Election 2025: Orland Township Trustee Candidate Patrick Feldner

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:

Patrick Feldner

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.

IT Business Owner, 26 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Current Elected

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

The most pressing issues facing our township are high property taxes and inconsistent property assessments, and this is what I intend to do about them:

I have already organized and successfully conducted the Tax Appealathon, a community-focused initiative that educated homeowners about the property tax assessment process. This event provided guidance, resources, and direct support to residents, empowering them to appeal unfair assessments and reduce their property tax burdens. Moving forward, I intend to build on this foundation by working closely with local officials to enhance transparency and fairness in property valuation throughout our township.

The critical differences between me and the other candidates seeking this post are rooted in my proven record of results, dedication to fiscal responsibility, innovative use of technology, and unwavering integrity.

As a Trustee of Orland Township, I have a tangible track record of fiscal discipline—successfully advocating balanced budgets, eliminating wasteful spending, and carefully managing taxpayer resources. My efforts, such as organizing the Tax Appealathon, demonstrate a proactive approach to directly benefit residents by helping reduce their tax burdens through education and advocacy.

I also stand apart in my commitment to innovation, especially through technology-driven initiatives designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and resident engagement.

Most importantly, I have consistently prioritized character and integrity, guided by a commitment to simply doing the right thing rather than what is politically expedient. This proven combination of experience, fiscal discipline, innovation, and ethical leadership clearly distinguishes me from others running for this office.

I am an incumbent

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Other issues that define our campaign platform include:

• Commitment to Fiscal Discipline and Responsibility: We have maintained a flat tax levy for eight years, demonstrating financial stability and reducing taxpayer burden, all while expanding essential township services.
• Senior Citizen Advocacy and Support: We have provided over 112,000 rides to seniors, enhancing their independence, successfully advocated for Real ID services locally, and continue fighting to introduce driving tests at our local Secretary of State facility.
• Innovation and Efficiency in Government: Our campaign prioritizes the use of technology to improve accessibility, responsiveness, and efficiency, making government services easier and more user-friendly for all residents.
• Compassionate Assistance for Community Members in Need: We actively operate a Food and Pet Pantry, ensuring individuals and families facing hardships, including their cherished pets, receive essential support.
• Protecting and Expanding Local Services: Our proactive leadership ensures continued investment and innovation in township services, always guided by the principle of doing the right thing for our community.

Accomplishments that demonstrate my capability for this position include my proven track record as Trustee of Orland Township, where I've shown consistent financial responsibility, expanded services without increasing the tax burden, and protected essential local resources. My extensive experience as an entrepreneur—owning and successfully operating two technology-based businesses—highlights my innovation, resourcefulness, and ability to effectively manage and implement modern technological solutions. Moreover, my personal commitment to integrity, compassion, and always doing what's right has consistently guided my decisions and leadership approach, ensuring that community interests remain our top priority.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have consistently delivered on my commitments to our township with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and genuine care. My proven track record as Trustee of Orland Township demonstrates tangible results—such as saving our local Secretary of State office, maintaining a flat tax levy for eight years while expanding vital services, and compassionately supporting residents in need through initiatives like our Food and Pet Pantry. My professional experience in owning and successfully operating two technology-based businesses highlights my ability to innovate and implement practical solutions that directly benefit our community. Above all, my character and decision-making have always been guided by integrity, honesty, and the fundamental principle of simply doing the right thing.

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

If I win this position, accomplishments that would define our term in office as a success include introducing new, innovative programs and initiatives to enhance our residents' lives:

• Launching a Mobile Township Service Unit: Bringing essential township services directly to neighborhoods, ensuring seniors and residents with limited mobility have convenient access to assistance.
• Creating a Local Business Support Network: Offering practical resources, networking opportunities, and guidance to help small businesses thrive, strengthening our local economy.
• Implementing an Emergency Preparedness and Safety Program: Educating and equipping residents with essential training and resources for effectively responding to local emergencies or disasters.
• Developing a Township Job and Career Resource Center: Working specifically in collaboration with the Cook County Workforce Development group to provide targeted employment assistance, career counseling, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation, ultimately improving job opportunities and economic stability for our residents.

Successfully delivering these initiatives would reflect proactive, compassionate leadership, directly benefiting residents and enriching our township.

My views on fiscal policy, government spending, and handling of taxpayer dollars are demonstrated clearly by my record in office. I've consistently delivered an "A" grade in transparency by an independent watch agency, proving my unwavering commitment to openness, clarity, and accountability in financial management. I've kept our township's tax levy flat for eight consecutive years while still expanding vital services, showcasing my disciplined approach to responsible budgeting and efficient resource use. My approach prioritizes transparency, eliminating wasteful spending, and ensuring residents always know exactly where and how their tax dollars are spent. My track record speaks volumes—responsible budgeting, transparent communication, and thoughtful management of every taxpayer dollar entrusted to our township.

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?

My thoughts on the crime rate in our community begin with the recognition that neither I nor anyone in the Township government directly controls the police forces serving the villages within our boundaries. However, we proactively enhance public safety through our Cook County Sheriff Hireback Program, specifically designed to patrol and protect the unincorporated areas of our township. This program significantly boosts visible law enforcement presence, contributing directly to community safety.

To further combat crime—particularly violent crime—I support continued collaboration and communication between residents, local law enforcement, and county resources, ensuring coordinated efforts and rapid responses. Additionally, investing in proactive initiatives such as community safety education, neighborhood watch support, and youth engagement programs can build a safer, more informed, and resilient community.

The Township is not responsible for commercial and residential development decisions, which are managed directly by our local municipalities. However, my personal view on these development efforts is that responsible growth must balance economic vitality with community well-being. Thoughtful planning should attract high-quality businesses, support economic stability, and enhance residential areas without compromising our community’s character. It’s important to proactively engage residents, listening carefully to their concerns and priorities, ensuring that development efforts align with long-term community goals, respect local neighborhoods, and avoid unnecessary burdens on infrastructure and taxpayers.

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?

While the Township does not directly control commercial or residential development—this responsibility lies with our local municipalities—my thoughts on areas residents most want improved or added include:

• Quality Commercial Development: Attracting and maintaining high-quality businesses that offer valuable services, create jobs, and positively impact our local economy without compromising neighborhood character. Achieving this involves fostering communication between municipalities, local businesses, and residents.
• Improved Infrastructure and Traffic Management: Enhancing road conditions, managing traffic effectively, and increasing pedestrian safety. Accomplishing these improvements requires advocating for strategic investments and continuous collaboration between municipalities and residents.
• Community-Centered Development: Preserving neighborhood integrity and ensuring future developments align with residents' expectations. Encouraging regular, transparent dialogue between municipal leaders, developers, and community members will help create informed, inclusive decisions.

These are the areas I believe residents value most, and I am committed to supporting efforts that prioritize thoughtful planning, community involvement, and responsible growth.

No, I would be fully committed to serving the position for the entire four-year term.

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

I would like voters to know that I'm deeply committed to serving our community with integrity, innovation, and compassion. As Trustee of Orland Township, I've consistently prioritized fiscal responsibility, transparency (earning an "A" rating for my entire tenure), and expanding critical services without increasing taxes. My personal and professional experiences—including owning successful technology-based businesses and creating the CAIRS systems, which support adoption and foster care—reflect my lifelong dedication to giving back and genuinely caring for my fellow community members. Being adopted myself has instilled in me a strong sense of gratitude and responsibility toward others.

My positions are guided by one simple principle: always doing what's right for residents and our community. I believe in open, responsive government that listens, innovates, and takes meaningful action to improve the lives of all our residents.