Election 2025: Orland Park Village Trustee Candidate John Lawler

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park residents in the thick of a contentious local election season are likely about ready to see it end. With the consolidated election set for April 1, early voting began March 17, and residents can make their picks for the village's next leaders.

Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau's People Over Politics slate will face off against mayoral challenger Jim Dodge's Orland Park for All.

Pekau is flanked by trustee candidates Sean Kampas, Carol McGury, and Brian Riordan, along with clerk candidate Brian Gaspardo.

Dodge leads his slate of trustee candidates Dina M. Lawrence, John Lawler and Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, as well as Mary Ryan Norwell for clerk.

Patch sent questionnaires to candidates, and their answers are now published in their candidate profiles. Early voting began March 17. Find out where and when you can vote ahead of April 1.

Candidate:

John Lawler

Campaign website:

Orland Park For All

Office sought:

Orland Park Village Trustee

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Orland Park For All

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Current occupation is Real Estate Development and Real Estate Appraisal (I am self-employed for 10 years). I also traded agricultural commodities at the CME for over 22 years(Self Employed).

Previous or current elected or appointed office.

I have never held office before

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

I think there are a handful of issues affecting Orland Park. 3 issues I would like to focus on are: improving services in our community, creating a walkable downtown, and improving communication throughout our community.

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

The biggest difference between me and my challengers is who they are supporting for Mayor. I know my opponents love their families and this community as well, unfortunately they are still backing the wrong mayor. Our current mayor has been here for 8 years, and he has failed to make good on many of his promises.

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

To expand on my previous answer, I believe the current mayor and board have failed to deliver. After 8 years, the mayor is running again for his 3rd term even though he campaigned on 2 terms. After 8 years, we do not have a walkable downtown; the sears store at the mall is still empty; the Rivera County Club is still empty and slowly becoming a blighted eye sore; I should also mention that The Village of New Lenox is building a state of the art athletic complex and Tinley Park has started to develop one as well, meanwhile some of our fields are still in terrible shape.

During the past 8 years, the current mayor and board have destroyed many intergovernmental relationships that are important for generating the funds we need and deserve. The mayor and the board have raised our taxes while overspending our tax dollars on Concert venues, Schussler field, and a gun range. Finally for 8 years our mayor and board have failed to listen to us (the Orland Park Residents) and to this point, I feel our community is more divisive than ever.

Other issues that I find concerning is the failure to file audits on time, transparency and the amount of taxpayer money that the current administration is spending trying to block FOIA request, and finally why do village employees feel so dissatisfied with the culture in our many different departments.

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

Obtaining my MBA, raising my family, succeeding in 2 careers, and volunteered my time to help organizations in my community thrive

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me for 3 things: People who know me would say I am Honest; I have integrity, and I work hard to achieve my goals.

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

My biggest accomplishment after serving would be a walkable downtown full of happy Orland Park residents enjoying their community together.

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

My view on Fiscal Policy is focused on spending our tax dollars wisely on services and amenities that will have the greatest impact on our community as whole. If our taxes are too high our home values will suffer, if our taxes are too low our services will suffer. It is important to manage the checkbook and make sure we find the right balance.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

I feel our village has not been transparent about crime in our community. As a trustee I will work with the board to improve working conditions for our officers, so our well-trained men and women won’t leave Orland Park for neighboring police departments. I think we need to evaluate the number of officers we have and determine if we have enough staff to deal with the number of calls they receive. I want to improve transparency, so people know what is really happening in our community. Finally, I want to hire more housing and compliance officers to make sure that rental properties are being regularly inspected, and our rental housing ordinances are being followed.

What is your view of the Village's approach to commercial and residential development?

When it comes to development, I think we have to look at our zoning and building codes to make sure what is built in Orland Park meets the needs and expectations our residents want in our community.

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?

Improve the speed of the permitting process. Make investments in the training of personal and project management tools. Residents shouldn't have to wait days, weeks, or months to fix a damaged roof or install a new deck or patio. Having the right staff with proper tools will speed up the process.

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

As of right now I cannot think of anything other than health or family that would prevent me from serving the residents of Orland Park

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

I like to have fun! I love college sports, arts, gardening, and enjoying a nice conversation over a cocktail with friends and neighbors.