People Over Politics Candidate: Constantine 'Gus' Lekas

ORLAND PARK, IL — Meet Constantine 'Gus' Lekas, the Village Clerk candidate running with the People Over Politics Party in the April 2021 Consolidated Elections. The election is April 6.

Lekas 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.

Constantine “Gus” Lekas

Age (as of Election Day)

28

Town/City of Residence
Orland Park

Office sought
Village of Orland Park - Clerk

Party Affiliation
People Over Politics

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Education
Highschool – Carl Sandburg High School
Associate degree – Moraine Valley
Bachelor’s Degree – Lewis University (with honors)

Occupation
I am a manager at a local Public Accounting Firm in Orland Park. I currently work with clients from a range of industries including manufacturing, construction, food service, logistics, non-profit, and government.

Campaign Website
https://people-op.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
None.

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

We need to ensure that the board has the best interest of our citizens at the heart of every decision. We need to continue to focus on Orland Park’s economic development, cutting spending, and reducing our debt to avoid increasing taxes. I will ensure that there is open communication with the board members and make transparency from the board to the community a top priority.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have spent my career in the field of accountancy, which requires a high level of attention to detail and documentation.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
I strongly believe that maintaining transparency between the village board and its resident’s is the most important role of the clerk. I will make it my duty to ensure proper documentation and recording of the facts that occur at each meeting.

Why should voters trust you?
I am trusted by each of my clients on an ongoing basis to protect and secure their sensitive information.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
Having the village continue an upward momentum of success while maintaining civility and order within the boardroom.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
I am fiscally conservative and strongly believe that the success of any entity – be that government, non-profit, or business; boils down to the numbers and ability to stick to a balanced budget.

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?

Many political movements and organizations have had some members who have turned to violence, looting, and acts of destruction that crumble small businesses and innocent families’ livelihoods. These actions taint those who had honorable intentions to peacefully protest. To state that black lives matter is absolutely correct. But, the truth is that all lives matter regardless of race. No human life is more or less important than the other. The death of George Floyd, the shooting of Jacob Blake, and all other victims of every race due to excessive force by a few rogue police officers is unacceptable. I believe it is our American duty and right to peacefully protest when we see injustice playing out within our communities. However, defunding or disestablishing our police departments is not the answer.

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 that Orland Park has done a good job supporting racial equality and our town has a refreshing amount of diversity within the community and businesses.

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 that the national and local response to the coronavirus pandemic has been a series of learning curves. We are learning more and more each day about how this virus is affecting not only our citizens and community but also our small businesses. I believe that keeping the public informed about the science and the data that we are getting updated daily is crucial to getting our community back up and running. Citizens can use the data available to make responsible and informed decisions. Limiting our operations of businesses and restaurants is not the solution. Business owners are losing their livelihoods and struggling to stay afloat during this pandemic. Closing businesses causes a financial strain on our economy. Using common sense, such as washing our hands, wearing a mask when unable to appropriately social distance, and ensuring that individuals stay home when they are not feeling well, are all measures that citizens can take to mitigate the spread of this virus. I do not favor a local mask mandate. The state has already mandated masks, and the Orland Park community has been doing an exceptional job at doing their part to stop the spread.

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?

I agree with the plans I have seen for the distribution of the vaccine. Our healthcare workers and first responders must remain in good health to be able to take care of and protect our civilization. I believe the local governments should pre-plan distribution methods for dispersing the vaccines if they are called upon by the Department of Public Health.

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:

There are a series of quotes from my childhood that ring true with me to this day, including:
- Treat others how you wish to be treated
- Do good and good things will follow
- Why put off to tomorrow that which you can accomplish today
- You must be the change you wish to see

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

I am a family man. I always try to put my wife and children’s needs ahead of my own. My family is one of the main reasons why I decided to run for this position. I want to ensure that Orland Park remains an amazing place to raise a family and for my children to grow up. There is so much amazing history in this town, and I am grateful that my family has established our home here. I am open-minded and prefer to hear everyone’s side before making up my mind on a topic of discussion. I participated in the Sandburg marching band on the Drum line for all four years of high school and met some incredible individuals, including my wife. We are blessed with four
amazing children. I am a nerd. I have an unexplainable passion for numbers as they are a universal language based on undisputable facts. There is a certain beauty to every formula that balances and the data that numbers represent. When not at work, I typically enjoy gardening, nature walks with the family, and playing board games with my kids.