Election 2025: Orland Township Trustee Candidate Michael Maratea

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:

Michael Maratea

Campaign website:

Orland Township Together

Office sought:

Orland Township Trustee

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

Party affiliation:

N/A

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.

Retired. Educator 34 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

D135 School Board 2013-21 Township Trustee 2021- present

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

Mental Health Services. 1st term I have started Mental Health Awareness nights with local vendors present. Plan if elected establishing a Mental Health Commission to help service all Orland Township residents.

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

I have a platform. Mental Health Commission and expansion of youth involvement ( dormant Youth committee now active) and scholarships. The other slates nothing specific.

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.

Expansion of food pantry, getting more Secretary of State services for our residents, help with modernizing Assessor office, and more senior events.

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

As D135 Board School Board member 2013-21 initiated 1-1 Technology program for all students, established full day kindergarten, maintained honors program, and as Finance Chair and VP kept district in the black with healthy fund balances. During 1st Township term attended most Township events, re-established Youth Commission, promoted Mental Health Awareness events and was visible.

Why should voters trust you?

I am very trustworthy never giving into any attempts to better myself and family by accepting one penny of taxpayer money other than my trustee salary. Have been an excellent steward of taxpayers’ money and being a staunch fiscal conservative.

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

Establishing the Mental Health Commission is my big end goal. The State does not seem to care very much so we need to provide for our Township residents at the local level.

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

As stated I am a fiscal conservative. We do not get much of the taxpayer pie. We do more with less because of volunteers and a great working relationship with our business community and their donations. We also get a great amount of donations from our residents. With all of this help we have been able to keep our tax levy flat the past 8 years.

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?

It has risen in the past 4 years with more outsiders coming into our village. They are bold and our great police dept has tried to keep them in check. They need to prosecute to the fullest those they arrest and not release them back in to the public with just a slap on the wrist. Hopefully this will change with a new tougher Cook County States Attorney.

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

Our village has brought in some new businesses but we have too many franchises and some just moved from one spot to another. Residential is slowing picking up but difficult with current high interest rates.

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?

Less TIF business and soon a solution to the Triangle. Also develop the I-80 corridor!!!! Interest rates need to come down!

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 am a man of my word and do not make promises I can not keep. Just a hard working blue collar guy. I would love the Villages of Orland Park, Orland Hills, and Tinley Park to stop the infighting and political gamesmanship and not have others impose their views onto the residents. That’s American freedom: Choice without interference. I hope to be your choice to return and finish my work.