William Lorenz, Candidate For Mayor Of Evergreen Park: Election 2025

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Challenger William Lorenz is running with the EP Community Party for the office of mayor of the Village of Evergreen Park in the April 1 election. Early voting begins March 17.

Your name

William E. Lorenz

Campaign Website

EP Community Party

Office sought

Mayor of Evergreen Park

Town/City of Residence

Village of Evergreen Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

EP 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.

My son works at the Evergreen Park Fire Department and Evergreen Park Public Works Department

Occupation. Please include years of experience

Retired Public Works Director, State Certified Plumbing Inspector, State Certified Water Plant Operator, and State Certified Firefighter II 47 years of experience.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Public Works Director- appointed for 27 consecutive years.

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

Evergreen Park needs a mayor that is fully committed to the job and to running a fully transparent village. If elected, this would be my only and full-time job. As a former public servant, I understand and value transparent government and decision-making, and I am committed to ensuring that policies and decisions would be made and executed with full transparency.

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

Having served as EP’s Public Works Director for 27 years, I have a deep understanding of infrastructure development, maintenance and crisis management. I am confident that my experience not only overseeing critical infrastructure but also community development, managing budgets, staff, resources, and securing grants has given me the experience necessary to take on the leadership role of Mayor of Evergreen Park.

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

The current Mayor has not addressed issues regarding street rehabilitation, traffic safety, trash and rodent infestations and has not taken steps to ensure EP is prioritizing energy-efficient and cost saving initiatives. These are all issues I plan to take on immediately and ensure that EP not only runs effectively and safely but is investing in technology and developments that will yield cost-savings for our community and taxpayers.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

In addition to prioritizing safety and efficient infrastructure, I am deeply committed to community development . When I served as Public Works Director I had the opportunity to oversee key developments in Evergreen Park including the Community Center, the James J. Sexton Park, and Urban Barn and multiple shopping centers. I know how important it is to attract quality businesses and to develop and invest in our public spaces, including parks and community centers. I also intend to focus on improving our Lead Service Line Replacement program to reduce the cost and make it more accessible to our residents by eliminating the current upfront cost of $ 2,000.

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

For the past 27 years, I have worked side by side with three mayors as a Public Works Director. I also facilitated communications between Police, Fire, and Recreation Departments for the betterment of the Village.

A few of my accomplishments that are evidence that I can handle the job as Mayor are as follows:

1. Maintained a respectable communication level with Union and management and employees.
2. I managed a yearly budget of 10 million and always had a surplus of $300,000 - $ 400,000.
3. Project manager for New Fire Station
4. Project manager for new 13 acer Yukich Field park
5. Project manager for Village Hall Remodel
6. Project manager for New Water pump station
7. Project manager for new retail development at 91st and Western Ave.
8. Project manager for the New Little Company of Mary hospital (2010-2012)
9. Project manager for the demolition of the old Little Company of Mary 9 story hospital.
10. Project manager for the new Evergreen Plaza 95th Street & Western Ave.
11. Project manager of the new Subaru dealership 95th & Utica Ave.
12. Project manager of new Town homes at 3200 block of 98th street
13. Project manager of the new 50 acer park 91st and California Ave.
14. Project manager of the new urban barn at 2700 W. 91st street.
15. Project manager of the new Sanitary Sewer Lift Station 9100 block of Richmond Ave.

Of my greatest accomplishments over the past 27 years was my ability to make the Evergreen Park residents and their concerns my number 1 priority!

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should Trust me because of my past 47 years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering loyalty to the Evergreen Park community.

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

I would feel a sense of accomplishment and success at the end of my term, if the residents of Evergreen Park are left with a safe place to live and raise their children, a balanced budget, and a government that is transparent and trustworthy!

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

My views on Fiscal responsibilities: During these challenging economic times, government spending should only be used when absolutely necessary! When operating a budget that’s fiscally responsible, we keep to the forefront of our minds that we are operating with taxpayer dollars, and we need to be respectful of how we spend our community’s taxpayer dollars.

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?

We have the top of the line police department from the police chief down to the foot patrol officers who are always protecting and serving the village residents and the public at large. I would work with the Police department and the village residents to create a safer environment for ALL. I would add a new team of officers to patrol the regional shopping districts in our village when the stores are open for businesses, and would make sure we are using up-to-date technology to keep crime down!

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

My views on commercial development in the village is positive! EP has regional retail shopping centers on the east side of the village. However, the west side of the village 95th Street Kedzie Ave. to Pulaski Rd. needs parking and lighting upgrades so that the small business can operate. Residential development is possible, by rehabbing or replacing old homes with new. But there isn’t much open land for large residential development. Our village is landlocked.

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

I would support a cannabis dispensary in a business district away from residential areas, schools and parks. I would set up a referendum to the citizens of Evergreen Park to see what their opinions and concerns were regarding this matter and if they were in favor or against the dispensary.

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?

The key areas for improvement in development are lighting and infrastructure. The Village will need to apply for grant funds to help fund these projects.

What village policies do you feel need refreshing or sunsetting?

The village policies that I would like to refresh are, Pensions and Healthcare for part-time trustees, and the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. I would remove old out of date ordinances and ensure that they are updated to current standards.

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

I agree to have term limits on municipal boards. However, I would like to have a referendum on the ballot and get the opinion of the residents of the village before making any decisions on changes. I favor term limits because it will bring fresh ideas and talent to the village government.

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

No, I will serve the Village of Evergreen Park residents as a full-time, full term Mayor to the best of my ability if elected.

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

I was born and raised in Evergreen Park by my parents who were pillars in the Evergreen Park community. I began my public service career to Evergreen Park in 1977 in both the Public Works and Fire Departments. I married, built a home, and raised my family here in Evergreen Park. For 47 years I was blessed to be able to serve this great community and go to a job I truly loved and worked hard at each and every day.

My goal is to continue my journey in life by serving the good people of Evergreen Park as their Mayor in 2025.

I would promise to be their best full-time, fully transparent, and full service Mayor of all time!
PLEASE VOTE ON APRIL 1. Thank-you all for your support!