Pekau, Dodge Contest Comes To A Head, Slates Face Off: Election 2025

ORLAND PARK, IL — Election Day is finally here, and voters will decide on several local races, including Orland Park mayor and village trustees. There are two mayoral candidates running, each with their own slates of candidates. The village board could come out looking differently.

Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau seeks to hang on to his seat, leading his slate, People Over Politics. He's joined by trustee candidates Sean Kampas, Carol McGury and Brian Riordan, along with clerk candidate Brian Gaspardo.

Challenger Jim Dodge attempts to unseat Pekau, leading his slate, Orland Park For All. He's joined by trustee candidates Dina M. Lawrence, John Lawler and Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, as well as Mary Ryan Norwell for clerk.

Patch offered a candidate survey to all candidates, and published their answers in candidate profiles. You'll find them linked below for the candidates who completed them.

People Over Politics

• Keith Pekau
• Sean Kampas
• Carol McGury
• Brian Riordan
• Brian Gaspardo

Orland Park For All

• Jim Dodge
• Dina Lawrence
• John Lawler
• Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad
• Mary Ryan Norwell

Voting April 1 marks the end to an election season rife with mudslinging, political attacks, robocalls, and a candidate "forum" that featured only one of two mayoral contenders.

In his questionnaire, Pekau called financial pressure due to the stagnation of the State of Illinois and Cook County one of the most pressing issues for the village.

"Both have poorly managed their funds and continue to pass legislation that puts a heavy burden of unfunded mandates on the village," Pekau wrote.

Find more of Pekau's answers.

He also notes infrastructure as a significant need, and says he will "continue improving the quality of life for our residents by delivering results, managing our finances properly and improving our roads and parks."

In his platform, Dodge stresses on his aim of "bringing back non-partisan/bi-partisan leadership to Village Hall and toughen our ethics laws."

He also seeks to improve services to residents across all departments like police, public works, building, recreation, etc.

Find more of Dodge's answers.

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Not sure of your polling place? Look it up here: Cook County | Will County