2019 Elections Guide: Cynthia Nelson Katsenes, Orland Trustee

ORLAND PARK, IL — Patch asked all candidates running for elected office in the April 2, 2019 municipal elections to participate in our voters guide. All submissions are voluntary. Those whose names are not listed chose not to respond or did not respond to requests for information. Responses are edited for style or space only.

Get to know your candidates:

Name: Cynthia Nelson Katsenes

Age: 55

Position sought: Orland Park Trustee

Party affiliation: People Over Politics

Family: Husband, Chris, and 2 daughters, Kristin and Katie

Education: Bachelor of Arts (with Honors) in Communications from Governors State University in 2007

Occupation: Real Estate Broker

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: Trustee for the Orland Fire Protection District from 2001-2007

Campaign Website: www.People-OP.com

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: NA

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: We must make Orland Park a model of fiscal responsibility. I will fight to cut spending so we can pay down our debt and lower taxes, especially property taxes. High property taxes in Orland Park stifle new businesses and keep families from calling Orland Park home. We should implement new technology to create efficiencies which will allow our local government to reduce expenses.

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? For the past 30 years, I have lived, raised my family, and worked here in Orland Park. To be a successful real estate broker, you must have a real understanding of the economic climate and of that community’s local government. I have seen why families chose to live in Orland Park and been able to articulate the state of our village to potential and new residents. I have also served as a Trustee for the Orland Fire Protection District for 6 years, ensuring that our Fire District had the resources necessary to keep our community safe. When I fight for lower taxes, spending cuts, and increasing economic development, I will be doing so from experience and from a knowledgeable perspective. Additionally, I’m not running for Trustee for my own political ambitions, it’s because I care about our community and want to put the people of Orland Park over politics.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board): Our local government’s spending and high taxes are some of the biggest issues Orland Park faces. If elected, I will be working hard to cut spending and lower taxes so we can make Orland Park an oasis of fiscal-responsibility. Our government should be implementing technology to create efficiencies, which will allow us to reduce expenses. Then, by cutting spending, we will be able to pay down our debt and lower taxes, starting with our ever-increasing property taxes.

I also believe that Orland Park residents’ tax dollars should not be going to fund our local elected officials pensions which is why I will refuse the lavish pension benefits. Our residents’ tax dollars should be going to important issues like our village’s debt or infrastructure, not lining our local leader’s pockets.

As Trustee, I will be a champion of fiscal-responsibility, cutting spending, and lower taxes.

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? One way the current officeholders, such as my opponents, have failed our community is by voting to increase the Mayor’s salary. I believe the position of Mayor should be part-time so we can invest parts of that salary back into our community. I will do better because I am not a political insider, I am not a career politician, and I am not seeking this position to further any political ambitions. I am running to put people over politics.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Besides cutting spending and lowering taxes, another main issue Orland Park faces is that our local leaders are more focused on political games and obstruction than working together for our community. Plain and simple, I will put people over politics. Our local leaders should be working cooperatively with all parties and all colleagues to put the community’s needs over their political ambitions. As someone who is not a career politician, I will bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the Village Board which is why I support term limits. Our local leaders should be serving the people of Orland Park and not themselves. I will help bring our village together and make Orland Park the community that our citizens expect.

We must also ensure we are creating jobs and opportunities for all Orland Park residents. If we don’t drive economic development, we will not have a healthy economy which would be a serious issue for our village. I will work to ensure our residents have good-paying jobs and that we are continuing to drive revenue for the village as opposed to increased taxes and fees. I will focus on developing the I-80 corridor and enhancing our downtown to increase business traffic in Orland Park. I also believe that responsibly investing in our infrastructure is very much needed to ensure our growth is sustainable and not increasing congestion for our residents.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? Economic development with employment opportunities with livable wages allowing residents to work and live in Orland Park. These opportunities would create a positive economic impact for other Orland Park businesses but more importantly, create positive affect on property values for all of our residents.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career. With age comes wisdom. Listen to your elders about their life experience and life suggestions. My mother-in-law had numerous saying, I think of them often now after her passing. As a younger person, you hear what elders are saying but do you really listen? The younger generation can learn a great deal from the older generation by listening and taking in the meaning of their words. The internet does not have all the answers!

Why should voters trust you? The key component assisting families selling and purchasing their largest asset, is trust. As a successful real estate broker for 25+ years, I have earned the trust of clients buying and selling real estate. Trust is a daily principle I conduct my life and business.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? As a Trustee for the Orland Fire Protection District for 6 years, I worked to ensure that our Fire District had the resources necessary to keep our community safe. My whole career has been focused on improving Orland Park. I know this community and the people that make Orland Park so special. We need people in this position that are doing it for the right reasons and have experience working in our community. I can proudly say that I fill both of those requirements which is why I am confident I can handle this job.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? As a successful real estate broker in Orland Park for over 30 years, I understand the impact that property taxes and good government have on our property values and personal wealth. I have seen first-hand why people move their families to Orland Park and, more importantly, why they choose to stay. I am running for Trustee because I want to move our community forward for the sake of our residents. I understand the direct correlation economic development and lower property taxes have on a successful village, and I want to bring my experience and knowledge to better Orland Park.