Haytham Elyyan, 1st Ward Alderman, Palos Hills: 2025 Election

PALOS HILLS, IL — Challenger Haytham Elyyan is running for 1st Ward alderman for the City of Palos Hills in the April 1 election. Early voting runs from March 17 through March 31.

Your name:

Haytham Elyyan

Campaign Website

Facebook: Haytham Elyyan for: Palos Hills 1ST Ward Alderman

Office sought:

1ST Ward Alderman

Town/City of Residence:

City of Palos Hills

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

One of my older brothers has been with the Chicago Police Department since 2001 and currently serves as a Lieutenant.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I have been serving with the Park Forest Police Department since 2015, where I hold the rank of Sergeant. Prior to my tenure at Park Forest, I was employed as a Community Service Officer with both the Lincolnshire and Richton Park Police Departments.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

I have not held any offices prior.

The most pressing issues facing our board are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Transparency and resident engagement are two of the most pressing issues. I have several ideas that could significantly boost resident involvement. One of the first initiatives I would implement is the live streaming or recording of city council meetings. By making these meetings accessible online, residents could stay informed at their convenience. This would be especially beneficial for those with family obligations or for our senior residents, who may find it difficult to attend meetings in person due to transportation challenges.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I bring a wealth of experience from my work in various municipalities, and I am excited to contribute that knowledge to the community. I hold a Master's Degree in Public Safety Administration from Calumet College of St. Joseph, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I am ready to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the council, especially in areas where progress has seemed stagnant, and I am committed to driving meaningful change for our community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

As a challenger, I believe the current Alderman has not effectively addressed some needs of our residents. It can be something as simple as a tree that needs to be trimmed or how to address reckless driving in our neighborhoods. Throughout my campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many community members, and a recurring sentiment I’ve heard is that they feel unheard or overlooked when their concerns go unaddressed. If elected, I will make it my top priority to respond to the needs of our most important stakeholders—our residents. When a concern is raised, I will ensure it is given the attention it deserves. If I am unable to resolve the issue directly, I will guide residents to the appropriate resources and channels to ensure their voices are heard and acted upon.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I bring a combination of experience, dedication, and integrity to the table. With years of service in law enforcement and a strong educational background, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving with transparency and accountability. I believe in listening to residents' concerns, making informed decisions, and ensuring that their voices are heard. My track record reflects a deep respect for the values of honesty, fairness, and hard work, and I am fully dedicated to putting the needs of the community first.

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

If I win this position, the accomplishment that would define my success is fostering stronger community engagement and building trust between residents and local government. Specifically, I would consider it a success if I could implement initiatives that make city council meetings more accessible, increase transparency in decision-making, and ensure that all voices are heard, especially those of underrepresented groups. Creating a more connected, informed, and involved community would be my primary goal, as it lays the foundation for long-term positive change and progress.

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

My approach to fiscal policy and government spending is it starts responsibility, transparency, and efficiency. I believe that taxpayer dollars should be treated with the utmost care and respect. Every decision regarding spending must be justified with a clear benefit to the community, and resources should be allocated in a way that maximizes value for residents. I support a balanced approach where essential services are funded adequately, but wasteful spending is eliminated. It’s also important to regularly review budgets, seek cost-saving opportunities, and ensure that public funds are being used efficiently. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that every dollar spent contributes directly to improving the quality of life for residents, and that taxpayers feel confident in how their money is being managed.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — Palos Hills?

Crime is a reality in every community, no matter where you live. However, there is always more we can do to prevent crime and minimize its impact.
One of the most effective ways to reduce crime is by fostering trust and open communication between law enforcement and the community. Through community policing, we can build stronger, more collaborative relationships, allowing officers to work alongside residents to identify and address concerns before they escalate. It’s crucial that law enforcement is viewed as both a resource and a partner, not just a response to dialing 9-1-1.
Additionally, we must ensure our officers have the tools and technology they need to stay ahead of criminals. As crime evolves, our strategies and resources must adapt to meet new crime trends. By investing in innovative solutions, we can empower our officers to be more proactive in preventing crime before it happens.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

We need to continue to attract businesses that will provide both jobs and services to our community. That means creating an environment that is conducive to small business growth. When it comes to residential development, it’s essential to streamline the process for both prospective developers and current homeowners looking to improve or beautify their properties. Simplifying the permitting and approval processes can encourage development while ensuring that projects move forward in a timely and efficient manner. This will not only attract new developers but also empower existing homeowners to make improvements that enhance their properties and the overall community. By reducing unnecessary red tape, we can create a more welcoming environment for development and homeownership enhancements.

Should there be term limits on municipal boards? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe there should be term limits on municipal boards. Implementing term limits helps ensure fresh perspectives, encourages diversity of thought, and prevents any single individual or group from holding too much power for an extended period of time. It promotes a healthy rotation of leadership, which can bring in new ideas and innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of the community.
Term limits also foster greater accountability, as board members will know that they have a set period to make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive changes. Additionally, it opens up opportunities for more residents to get involved in local governance, creating a more inclusive and representative decision-making process.
While experience can be valuable, it’s important to keep a balance. By allowing for regular turnover, we prevent stagnation and ensure that our municipal boards remain responsive to the dynamic needs and desires of the community.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

If elected, I would intend to serve my entire term of office.

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

As a candidate, I believe it's important for voters to understand not only my, but the principles that drive my decisions. Above all, I am committed to integrity, striving to maintain transparency and accountability in all of my actions. For me, this means making decisions that prioritize the well-being of our community, without being swayed by special interests or political pressures.

I am also deeply focused on finding practical, collaborative solutions to the challenges we face. I believe that true progress happens when people come together to work through problems, not when we let differences tear us apart.

I want to be a leader who is accessible and empathetic, making sure that I hear from everyone. It’s essential that every voice is considered when making decisions that affect our city.
I want voters to know that above all, I am someone who will prioritize the people, work toward meaningful solutions, and strive for a future where all can thrive. If there are any specific questions about my positions or how I plan to approach issues, I’m always happy to discuss further.