People Over Politics Candidate: Brian Riordan​

ORLAND PARK, IL — Meet Brian Riordan, the Village Trustee candidate running with the People Over Politics Party in the April 2021 Consolidated Elections. The election is April 6.

Riordan recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be found below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

Brian Riordan

Age (as of Election Day)
49

Town/City of Residence
Orland Park

Office sought
Trustee

Party Affiliation
People Over Politics

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
I served on the Cook County Sheriff’s Merit Board for about 13 years until about 2018. Since then I consult with them on discipline cases against employees/officers. About 20 hours a month billed hourly.

Education
Bachelor degree in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University Loyola University Chicago Law School. Completed the 10-course curriculum for a Master’s in Public Policy Administration at Northwestern University.

Occupation
Attorney

Campaign Website
https://people-op.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Appointed Cook County Sheriff’s Merit Board 2005-2018

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do
about it.

Recovering mentally, socially, financially, and physically from the pandemic is what the people of Orland Park want most. We now (and have for a while) know how to move forward safely. Kids need to get back to their activities, schools need to fully open, businesses need to be allowed to reopen, all of which can be done safely. Residents are suffering due to the unreasonable and non-data based restrictions. I would continue the efforts of Mayor Pekau on pushing for reopening, safely, so our residents can get their lives, livelihoods, and mental health back

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Not sure specifically what the other trustee candidate’s positions are, but the mayoral candidate they are running with wants to go back to the old way, political insider benefits, sweetheart deals for friends, spending the taxpayer's money at every turn. I support fiscal responsibility, investing in our roads, parks, smart and diversified economic development.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
Technically there are 3 seats now open as all three current trustees who would need to run are not running

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
Our campaign is about moving Orland Park forward, not returning to the old ways of doing things. We support total transparency in the actions taken by the village board. We all support our local businesses while also realizing we need to diversify some from the retail and restaurant engines that have supported our village for so long. None of us have a personal agenda or are endeavoring on this path of service to enrich ourselves, promote our selves or any business interest.

Why should voters trust you?
Trust is my business. Funny coming from a lawyer, but in reality it is. If I don’t deliver on my word to a judge, an opposing attorney, or my own client, I have no career. Much of what I say is either recorded or restated in written correspondence so I need to be honest and fair in my words and deeds. Also, I have worked for the same firm for 25 years, rising to the level of a Board Director. This happens when people trust what you say and you deliver on promises and keep your word.

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

Seeing Orland Park recover from the pandemic over the next year both financially and socially with the resumption of kids programs, the continuation of concerts, festivals, and other great activities that are offered. New businesses either expanding or opening up in Orland Park over the coming years especially additions outside the retail and restaurant arena.

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

As I indicated above conservative fiscal policy is a pillar of my platform. I fully support the current board and mayor's efforts to cut spending (while maintaining excellent service), reducing our debt loads, and reducing our taxes when feasible.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I support people being treated fairly and equally and 100% denounce any form of racism. I fully support the constitution and people’s rights to peacefully gather and protest. I also fully support the investigation, arrests, and prosecution of those that damage, vandalize, steal, and batter police and others.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I believe they have and have not seen nor heard any issues where the village has not acted fairly or treated any resident, visitor, business, or vendor equally.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

I believe the State of Illinois has over imposed restrictions almost from the beginning. I think kids should be in school, should be allowed to participate in their activities/sports, and that restaurants should be allowed to be open all of which can be done safely at this point. Those most vulnerable need to take extra precaution but we now know how it affects others and the restrictions are too severe.

I do not favor a mask mandate for all the reasons that were laid out clearly at the board meeting. Fining and potentially arresting people is egregious. There already is a mask mandate and overwhelmingly people are complying and businesses are reporting no issues with customers.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

Everyone should absolutely work together and political agendas need to be put aside. I think it’s started off a little rocky, but that is to be somewhat expected. Orland Park needs the State of Illinois and Cook County to step up and do the right thing and break from their normal gamesmanships, petty rivalries, and divides and move this process forward quickly and efficiently. Operation warp speed’s development of vaccines was done very well, but so far the rollout of administering vaccines has not gone smoothly and must pick up speed.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
No

The best advice ever shared with me was:
Listen more than you speak. You learn when you listen, you only are repeating what you know when you speak.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’ve been married for 18 years, have 4 children throughout the Orland Park schools, have been living here for about 10 years, and plan to be here for a long time. I think Orland Park is a great place to live and raise a family, has great people, businesses, and activities. I think those that work for Orland Park (public works, police, recreation, administration) are terrific and they take pride in making Orland Park what it is.