Dodge Ousts Pekau In Orland Park Mayoral Race

ORLAND PARK, IL — With all precincts reporting, Jim Dodge has won the mayoral seat in Orland Park, toppling incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau.

Dodge and his Orland Park For All slate issued a statement declaring victory just after 8 p.m. Tuesday.

"This victory is not just about the vote,” said Dodge. “It’s about the people who have dedicated their time, energy, and hopes into making Orland Park a vibrant and welcoming place for all. I am deeply grateful for your trust and overwhelming support.”

Pekau conceded defeat and said he sent a text to congratulate Dodge, telling supporters, "I will move on and I will be just fine," and "I fought the fight," according to the Chicago Tribune.

Dodge's slate made an apparent sweep, locking in trustee candidates Dina M. Lawrence, John Lawler and Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, as well as Mary Ryan Norwell for clerk.

“This is the first day, or the onset, to a return to dignity where we will bring back respect, transparency, and civility to Orland Park. Together, we will breathe new life into our community, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Every resident deserves a government that listens and responds to their needs,” Dodge declared.

Check in here for vote totals as they come in. Results are unofficial until certified by county clerks.

As of 10 p.m.

Keith Pekau, People Over Politics

• Cook: 6,701 (45 of 45 precincts in)
• Will: 9

Jim Dodge, Orland Park For All

• Cook: 8,916
• Will: 22

Incumbent Pekau made a run to hang on to his seat for a third term, leading his slate People Over Politics. He was joined by trustee candidates Sean Kampas, Carol McGury and Brian Riordan, along with clerk candidate Brian Gaspardo.

Challenger Jim Dodge sought to unseat Pekau, leading his slate Orland Park For All. He was flanked 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 marked 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 noted infrastructure improvements 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 said he would seek 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