2019 Elections Guide: John Curran, Tinley Trustee

TINLEY PARK, IL — Patch asked all candidates running for elected office in the April 2, 2019 municipal elections to participate in our voters guide. All submissions are voluntary. Those whose names are not listed chose not to respond or did not respond to requests for information. Responses are edited for style or space only.

Get to know your candidates:

Name: John Curran

Age: 64

Position sought: Trustee

Party affiliation: Concerned Citizens for Tinley Park

Family: Two children, Son 28 - Daughter 24

Education: Graduate of Harry S. Truman College

Occupation: Over 40 years in parks and recreation as Executive Director. Retired 2017, now consulting part time.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: Appointed Tinley Park Plan Commission 2017

Campaign Website: Concerned Citizens for Tinley Park

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: N/A

This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing. N/A

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: The clean up and development of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center land. I am currently working with state officials on getting the state of Illinois to clean up the property to EPA standards and acquire the land from the state. This property must be developed with the appropriate balance of commercial and residential construction that generates a positive tax base while providing plenty of open space for recreational use for Tinley Park residents. I support the current plan to develop a large senior over 55 ranch style housing development. This plan will have a very positive impact on our schools by creating tax revenue while adding a limited number of students to the school system. I will push for commercial development along Harlem and 183rd Street.

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Number one is experience and demonstrated commitment to the community. I have balanced multi million dollar budgets, completed major capital improvement projects on budget, and worked positively with schools, police, fire, and other local governments.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)? It is imperative that we have a balanced budget and manage taxpayer dollars with the utmost care. I look at each dollar spent as if it were coming out of my pocket, and understand the need to prioritize projects and develop long range plans to match funding sources.

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? I feel the current board is doing a good job. The budget is balanced, and we are working to bring more business to the community. There is one area that needs improvement. There needs to be a greater effort to work together and eliminate involving politics in the decision making.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Reducing crime. It is evident that crime is on the rise in the suburbs. I feel it is important for residents to feel safe in their home and out in their neighborhood. I support the plan that includes increasing the number of police officers to include more training based on "hot spotting" and community policing. I also support creating a long term master plan which will determine proper distribution of our first responders and determining whether our response times are adequate.

Developing Downtown Tinley Park is very important. Over the past years Oak Park Avenue has seen an influx of investment by commercial businesses and our Village. This must continue to ensure the historic feel of Downtown Tinley. I support that any new residential developments must be supplemented by a commercial business on the main level. Additionally I support redeveloping the entertainment area by the Oak Park Avenue Train Station.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? Success comes from cleaning up the Tinley Park Mental Health Center property and building a combined residential and commercial development that provides a solid tax base to the community. An increase in public safety with a reduction in crime while expanding downtown Tinley Park into a thriving residential and commercial entertainment area.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career. When I was young, one of my first construction projects I received approval over the phone that I had a permit and I could start construction. After starting construction I found the permit was approved, but not signed. I had to stop the job until I obtained a signed permit. It taught me always to get permits, approvals, and change orders in writing before moving forward.

Why should voters trust you? I have lived in Tinley Park for the past 28 years. I love Tinley Park and have always dedicated myself to make it a better community. My 21 years as Executive Director of the Park District demonstrates my commitment, trustworthiness, and ability to serve the community.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
During my 21 years with the Tinley Park-Park District I balanced multi million dollar budgets, completed large scale construction projects on time, worked as a collaborator with schools, police, fire, and other local governments to make Tinley Park a better place to live.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would like voters to know that when I vote on matters, I will always vote for what I think is best for Tinley Park.