Kelly Burke, Candidate For Mayor Of Evergreen Park: Election 2025

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Kelly Burke is running with the Good Government/United Homeowners Party for her second term as mayor of Evergreen Park in the April 1 election. Early voting starts March 17 through March 31.

Your name

Kelly Burke

Campaign Website:

Evergreen Park United Homeowners

Office sought

Mayor

Town/City of Residence

32-year resident of Evergreen Park; currently residing in the Southeast quadrant. I have lived in three quadrants over those 32 years. I spent so much time at Aqua as a kid, I should be an honorary resident of the Northeast quadrant, which would make me 4 for 4!

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Good Government/United Homeowners party

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

None of my children or my husband work in government. Like many of us, I have relatives who are teachers, police officers, firefighters, or otherwise work in government; none are employed in Evergreen Park.

Occupation. Please include years of experience

Attorney since 1992.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Evergreen Park Library Board trustee 2003-2011; State Representative, 36th District 2011-2024; Village of Evergreen Park trustee 2019-2021

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

Over the past four years I have had hundreds, if not thousands, of conversations with Village residents and business owners. There is not one common issue that comes up. People are concerned with public safety, and residents give high marks to our police and fire departments.

They appreciate that the Village dedicates significant resources to equipping our first responders with the tools they need to keep residents safe and healthy. They appreciate that we have purchased a new, state-of-the-art ambulance, which will arrive later this spring. They appreciate the investments we have made in technology for our police officers, including body cameras and license plate readers.

They also appreciate the efforts we have made to control traffic. These efforts include placing 10 solar speed signs near schools and parks, purchasing two additional moveable speed wagons to monitor speeds at various locations, seeking out grant funding for additional traffic enforcement efforts, and the roll-out of the #slowdownEP public service campaign.

Residents appreciate the improvements we have made to our technology. The Village website was re-designed in 2022 to make it easier to navigate. We have made better use of our email blast and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. We also added the ability to sign up for Rec Department programs and events online. We plan to continue work to leverage our existing software to enhance services, such as an option to receive water bills via email and better tracking and reporting of Public Works service calls via iWorks.

Residents like connecting with their Village officials. We attend Village events and have other opportunities to connect such as the “Coffee with the Mayor” on Saturdays and myself and Clerk Kelly Duffy attending the Farmers’ Market each Thursday morning. We added zoom meetings on public safety and public works updates so that residents have opportunities to get information and ask questions virtually

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

I have experience and proven leadership that has benefitted residents as well as a 20+ year history of volunteering in our community. I spent seven years as a volunteer trustee on the Evergreen Park Library Board, serving as president during the extensive renovation of the beautiful library building. I volunteer with Most Holy Redeemer parish, coached youth sports, and started a Mock Trial program for area grade school students.

I have received the endorsement of labor organizations, including the Chicago Federation of Labor, IBEW Local 134, IUOE Local 399, IUOE Local 150, and Teamsters Local 700. The Teamsters represent the rank and file members of the Village’s Public Works Department; they are well acquainted with the other candidate in this race and have chosen to put their support behind me.

I have a solid record of economic development and have brought many businesses to the community. I brought numerous new businesses- large and small- to Evergreen Park, including Subaru, Macy’s, J Crew, Core Sport, The Record Shop on 95th, Spoke and Vine Wine Bar, Club Pilates, Chipotle, Party Blossom Boutique, and many more plus several in the works. Village sales tax revenues have risen notably since 2021.

I created a resident-led Economic Development Advisory Group, which crafted a survey that residents were able to complete and voice their preferences for types of new businesses. We’ve used that survey to do outreach and recruitment of new businesses. We also created the Eat, Play, Shop marketing campaign that has been rolled out at large Village events and at sponsored events where large numbers of visitors are in town, such as softball tournaments, baseball tournaments, and disc golf tournaments. It has been successful at driving business to our existing businesses.

