2019 Elections Guide: William Brennan, Tinley Park 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: William Brennan

Age: 33

Position sought: Village of Tinley Park Trustee - Full Term

Party affiliation: One Tinley Park

Family: William 33, Lindsay 33, Aidan 13 8th grade Central Middle School, Owen 3, Rory 2

Education: Ingalls Memorial Hospital Paramedic Program (South Suburban College)

Occupation: State Farm Insurance Agent - 14 years Insurance experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: NA

Campaign Website: www.onetinleypark.com

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: NA

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: The most pressing issue facing our community is current redevelopment initiatives, such as the downtown district, the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, and the Harlem Avenue corridor. Due to public concern on current proposals seemingly being pursued.

Our downtown district is undoubtedly an asset and an economic engine for our community. Going door to door and speaking with residents some have expressed concern that we aren’t doing enough to attract and maintain small business in our community. As a trustee, I will make it a top priority to foster current relationships, build coalitions and reach out to key stakeholders in an effort to revitalize the downtown area.

Residents have also expressed concern that the recent proposals surrounding the mental health center property yield potential environmental conflicts. I would propose a full remediation of the property be performed at the states expense. I believe it is a top priority to collaborate with a master planner to ensure plans surrounding this area are implemented efficiently and effectively.

There are areas in the village that are not being utilized to their full potential as it pertains to additional revenue for the village such as the Harlem Ave corridor. Harlem Ave. presents great opportunity for the village to attract additional businesses because of the amount of space and parking available. If fortunate enough to sit on the board come May, I will reach out to key stakeholders, foster those relationships, and be a strong advocate on why they should choose Tinley as a friendly community to do business with

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I was born and raised here in Tinley Park and attended Tinley Park public schools. As I continue to live and grow here I want to ensure my kids continue thrive in a community like the one I grew up in. This includes strong schools, safe neighborhoods and the delivery of efficient municipal services.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board): I am a strong believer that whenever taxpayer money is being used, board members are obligated with ensuring that such money is being spent carefully, efficiently, and the most effective way. One of the main duties and obligations of the board is constructing, deliberating, and ultimately approving the budget set for the upcoming fiscal year. This process should also involve key public input as it relates to public monies. If elected trustee, I will work with my colleagues and residents to ensure the budgetary process is made with the upmost transparency and public dollars are spent wisely.

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? I am concerned that the current board pursued village contracts which did not present the best value compared to the alternatives. Such contracts include insurance coverage with higher premiums and lower coverage. Reiterating my response from question 19, I believe the money spent with the approved contract was not allocated carefully and efficiently. Additionally, the public has expressed this concern prior to some contracts being passed. If elected trustee, I will ensure all contracts are analyzed via a careful, cost-benefit approach, taking into consideration the cost of contracts, what the village will get in return, the impact of the contract on the village, and public comments and concerns.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: We are a campaign forged of three individuals that are concerned for all of Tinley Park. We all come from different parts of the town and different backgrounds. In effect, part of our main campaign message is that we want to unify the entire community, ensure that all key stakeholders have a seat at the table, and we provide a voice for all residents.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? If I am fortunately elected trustee, I will restore trust in the community, giving back a voice to the people, and ensure everyone is treated with respect. I would also like to see businesses thrive and new development choose Tinley Park as a business-friendly community.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career. Since I began my career as a small business owner and entrepreneur, I have made mistakes which I have turned into future successes. For example, when I first opened my agency in 2011, I made it a priority to spend thousands of dollars on marketing materials and lead generators. While some translated to future business opportunities, I had come to shortly realize that the costs were outweighing the benefits, and when you’re a small business owner, such costs add up quickly. I then needed to purse alternative measures in finding new business and ultimately turned my attention to good old fashion networking and relation building. I have found that the relationships I have made over the years have become more invaluable then any artificial leads purchased for $500-$1000 a month. Moral of the story: relationships matter and nothing can replace old fashioned, strong relationship building and networking when it comes to the success of running a small business. As a trustee, I will continue to build and foster relationships with the community and my fellow colleagues on the board.

Why should voters trust you? I have lived in Tinley Park my entire life. I have moved twice in my life and it’s been a total of about 15 blocks. I am the youngest of 8 children Thomas(Father) & Peg (Mother). 4 out of my 7 siblings in my family still reside in Tinley Park. My wife and I are raising our 3 sons in this community and we want to give them and all the residents a community that is inclusive and is somewhere you are proud to call home. This community is important to me and I feel I have an obligation to do my part and make my community the best it can possibly be.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I feel that as a business owner and entrepreneur I have many skills that will translate to success as village trustee. I believe the village should be run like a business with careful consideration of how all municipal funds are spent. I believe I have the relationship building and networking skills to connect with residents, businesses, developers and any others that look to connect with Tinley Park. Additionally, as a former paramedic in this town and I believe my background gives me a greater understanding of public safety especially compared to any other candidates. I understand how great of a responsibility our public safety personnel have and I admire the hard work they do on a daily basis. I believe I can bring real world experience to the board that can help bridge the gap between our public safety personnel and our elected officials.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? At the end of the day, voters will need to make a strong choice between a new and bright future or more of the same bad behavior we have seen from some of the board. I know I will be an independent voice for the people of Tinley Park and I will bring experience from multiple different aspects of small business ownership to public safety experience. I know our slate of candidates are honest, hardworking people that put people before politics. None of us have held elected office before and I can truly say that we are a team that exemplifies respect for every voter of Tinley Park whether we share the same view point or not. I believe we are the best choice for Tinley Park residents and I am humbly asking for your vote to ensure we bring respect, leadership, and unity back to our community.