Win Was 'Hard Fought,' New Oak Forest Mayor Ready For Challenges Ahead

OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest came out of the April 1 consolidated election with its first new mayor in nearly two decades.

First elected in 2009, current Mayor Hank Kuspa did not seek re-election. Three candidates fought for his spot—Donald Guisinger, James Hortsman, and Ken Keeler—with current 6th Ward Alderman Hortsman securing the most votes for the win.

Hortsman, who notches nearly 12 years in the aldermanic role, pitched himself to voters as conscientious and proactive. He pointed to successes of the City's current leadership, including bringing in Aldi, Logistical Warehouse, multi-use properties at 157th Street, the old Ace Hardware property, the new senior living facility, along with the Starbucks, Culvers, Sherwin Williams Paint and the Dollar Store.

"I speak the truth," Hortsman said in his Patch candidate questionnaire. "I know what stage we are currently at and how we can continue the process to keep the fluidity."

In a statement to Patch Wednesday, Hortsman said he believed voters connected strongly with his platform, and that gave him the advantage over his opposition.

"This campaign was a hard fought one," Hortsman said. "Each candidate has commendable qualities and ideas, and worked hard to get their messages out to the voters. As I shared my vision with residents, they often told me that my message was resonating with what they wanted to see happen. They wanted to be confident that I have the experience to move our city forward and the ability to make changes away from the current administration.

"Elections are so important, and I cannot fully express my gratitude to the voters of Oak Forest for coming out and supporting my candidacy for Mayor, and additionally share my true thanks to all of the folks that have supported me from the beginning in all of the ways that they did," his statement reads.

"... We now have to work together to ensure progress continues to build in our city. We must focus on the latest economic development projects that are going on in town—the construction of the multi-use facility at the old ACE Hardware store property and the new senior facility that has broken ground.

"I will be working with the team in City Hall to get out to have discussions with the residents to hear their concerns and needs. I have also already reached out to the Chamber of Commerce, who have been instrumental in working with Oak Forest to promote our town.

"I am hopeful that the next four years will be productive and prosperous, and that as your mayor, I can earn the respect and trust of the constituents I serve."

Hortsman also thanked his wife Donna and their family for their love and support. He and new aldermen in wards 2, 4, and 6 will be sworn in in May.