Election 2025: Orland Township Clerk Candidate Shannon Olson

ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — The consolidated election is April 1, and Orland Township leadership will inevitably see a shakeup.

Three separate slates will vie for Township spots including supervisor, clerk, highway commissioner, and trustee. Twelve candidates are jockeying for four trustee spots.

Incumbent Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady and his Orland Township Together slate includes clerk candidate Reem Odeh, highway commissioner candidate John Lynch (a current trustee), and trustee candidates Michael Maratea (incumbent), Kristin Hawksworth, Patrick Feldner (incumbent), and Marie Fuesel.

For the Orland Township United slate, current Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly tops the ticket as supervisor candidate, with incumbent clerk Cindy Murray, current highway commissioner Antonio Rubino for assessor, Tracy Sullivan for highway commissioner, and trustee candidates Michael Schofield, Lena Matariyeh, Danny Flores, and Kelly Metzger.

Several declared Republican candidates are trying for spots, as well. Appearing as Republican candidate for clerk is Shannon Olson. Competing for highway commissioner is Republican candidate William Brennan. Republican candidates Kenneth Duffy, Frank Williams, Kenneth Soltis, and Matthew Keane, Jr. will also contend for trustee spots.

Candidate:

Shannon Olson

Campaign website:

orlandtownshipgop.org

Office sought:

Orland Township Clerk

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

Party affiliation:

Republican

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 a nurse for 25 years. I currently work part time in a school in a non-nursing position.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

None.

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

Transparency and fiscal responsibility are important issues. I plan to accurately report on all of the township meetings and publish the minutes to the website in a timely manner.

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

Timeliness is of upmost importance to me. I will put township meeting minutes up on the township website as soon as possible after the meetings.

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

The current officeholder failed to put up meeting minutes for months after the township meetings. Citizens are unable to find out what happened at the meetings when the minutes are not posted.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Transparency is of utmost importance to me. As a citizen of Orland Township myself, I feel it is very important to know where my tax dollars are being spent. Meeting minutes are extremely important to keep the citizens informed.

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

As a nurse, it is extremely important to take copious, meticulous notes in order to keep the entire care staff informed of what is going on with the patient. I will bring those skills into the responsibility of township clerk.

Why should voters trust you?

They should trust me because I also live in the Township, and I want to know how and where my tax dollars are being spent also.

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

An accurate, timely reporting of meeting minutes will make my term a success. It is very important to me that everyone know what is going on in the township and that this information be easily found on the website.

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

As a township, we should not be spending money we do not have. It is important also, that we do not take more in taxes from citizens than is absolutely necessary to keep the roads and other things the township is responsible for, in good repair and working order.

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?

The police do a pretty good job of deterring crime and catching criminals.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

N/A

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?

N/A

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?

No answer provided.