Election 2025: Tinley Park District Board Candidate Lisa Butler

TINLEY PARK, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, with early voting underway and wrapping up March 31.

Three spots are up for grabs on the Tinley Park-Park District Board of Commissioners, with six candidates jockeying for the seats. Candidates align with slates led either by incumbent Mayor Michael Glotz, or challenger Michael Maloney.

Running under Glotz's One Tinley Park slate are Lisa Butler, Donald Sachnoff, and David J. Viglielmo

Incumbents Lisa O'Donovan, Marie Ryan, and Don Cuba are with Maloney's Tinley Together slate.

Patch provided a questionnaire for all candidates. Their responses are now published in candidate profiles.

Candidate:

Lisa Butler

Campaign website:

Tinley Park Better Together

Town/village of residence:

Tinley Park

Position sought:

Park District Board of Commissioners

Party affiliation (if partisan race):

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

(No answer provided.)

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I have over 20 years of working in healthcare and community service.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

N/A

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

Many challenges face our Park District - keeping crime low at our facilities, spending taxpayer funds responsibly, cleaning up the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, and putting together a great 4th of July fireworks celebration once again.

I recently led a meeting with the Mayor and the Village Board to discuss the return of the McCarthy Park fireworks. We unanimously agreed to host the fireworks there, allowing our unified command team — not politicians with vested interests — to make safety decisions. Our police and fire departments, along with the Park District staff, are exceptional and must be empowered to fulfill their roles effectively.

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

I was born and raised in Tinley Park, and I chose to raise my family here because I love this community. I am an independent thinker - the only consideration that will affect my decisions will be whatever is best for our residents and for our Park District. The residents elect the Park District commissioners to represent them, so I will not allow local state legislators dictate my actions, unlike some other candidates.

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

I love our Park District. That's why I'm so upset that some of our current Park District commissioners are letting politics get in the way of progress. The Park District staff are my friends and fellow residents - we can't allow them to be mistreated like this, and I won't allow that to happen again when I'm on the Board. The politicians on the Park District right now are failing Tinley Park by allowing political interference to distract from the mission of responsibly and fairly governing our Park District without fear or favor.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I have heard from multiple residents that the dog park has issues, so I will be working with my fellow Park District commissioners and the residents to address the problems directly and identify solutions immediately.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I proudly serve as a Commissioner on the Senior Services Commission, where I advocate for programs that support the well-being and engagement of Tinley Park’s senior community. My role highlights my commitment to creating inclusive opportunities that benefit residents across generations.

Why should voters trust you?

As a lifelong resident of Tinley Park, my neighbors and friends know how much I love Tinley Park and our Parks. It would be an absolute honor to volunteer my time as a commissioner.

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

I look forward to bringing back the fireworks to McCarthy Park, working alongside the rest of the Park District and the Village. In addition, I look forward to developing the 280 acres of land at the TPMHC in a way that benefits all residents.

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

Fiscal responsibility is one of my top priorities. I believe it is important for all public officials to recognize their responsibility to spend public money effectively, since our hardworking residents are the ones that pay taxes to the Village to fund our services. In this vein, I will commit to resisting unnecessary tax increases so that residents can keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.

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

Tinley Park is a safe, secure, great place to live, and it is only getting safer. This is due to the diligent efforts of our Village to invest in public safety.

What is your view of the Village's approach to commercial and residential development?

I fully support the Village's current support to development, led by Mayor Glotz and the Village Board and staff. Together, they have brought in over $500 million dollars in new development, which has allowed the Village to keep taxes low. Since the increased development has provided new opportunities for tax revenues, the Village has been able to provide improved services to Tinley Park residents without increasing taxes.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

I don't see any areas for improvement; the Village is doing a remarkable job, except I would like to see our Village and Park District working together on the TPMHC.

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

I have no intention of stepping down early.

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

I have spent my entire life in Tinley Park. Receiving the endorsement of former Mayor Ed Zabrocki is a significant achievement, and I am honored that he has confidence in my ability to carry on the work he began. I would be grateful for your trust and support in keeping Tinley Park a wonderful place to live. The Village was voted the Best Place To Live, Raise a Family, Best Downtown, and Best Mayor for the last two years.