Election 2013: Kathy Fenton

Campaign Info

• Position Sought: Orland Park Village Board
• Website: www.firstorland.com
• Email:
• Phone:
• Hometown: Orland Park

Personal Info

• Family: Matthew, son; Amy, daughter
• Education: Illinois State University 1973, BS/Speech Pathology, Master Hrs. for LDR, LD, EC, K-9
• Occupation: Speech Pathologist, District #130
• Political Party Affiliation: First Orland Party

Candidate Questions

Why are you seeking office?

I am seeking re-election because I can offer firsthand municipal government experience and years of knowing what people want in their community. I have greatly enjoyed being able to serve and help the people of Orland Park. I have a great appreciation for the wonderful sense of community that we enjoy and it has been my honor to serve the residents who call Orland Park home. I welcome an opportunity to continue the work that we've started as we continue to carefully guide Orland Park to its very exciting future.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My single most important priority will be to continue to meet the special responsibility we have to being fiscally responsible and accountable to village taxpayers. Spending their tax dollars wisely.

What sets you apart from other candidates? 

It’s not what sets me apart from other candidates but how we all work together for one common goal, what’s best for Orland Park and all of its residents. I am a mom and a teacher. I was a wife and my husband was a small business owner, and I can appreciate the concerns of not only the residents of our community but also the business owners, especially the small business owners. I also believe our community needs to remember its roots and that is why I will continue to bring events such as the Farmers Market, the Garden Walk, the holiday decorating contest, to name a few, to Orland Park.

Mayor Dan McLaughlin has spoken previously on the importance of fostering Orland Park as a retail hub. Should the village also work to diversify its tax base through other types of businesses, and what types would you suggest? Why or why not?

The village’s strong commercial base supports the economic base for the village, enabling additional investments in our neighborhoods without burdening the taxpayers. However, we must continue our efforts to pursue corporate office developments in the village’s I-80 Corridor, showcasing Orland Park and all the community has to offer.

Construction has begun on the Main Street Triangle. With units within the Ninety 7 Fifty apartment complex soon to be opened, what else should be built or established within the triangle area to ensure the extensive investment will be worthwhile?

The Main Street Triangle is designed as a mixed use "walkable" community. Therefore it is very important for the residents to be able to access businesses that will enhance their life styles. Commercial, office, and entertainment uses along with the residential portion of the project will continue to make this project a success.

How do you propose keeping a tighter budget that doesn’t burden taxpayers, while keeping Orland Park accessible, competitive and desirable?

Through a continuation of fiscal responsibility and planning which we currently employ. Maintaining our outstanding AA+ bond rating.

Can anything else be done to help residents with costs other than the property tax rebate?

The village has offered the Electric Aggregation program to its residents, which will provide approximately a savings of $350 per household per year. We have also introduced our Water Conservation program, which will also save residents money on their water bills if they choose to participate.

Recently the village was able to sell off part of the debt obligation for the Ninety 7 Fifty project. How else can the village work to reduce this debt?

The village recently sold bonds to fund the Ninety 7 Fifty project. The village will share in the success of the project specifically the redevelopment agreement with the developer, which calls for excess NOI (net operating income) to be shared with the village. The revenue stream will be applied towards the debt.

Would you support term limits for trustees and the mayor? Why or why not?

Currently we do have term limits and all voters determine our limit when they vote. We've been pleased and proud to have so many of our neighbors and village residents express their support over the years for our record of sound fiscal management and providing policies that have maintained and enhanced the high quality of life we all enjoy.

What are your thoughts on the village’s use of TIF districts? Has the village used them effectively? Why or why not? Would you do anything differently with TIF?

The best example of a successful TIF project is Orland Park Place. I would use that as a model if a TIF project was necessary in the future.

Have you ever been charged with a crime? Were you convicted? If yes, please say what the charge was, and what was the case's outcome as it stands.

No.

Are there any candidates in other races you would like to endorse here?

First Orland Party.

Read about other candidates running for the Orland Park Village Board in the April 2013 election.