Orland Voters Split: 'Term Limits Are Needed' or 'Don't Vote Yes'

ORLAND PARK, IL — In the general election, Orland Park voters have the opportunity to decide whether they think village elected officials should be limited to three terms in office.

Currently, the Village of Orland Park has no term limits for elected officials. The referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot asks voters if the terms of office for the village president, village trustees and the village clerk should be limited to three, full four-year terms in the same office.

The question written on the ballot is presented as shown below:

Shall the terms of office for those persons elected to the offices of Village President, Village Trustee and Village Clerk in the Village of Orland Park at the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election and at each election for any of such offices thereafter, be limited such that no person so elected may serve more than three (3) full four (4) year terms in the same office?

Many voters already took to the polls to cast their ballots. Some residents say term limits are a good practice for the village.

"I think term limits are needed... our previous Mayor was in office too long and stopped making the hard decisions and let the trustees govern without much accountability," one resident said. "I think three terms are too long. Maybe one longer term instead (6 years)? One needs to look at all the potential loopholes and make sure they are addressed."

Other residents said term limits are not necessary.

"Term limits are for rich people only. Hardworking individuals won’t run. No job security. Don’t care if your republican or Democrat don’t vote for term limits, trust me on this. This will suppress the hardworking Americans," a resident said. "I don't want millionaires and billionaires as politicians. I want middle class people as politicians..."

The motion to place the referendum on the November 2020 ballot carried four to three at the Nov. 19, 2018, Board of Trustees meeting. With the Nov. 3 general election just weeks away, board members have different thoughts on the possibility of term limits.

Village officials did not unanimously vote for the referendum to be placed on the ballot. Some officials said the referendum "accomplishes nothing." Majority of officials voted in favor the question on the ballot, including Mayor Keith Pekau. See what officials had to say about term limits here.

The election will be held in voting precincts and polling places established by the County Clerks. To find your precinct, go to the Cook County Clerk's website and enter your information.