5 Vie For 2 Seats On Tinley Park District Board: Election 2023

TINLEY PARK, IL — As voters head to the polls Tuesday, two incumbents will seek to retain their seats on the Tinley Park-Park District Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner and board president Bernie O'Boyle joins Commissioner and board secretary Ashley Rubino on the Parks Over Politics slate. The pair goes up against newcomers Jeff Mech and Danny Flores on a slate. Candidate Joseph F. Jarzabkowski is listed as running independently of any slate.

At the forefront of voters'—and candidates'—minds this election season, remains the future of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center property, a coveted 280-acre parcel at a prime location at 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue, near I-80. Both the park district and Village have sought to acquire the property from the state, each with their own vision for the land. The competing bids have caused what's perceived as a rift between the two entities, drawing sharp criticism from residents. Local events have been impacted, with changes to hand-shake arrangements and intergovernmental agreements. Residents have called for transparency, peace-making and cooperation between the two bodies.

In a Patch questionnaire, candidate Mech said he found it "reasonable" for the park district to bid on the property as a sole entity.

"Whether Tinley Park residents like it or not, it appears the legislators in Springfield will have final say on how this land is developed," Mech wrote.

"I don't see the need for more concrete, asphalt, steel, and retail. We already have this on the other side of I-80. There needs to be a clear path for walkers and bikers to get safely across from 80th Avenue to Harlem. I support lots of green space and native tree planting."

If elected, Mech also said he would hope to improve local foliage with native tree planting, transition park district vehicles to electric to decrease emissions, and install solar panels at the park district's Bettenhausen Center.

Patch did not receive interest in completing its questionnaire from any other candidates.