Evergreen Park Village Trustee Candidate Ryan Reitz: Election 2025

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Ryan Reitz is running with the Evergreen Park Community Party for the office of village board trustee in the April 1 election. Early voting starts March 17.

Your name:

Ryan Reitz

Campaign Website:

Evergreen Park Community Party

Campaign Contact Email:

info@epcommunityparty.com

Office sought:

Evergreen Park Village Trustee

Town/City of Residence:

Village of Evergreen Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Evergreen Park Community Party

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Occupation:

25 years as a Senior IT Project / Program Manager at many Fortune 500 companies (Motorola, Allstate, MetLife, Gallagher Bassett. I've also had the pleasure of coaching volleyball on the South Side of Chicago for several years, with experience at Brother Rice High School, Crusader VBC, Central Middle School, and Chicago Juniors VBC
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: N/A

The most pressing issues facing our board are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Public Safety – We believe that the safety of our community must always be the top priority. We will assess the areas most impacted by crime and take proactive measures, including increasing police presence, to help reduce criminal activity and ensure a safer environment for all.

Technology is also a key focus for us. We are committed to leveraging available technology to streamline processes, boost efficiency, improve communication, and drive innovation and growth within our village.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The current trustees bring decades of valuable experience, which could be an asset, if used properly. However, what sets me apart is my ability to bring a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and a strong focus on technology-driven solutions. I am committed to implementing technology-based processes that can simplify operations, improve efficiency, and foster growth for our community. My approach will complement the existing procedures and policies, while introducing new, forward-thinking strategies to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

The current board has served the community, but over time, I believe there is a need for change. When several members hold the same positions for decades, it becomes difficult for fresh ideas and innovative solutions to be introduced. It's important to ensure that new perspectives are brought in to address evolving challenges and ensure our community continues to move forward.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Transparency, safety and health, and technology are key priorities. By making improvements in these areas—though certainly not limited to them—we can continue to enhance Evergreen Park and ensure it remains a great place to live for years to come

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

With over 25 years of experience in project management within the corporate world, I have successfully managed projects of all sizes, delivering them on time and within budget for numerous Fortune 500 companies. I am confident that my skills in strategic planning, budgeting, and execution will translate effectively to the trustee role, allowing me to manage and support the community’s projects with the same level of success

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I am an honest and reliable individual who is deeply committed to what’s best for our village. My goal is to ensure Evergreen Park thrives, grows, and becomes a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard. I am dedicated to serving the community with integrity and making decisions that benefit all residents.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

My term in office would be considered a success if we can attract new businesses to the village while also supporting and sustaining our current businesses. Additionally, I aim to improve our financial efficiency, technological capabilities, and communication strategies. These are all achievable goals, and I am committed to executing them successfully to benefit the entire community.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

My approach to fiscal policy and government spending is rooted in transparency and accountability. I believe it is essential to keep residents fully informed and provide clear documentation to support any decisions made regarding taxpayer money. We must always operate with the best interests of taxpayers in mind, striving to use their dollars as efficiently as possible to maximize value and ensure responsible governance.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — Evergreen Park?

The safety of our community is a top priority, and while Evergreen Park is a generally safe place to live, we must remain vigilant in addressing crime, particularly violent crime. I believe we can enhance our efforts by increasing police presence in areas most affected, investing in community outreach programs, and leveraging technology to improve surveillance and response times.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

I believe the village’s approach to both commercial and residential development should focus on balanced growth that meets the needs of our community while fostering economic vitality. We should continue to grow and provide our residents with businesses to best fit their needs.

Should a cannabis dispensary be allowed in Evergreen Park? Why or why not?

I believe a cannabis dispensary should be considered for Evergreen Park, as it provides medical benefits. I would want to ensure it is an appropriate distance from residential areas and schools to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Additionally, the tax revenue generated from such a business could benefit our village, supporting local services and infrastructure. However, I think it’s important to first hear from the voters and gauge the community’s opinion on the matter, as their concerns and preferences should be a central part of the decision-making process.

When it comes to development, 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?

When it comes to development, key areas for improvement in Evergreen Park include expanding local businesses, enhancing recreational spaces, and improving infrastructure. Many residents are eager for more dining, shopping, and entertainment options within the village. To make this happen, we’ll need to attract new businesses while supporting the growth of our existing ones. Additionally, upgrading our parks and community spaces, along with modernizing infrastructure to support growth, will make Evergreen Park an even more desirable place to live and visit. This can be achieved through strategic planning, community engagement, and fostering partnerships with developers, business owners, and residents.

What village policies do you feel need refreshing or sunsetting?

There are always areas where policies can be refreshed or updated to better serve the community. I believe some older policies may need to be reevaluated to ensure they align with the current needs of Evergreen Park. For instance, I believe that term limits should be put into place. This enables new members to come in and provide fresh thoughts and processes. Transparency, community input, and a focus on practical solutions will guide us in identifying policies that need to evolve or be phased out to ensure the continued progress of our village.

Should there be term limits on municipal boards? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe there should be term limits on municipal boards. Term limits help ensure fresh perspectives and new ideas are regularly introduced, preventing stagnation and encouraging innovation. They also provide opportunities for more community members to get involved and contribute to the decision-making process.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No, I would be happy to serve the full term of office.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, and have deep roots in the community, having grown up in Hometown and Oak Lawn. I have proudly called Evergreen Park home for the past 10 years.

I am happily married to my wife, Samantha, a lifelong resident of Evergreen Park. We have 9-year-old son who keeps their lives vibrant and full of energy. We are also a proud dog parent of a rescue dog.
Professionally, I am a seasoned Senior Program/Project Manager with extensive experience in leading projects for major companies, including Motorola, Allstate, MetLife, and Gallagher Bassett. My expertise in managing complex programs have earned me a reputation for delivering results and fostering collaboration.

A proud graduate of Brother Rice High School, I not only excelled academically but also dedicated time to coaching volleyball, sharing his passion for the sport with young athletes. I continued my education at Northern Illinois University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications.

On a personal level, I am passionate about travel and enjoys spending quality time with my family. He is also an active member of the Brother Rice Alumni Association as well as the family school association at his son's grade school.

Overall, my goal is to do what is best for our community. I am committed to working tirelessly to help Evergreen Park become the best place to live, ensuring it thrives and remains a vibrant, safe, and welcoming environment for all residents

Thank you for your time and please remember to come out and vote on April 1st!