Orland Township Supervisor And Slate File For April 2025 Election

ORLAND TOWNSHIP — Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady and his Orland Township Together slate filed for their spots on the ballot for the April 2025 election.

O'Grady is joined by clerk candidate Reem Odeh, highway commissioner candidate John Lynch, and trustee candidates Michael Maratea, Kristin Hawksworth, and Marie Fuesel.

An attorney and law firm owner, O'Grady has been Township supervisor since 2009. He founded the pet food pantry and established a pet-palooza fundraiser event to benefit it. He has served as president of the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation, which has raised over $300,000 to help local high school students pursue higher education.

"I still have the drive and desire to help those in our community that need a helping hand," O'Grady said in a release.

Trustee candidate Odeh is an attorney with experience in pro bono work for low-income families and seniors unable to navigate legal matters.

"It is vital that members of the community with the knowledge and resources to help others step up and run for public office," said Odeh. "It would be an honor to serve the Orland Township community assist the community at large tackle issues and concerns that are important to them.

"... I have seen the concern of our residents about property taxes, and I feel like it's time for me to step up to fight."

Incumbent trustee Patrick Feldner seeks another term. Feldner is owner of Defin.Net Solutions, an IT consulting firm he founded in 1999. In 2010, he established CAIRS Solutions, a software and service provider focused on adoption and foster care management, client marketing, and compliance management services.

Feldner has been an Orland Township resident for 28 years. His initiatives as trustee has included the property tax refund assistance program.

He is involved in coaching youth football and wrestling, dedicating his time to fostering the personal and athletic development of young people in the community. He also collaborates with various local services and community engagement programs to find solutions for adoption-related challenges.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue serving this wonderful community," Feldner said. "Together, we can ensure that Orland Township remains a great place to live and thrive."

A former Grissom Middle School teacher and longtime Andrew High School tennis coach, incumbent trustee Maratea focuses on increasing youth involvement, enhancing mental health support, and continuing the initiatives he previously championed, he said in a release.

As the current Chair of Youth and Family Services for Orland Township, he works to build connections between local youth and the resources available to them. Prior to his role as trustee, he served eight years on the District 135 School Board, including two years as vice president.

Maratea would also seek to create a Mental Health Commission, similar to those in other townships, to "ensure robust support for mental health initiatives in the Orland Township community."

For highway commissioner, Lynch would look to build on his experience and contributions as a trustee. He was first appointed as trustee in 2015 by Supervisor Paul O'Grady, and has since been re-elected for two terms.

Lynch co-founded and now owns Lally Bros. Masonry. He also served with the Local #9 electrical union. He has overseen township projects including development of the food pantry, renovation of Township offices to accommodate the Secretary of State facility, and improvement of parks, trails, and infastructure.

Trustee candidate and former public librarian Hawksworth has lived in Orland Park for eight years. Now retired, her volunteer contributions include serving as co-president of the Music Parents Association at Meadow Ridge and Century schools, volunteering at Century’s library, and supporting local organizations like Moms Demand Action and BeSmart for Kids.

"I have the time, energy and passion needed to serve as an informed and active trustee for Orland Township,” she said.

Trustee candidate Fuesel has been an Orland resident for 45 years. She would seek to implement and maintain special programs that are accessible and affordable. She has volunteered as a Brownie troop leader, lunch aide, and substitute teacher at Cardinal Bernardin Grade School. She also serves as a board member for the Andrew Weishar foundation, which provides financial assistance to families with adolescents and young adults battling cancer.

"I have deep roots here in Orland Park and understand the needs of our community," she said.