcus Theaters
Other potential projects include both the East and West corners of the South side of LaGrange Road and 159th as well as the Andrew Corporation property redevelopment
The most important thing we can do is to create an environment that makes businesses want to come here
We do that by having high quality infrastructure and keeping residents and businesses safe
It is also imperative that we protect the core retail district of Orland Park (143rd to 163rd on LaGrange Road)
If this stays successful and the mall stays successful (currently a top 1% traffic mall and the safest mall in Chicagoland)
I have a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University
I went into the Air Force where I flew the F-15E as an Instructor Weapons System Officer
My time in the Air Force includes three tours to Southwest Asia and 45 combat sorties
I had a job opportunity so I decided to move back and raise my family here in Orland Park
I coached baseball and basketball for the OYA and the Orland Park Magic
and watch my children go through Orland schools
It was a great place to grow up and a great place to raise my children
I want to make sure it remains this way for future generations which is why I’m so passionate about serving you as Mayor