The Village has entered a float in the South Side Irish Parade, where we will bring the Eat, Play, Shop campaign to the tens of thousands of spectators along the parade route right outside our border. Look for our float - #62!

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Business development, continued capital improvements, enhanced recreation facilities and programming; continue seeking out grant funding opportunities

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

See description above

Why should voters trust you?

I have represented the residents of Evergreen Park with integrity, transparency, independence, and civility. I have never taken a public pension, either as a legislator or as Mayor. I will always put residents first

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

There are so many facets of the Mayor’s job that one single accomplishment can’t define a successful term. I have outlined many accomplishments from my first term and plans for the next in the prior sections. I will keep Evergreen Park a great place to live, have a business, raise a family, and age gracefully with the support of the community.

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

Evergreen Park has been fiscally responsible for many years and has an excellent credit rating to show for it. I have crafted budgets that are balanced and prioritize the health and safety of our residents. We have been diligent about saving a reserve of funds for special projects and for unforeseen circumstances. Due to the increase in sales tax revenue, we were able to eliminate Village stickers, saving a typical household $70 annually.

We put our refuse/recycling/landscape waste contract out for bid and obtained significant cost savings for residents compared to the cost of our prior contractor. We will continue to look for ways for residents to save money.

During my term as Mayor, I have focused on obtaining grant funding for programs and capital improvements. Since 2021 we have applied for many grants and have been awarded $8.8 million in federal, state, and county grants for a variety of uses ranging from road repaving to water and sewer improvements to upgrades to our parks and recreational facilities. I will continue to use my experience at other levels of government and the relationships I have formed with elected officials to obtain more grant funding for our Village’s needs.

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

Keeping residents safe is my #1 concern. Residents give high marks to our police and fire departments. We have 60 sworn officers; these are men and women from all walks of life who are dedicated to the people of Evergreen Park. They are supplemented by several part-time officers and our Code Enforcement Officers.

In the past four years we have dedicated significant tax dollars to equipping our first responders with the tools they need to keep residents safe and healthy, including bulletproof vests, body worn cameras, in-car video, and training. Our officers are out on the streets and visible to the public and potential criminals.

To aid the police, we have deployed dozens of license plate readers throughout the Village. These devices help the police solve crimes but more importantly they help prevent crime and aid the police in recovering stolen vehicles. As technology evolves, our police get trained for it. For example, eleven officers recently completed their FAA certification as drone operators, allowing the Village to have 24/7 capability in the event of an emergency, a search, event coverage, or to assist a neighboring suburb.

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

As an inner-ring suburb, we do not have much vacant land; our development is generally in-fill. We work with potential businesses to identify buildings and land for sale or lease. We provide reimbursement for façade improvements to buildings within the 95th St. TIF area. We have an efficient and streamlined licensing and permitting process so that businesses do not get bogged down in red tape as they go through construction or renovation.

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

At the right location, a dispensary would be a good addition to our retail mix. Municipalities should not be dependent on one business or type of business. Having a variety is important so that if there is a downturn in one sector or a business moves or closes the impact on the Village’s revenues is minimized. There are 50+ dispensaries in the suburbs; they have proven to be reliable additions to towns’ retail base.

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?

See above description of the Village survey.

What village policies do you feel need refreshing or sunsetting?

We were successful in sunsetting the Village vehicle stickers and will continue to look for ways to reduce costs for residents.

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

Municipal elections are held every two years; voters have the ability to make a change with each election.

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

No.

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

I am proud to be a long-time resident of Evergreen Park and to lead the Village. I have been very hard working in the past four years and open and accessible as Mayor. Residents can stop by Village Hall or call/email me with their concerns. They can (and do!) stop me to talk when I’m on a walk or at the grocery store or the library, or even working out. I truly enjoy connecting with people, and that’s what makes the job of Mayor so rewarding – you’re trying to help people every day. I believe that the voters approve of the job I am doing, and they believe the Village is on the right track. I humbly ask that they re-elect me to a second term.