Election 2025: Orland Township Highway Commissioner Candidate John Lynch

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:

John Lynch

Campaign website:

Orland Township Together

Office sought:

Orland Township Highway Commissioner

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

Party affiliation:

Orland Township Together

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.

Business Owner, Skilled Tradesman, and Public Servant – 40+ years in Construction & Infrastructure. Over 40 years of experience in construction, masonry, infrastructure development, and project management. Co-founder and owner of Lally Bros. Masonry, a business that has grown from 3 to over 60 union workers. I have worked across multiple trades, mastered roadwork, heavy machinery operation, blueprint reading, drainage systems, snow and ice removal logistics, and municipal infrastructure projects.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

• Orland Township Trustee (2015-Present) – Appointed by Supervisor Paul O’Grady in 2015, re-elected twice.

• Chairman of Youth & Family Services – Oversaw community programs that support Orland’s families, youth, and seniors.

• Finance Chairman of Orland Township – Helped oversee responsible budgeting and fiscal policies to keep taxes low while expanding services.

• Board Member, Orland Township Scholarship Foundation – Helped raise over $300,000 in scholarships for local students.

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

Key Issues & My Plan to Address Them

The most pressing issues facing our township are maintaining and improving our infrastructure, road safety, and winter storm preparedness.

Here’s my plan:

✅ Improve Road Maintenance & Repairs: As a construction expert, I know firsthand how to efficiently manage road repairs, resurfacing, and pothole prevention. I will use my experience to make sure Orland Township roads remain safe, durable, and well-maintained year-round.

✅ Enhance Snow & Ice Removal Operations: With my experience in heavy machinery operation and snow removal logistics, I will ensure faster, more effective plowing and salting operations to keep roads clear and safe for residents during winter storms.

✅ Stormwater Management & Flood Prevention: Poor drainage leads to flooding and costly road damage. I will implement preventative measures, including improved drainage systems, to reduce flooding risks and ensure long-term infrastructure durability.

✅ Fiscal Responsibility & Efficient Budgeting: I have managed large-scale infrastructure projects while keeping costs down. As Highway Commissioner, I will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on the right projects, not wasted on unnecessary expenses.

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

Key Differences Between Me & My Opponent

✔ Experience Matters. I bring 40+ years of hands-on infrastructure experience, managing roads, construction, drainage systems, and winter road operations. My opponent does not have this level of experience.

✔ Proven Leadership. As an Orland Township Trustee, I have worked alongside Supervisor Paul O’Grady to improve services without raising taxes. My opponents have no such track record.

✔ Commitment to Community. I have spent decades serving Orland Township residents, whether through infrastructure improvements, senior programs, youth initiatives, or financial oversight. I understand what Orland needs and how to get things done.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Other Issues Defining My Campaign

• Keeping Taxes Low: Orland Township has kept its tax levy flat for eight years straight, and I will continue that responsible fiscal approach in the Highway Department.

• Safer Roads for All Residents: I will advocate for better signage, traffic flow improvements, and pedestrian safety initiatives.

• Infrastructure Upgrades Without Wasteful Spending: I will prioritize repairs that have long-term benefits rather than short-term fixes.

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

As I mentioned, I bring 40+ years of hands-on infrastructure experience, managing roads, construction, drainage systems, and winter road operations. I have spent decades serving Orland Township residents, whether through infrastructure improvements, senior programs, youth initiatives, or financial oversight. I understand what Orland needs and how to get things done.

Why should voters trust you?

I have already earned the trust of Orland Township residents as a Trustee for nearly a decade. My proven leadership, infrastructure expertise, and dedication to this community make me uniquely qualified for this position.

I am not a career politician—I am a skilled tradesman, business owner, and public servant who understands how to get things done efficiently and cost-effectively. I have been working for you, and now I am ready to do even more as your Highway Commissioner.

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

What Would Make My Term a Success?

🏆 Faster, more efficient road repairs and maintenance.

🏆 A well-managed winter operations plan to ensure safer roads.

🏆 Keeping taxes low while improving township infrastructure.

🏆 A township-wide flood prevention and stormwater management strategy.

🏆 Building trust by making township operations more transparent and accountable.

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

Fiscal Policy & Handling Taxpayer Dollars

• I believe in responsible spending—making sure every dollar is used wisely.
• I will maximize efficiency in infrastructure spending, avoiding wasteful projects.
• I will ensure competitive bidding processes for roadwork and infrastructure projects, keeping costs low.
• No unnecessary tax hikes—we will make smart investments without burdening residents.

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?While crime is not directly under the Highway Commissioner’s role, safer roads mean safer communities. I will work with local law enforcement to improve street lighting, maintain clear roads for emergency vehicles, and ensure that public infrastructure supports crime prevention efforts.

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

I support smart development that enhances Orland Township’s residents and business community's quality of life.

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 support smart development that enhances Orland Township’s quality of life. This includes:

✔ Improving public transportation access in coordination with township services.

✔ Upgrading roads to meet modern safety standards.

✔ Ensuring township infrastructure keeps up with growing residential & commercial needs.

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

Yes—100%. I am fully committed to serving all four years and will dedicate my time, expertise, and effort to improving Orland Township’s infrastructure.

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

Orland Township—you know me. You have trusted me as your Trustee for nearly a decade, and now, I’m ready to step up and lead the Highway Department with the same dedication and expertise.

🚧 I have the real-world experience needed to manage road repairs, improve winter operations, and upgrade our infrastructure—without raising taxes.

🚧 This isn’t just a job to me; this is my home, my community, and I take this responsibility seriously.

🚧 On April 1st, vote for experience. Vote for proven leadership. Vote John Lynch, Punch #61 for Orland Township Highway Commissioner.

Thank you for your support!