2019 Orland Elections: People Over Politics Takes Trustee Seats

ORLAND PARK, IL — People Over Politics eked out a win for Orland Park trustee in a nail-biting election that toppled incumbent Carole Griffin Ruzich.

With 49 of 50 precincts reporting, the party declared victory Tuesday night. William Healy and Michael Milani led with the most votes. Cynthia Nelson Katsenes held a slim lead over Ruzich, who ran on the Orland Integrity Party slate.

No representatives from either party responded to requests for comment.

Six candidates from two parties candidates competed for three seats left open in part by two incumbents, Patricia Gira and Michael Carroll, who stepped down. It was a race marred by bitter political infighting, mysterious robocalls with unsubstantiated claims and forged documents intending to damage politicians' reputations.

SEE THE RESULTS

Mayor Keith Pekau's party, People Over Politics — made up of William R. Healy, who sits on the zoning board of appeals, along with newcomers Michael R. Milani and Cynthia Nelson Katsenes — toppled incumbent Ruzich, who ran with newcomers Kelly O'Brien and Devin Hodge on that slate.

In the race for District 135 school board, incumbents Linda Peckham-Dodge, Gregory Okon, Dave Shalabi and Tara Schreiber are also in neck-and-neck. Peckham-Dodge, Shalabi and Schreiber hold a slight lead with 41 of 43 precincts reporting.

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