Election 2025: Orland Park Village Trustee Candidate Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad

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:

Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad

Campaign website:

Orland Park For All

Office sought:

Village of Orland Park Trustee

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

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.

I have been an attorney for thirty years both in government and private practice. I started my career in government as an Assistant State's Attorney in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office under Republican, Jack O'Malley.

Previous or current elected or appointed office.

I am currently the President of the Orland Park Public Library Board of Library Trustees

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

In the last eight years, the growth and community that residents of Orland Park enjoyed for so many years has been eroded and replaced with self serving and irresponsible leadership. The most pressing issues are: respect for the law, respect for residents, and responsible financial management. Elected officials work for the people who elect them, not for themselves.

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

I am committed to the well being of the residents of Orland Park. My terms as Orland Park Library Trustee show how I value responsible spending, transparency, and providing services to residents. The candidates on my slate, Orland Park For All, work as a team bringing in our different backgrounds, skills and knowledge. That is what we will do in office and all of it will be with a focus on doing our very best for Orland Park.

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

The current board has failed to make thoughtful decisions, follow the law, and make responsible financial choices on behalf of their constituents. Instead, they do whatever the current Mayor tells them to do, regardless of the harm to the people of Orland Park.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The Village Board sets the tone for the residents. The current Board sets a tone of divisiveness and refuses to take the time to respect and listen to Orland Park residents. I welcome opportunities to talk with people and answer questions. I will always treat residents with respect, hear their concerns, and do whatever is reasonably and realistically possible to provide what they ask for.

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

I began my first term on the Orland Park Library Board of Library Trustees during a time when the library was being inundated with pointless FOIA requests designed to harass and intimidate library employees and leadership. As FOIA officer, I worked with library administration to properly respond to lawful requests. I was President of the Board of Library Trustees during the COVID epidemic and worked with library administration and employees to keep them and the public safe, at the same time being the first library in the area to open and provide services to the public. The library administration and staff are top notch. As a result, the board's job is easy. I learned how important it is to hire and retain talented people who do their jobs well. There is full transparency. You can go on the web site and see the budget and how every penny is spent. Our board is comprised of people from different backgrounds with different beliefs. I learned how important it is to set a tone of neutrality so we could work as a team for the benefit of the library, its employees, and all library patrons.

Why should voters trust you?

I believe that being elected to office means that people trust me to represent their interests. I take that trust very seriously and make it a priority to maintain high standards of care to earn and keep that trust every day.

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

I want Orland Park to renew its spirit of community and growth and do away with divisiveness. We will not always agree, but we can always collaborate to achieve the best result. I would like to revive our theater and cultural arts programs. If I can accomplish building a cultural and performing arts building during my term, that would be the icing on the cake.

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

I do not believe the current administration has been fiscally responsible. For example, failure to file audits does not send a message of transparency and proper financial management. We cannot get anything done without proper financial planning and oversight. I will work to assess the best way to keep revenue coming in without putting undue financial burdens on residents. I will work to manage the funds available to put it to the best use for the benefit of residents of Orland Park.

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?

Our police department is currently understaffed and the environment created by the current administration makes it difficult to attract and retain good police officers. I will work to create a better work environment so that more police officers want to work in Orland Park. No place is completely free of crime. A well staffed police department will ensure that calls are responded to as quickly as possible by well trained police officers.

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

The Village is understaffed. It takes an unreasonably long time for final inspections to take place and for permits to be issued. A fully staffed office with knowledgeable employees will be a good start to providing services that attract developers and businesses.

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?

I believe a streamlined process with a fully staffed with professionals who know their job is what residents want.

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

No.

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

I believe in service to the community and will be a trustee who truly works for the benefit of Orland Park.