Redactions, Discipline, and Questions in Village Manager (Re)Hire

Earlier this month, the Village of Orland Park appointed George Koczwara as Village Manager. The decision was made during a Special Meeting—without the position being posted publicly and without any other candidates being considered.

The appointment came with little public discussion, minimal time for board review, and—by several trustees’ own admission—a lack of meaningful engagement with either the board or the community.

Just prior to the appointment, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Village to better understand Mr. Koczwara’s history in the role, including any disciplinary records or performance evaluations used to support the decision. The Village requested an extension before responding. When the documents were finally released, they raised more questions than answers.

Confirmed Discipline—But No Details

Among the released records was confirmation that Mr. Koczwara had been disciplined for “Inappropriate Behavior” during his previous tenure. The documentation shows he was required to complete two HR training courses within 21 days.

However, every detail explaining what occurred, who was involved, and how the issue was resolved was entirely redacted.

Under Illinois FOIA, disciplinary records are subject to public disclosure when a final action—such as a required corrective measure—has been taken. In this case, the completion of mandated training clearly indicates a final determination. The Public Access Counselor has consistently held in prior opinions that when discipline is issued—especially involving senior public officials—the public has a right to know the nature of the misconduct and the outcome.

Raises Without Transparency

Also included in the FOIA response were performance evaluations used to determine Mr. Koczwara’s salary increases.

Every single one was redacted in full.

These evaluations were the basis for decisions on taxpayer-funded compensation. The public has a right to understand how those decisions were made—and whether they were justified.

Notably, Mr. Koczwara received a raise of approximately $20,000 with this new contract—a significant increase approved without disclosure of the performance metrics or evaluations used to support it.

A Double Standard?

Police officers’ disciplinary records are routinely released under FOIA when final action has been taken. So why is the Village Manager, the highest-ranking administrative official in Orland Park, being treated differently?

Political Involvement—And Ethical Questions

Mr. Koczwara’s employment contract—both the current and previous versions—includes an ethics clause stating he may not:

“…endorse candidates, make financial contributions, sign or circulate petitions, or participate in fundraising activities for individuals seeking or holding elected office in the Village…”

Yet before his appointment, Mr. Koczwara was seen actively campaigning for the current Mayor, including attending a Polish-American civic event where political support was being visibly demonstrated.

Even if he was not yet under contract at the time, he is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), which holds members to strict standards of political neutrality.

From the ICMA Code of Ethics:

“Members shall refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Such activities include… participating in political campaigns on behalf of candidates for office in the community they serve.”

Even the appearance of political involvement is discouraged. In this case, the involvement was visible and direct.

What Else Was Withheld?

There is reason to believe this was not the only incident in Mr. Koczwara’s history. Based on timeline inconsistencies and references in prior conversations, there may be earlier disciplinary records that were not included in the FOIA response.

A formal appeal has been filed with the Public Access Counselor to challenge the Village’s redactions and omissions.

So We Ask:

• What exactly did Mr. Koczwara do that led to disciplinary action?
• Why are his performance evaluations hidden if they informed public compensation decisions?
• Why is the Village Manager’s record being treated differently than that of police officers?
• Did board members know about this complaint before voting to hire him?
• Why was there so little discussion or input from the public before such a critical decision?
• And why was someone who visibly supported the Mayor’s campaign chosen for a role that is supposed to be politically neutral?

Transparency is not a luxury—it is a requirement for good governance. And when public money and public trust are at stake, the Village owes its residents answers.