Election 2025: Orland Township Highway Commissioner Candidate Tracy Sullivan

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.

Patch provided candidates with a questionnaire. Their answers are now published in candidate profiles.

Candidate:

Tracy Sullivan

Campaign website:

Orland Township United

Office sought:

Orland Township Highway Commissioner

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

Party affiliation:

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.

In 2024 I retired from a 27-year career as a Higher Education Administrator, managing staff, budgets, business services, fleet and procurement operations at Governors State University. While leading the Procurement Division, I was responsible for complex projects, strategic sourcing of all Procurement needs, construction bids, and resulting contracts. By applying "best practices" we were able to save time and money. I also enjoyed teaching as an adjunct professor of Marketing & Business at Moraine Valley Community College for over 20 years.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

I am currently elected to the Board of Trustees at Moraine Valley Community College and was previously appointed to the Business Enterprise Program Council of Illinois representing all of Higher Education

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

Our township has several pressing issues that require our focus: fighting unfair property tax increases, expanding service offerings for all families & senior groups, and improving community health programs. In addition, we need to ensure that tax payer are award of current township offerings including the amazing nurses closet and food pantry. Finally, feedback is so important, so we need to survey the community to identify other potential requests to identify potential additional Township services to consider. The results may identify new areas for consideration or change to improve the lives of all residents.

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

My entire career was filled with great opportunities to solve problems by listening to stakeholders, assessing options, working collaboratively and saving money. By planning, I have reduced timelines and costs of construction projects. Procurement Operations allowed me to network extensively and share "best practices".

What differentiates Tracy Maureen Sullivan from the other candidates? I work very hard, and am a goal driven leader who. Several colleagues recently noted how they wanted me "in their corner" because of my collaborative approach and willingness to listen to all perspectives while assessing options..

I have experience working with contractors, cost savings and construction and look forward to applying my knowledge to Orland Township and the Highway Department. At GSU I also managed service departments and the University's vehicle fleet. Planning for operations, asset replacements, and building projects were constant. I look forward to learning more about Orland Township and the Highway Department's operations.

I am retired and have the time, the energy and the passion to focus on improving Orland Township services as my primary focus.

The current Highway Commissioner (Antonio Rubino) has vastly improved operations including but not limited to: budgets, receiving grant funds and increased service offerings. He has succeeded by improving the Highway Department of Orland Township.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Our slate's campaign platform includes a commitment to keep property taxes low, continue to offer excellent services and add new programs to meet the needs of all community members of the township. We believe in transparency, responsible governance, fiscal stewardship, and enhancing the quality of life for all township residents

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

My career in Procurement proves how I can identify solutions, save time and money. I am very familiar with construction planning, implementation, and maintenance projects.

One of my accomplishments was a complex construction project that was stalled because of funding problems. I lead a team to meet with various agencies and oversight groups to reinstate the project, by testifying to several agencies to gain their approvals. Because of my work, the contracts were extended, the funding was approved and the science labs were bid and constructed prior to the fall term. Coordination was key to this success, and it was through communication, humor and a great network of resources that we were able to accomplish the task together. This was one of many examples. My "lifetime achievement award" from the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative recognized my high standards, ethics, integrity, process redesign, legislative work, and contributions to all of the Illinois Public University Procurement Operations.

Why should voters trust you?

I have always believed in giving my very best in everything I do, and that includes listening to and engaging with everyone. I am committed to meeting with all members of our community to hear their concerns—not as a political gesture, but because it is a fundamental part of who I am and how I was raised. Respect, inclusivity, and genuine dialogue have always been my values, and they will continue to guide me in serving our community. In addition to my character, my work experience and education have prepared me to lead and serve others. I love our communities and look forward to the opportunity to grow our township programs.

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

Great staff at the township and highway department do the work, we need leaders who are willing to work together, be transparent, and lead the entire township with integrity and pride. My top priority for the Highway Department will be assessing road maintenance and ensuring that infrastructure projects are strategically planned and budgeted. That way, when funding becomes available, we are ready to take action. I will also explore alternative funding sources in an effort to accelerate much-needed improvements.

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

Budgets are planned and must be managed. Procurement is an opportunity to competitively get quotes which reduce costs and timelines for projects. Township officials are trusted with taxpayer dollars and our responsibility as elected members is to be transparent. Approvals of contracts, discussions of plans, and decisions need to be documented, shared publicly and justified. We are responsible to use the tax money responsibly to meet the operational needs of the Township Services and programming offered. We need to be able to prove to the tax payers how money is spent in a clear manner.

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 first responders do amazing work, and I support them. I would ask the leaders of police/fire "how can our operation assist in ways that could positively impact your work?" As Township Highway Commissioner, I understand that maintaining safe roads plays a role in public safety, including crime prevention. Well-lit, well-maintained roads may help deter criminal activity and improve emergency response times. Collaboration with law enforcement and community leaders can help identify areas that need road improvements and enhanced safety measures. I will appreciate any input on how Orland Township can have an impact on existing crime reduction strategies.

I believe in a proactive approach—planning road improvements, ensuring proper signage and lighting, and working with the community to address concerns. By prioritizing infrastructure and safety, we can help create a more secure community for everyone.

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

I love Orland Park and want our commercial and residential properties to continue to grow and thrive. I look forward to learning from and working with the Village regarding plans for potential commercial and residential developments and changes when applicable Since the Township Highway Department is responsible for unincorporated Orland Park roadways, working collaboratively with the Village will be essential when planning and implementing infrastructure and development related projects.

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?

Residents in Orland Park, Orland Hills and Tinley Park want quality options for shopping, eating and entertainment. Building and renovation to businesses, residences and roadways is essential to the growth of the region. As Highway Commissioner of the Township, I look forward to meeting with and learning from each municipality that is included in Orland Township regarding development.

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 have lived in Orland Park nearly my entire life. From attending St. Michael's and Providence Catholic HS, I grew up in our community. Now that I am retired, I want to give back and serve Orland Township as an elected leader who will make a positive impact. As a leader, I am often regarded as the person “everyone wants in their corner” because of willingness to help others and my approach to cooperatively working together to plan and achieve goals. Thank you for your consideration, I hope I have earned your vote for Tracy Maureen Sullivan as the next Highway Commissioner of Orland Township.