Election 2025: Tinley Park District Board Candidate Lisa O’Donovan

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 O’Donovan

Campaign website:

Tinley Together

Town/village of residence:

Tinley Park

Position sought:

Park District Board of Comissioners

Party affiliation (if partisan race):

Nonpartisan

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

My husband and I are both educators who work in public school districts.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

This is my 18th year working in education, during which I have had the privilege of serving as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and instructional coach. I have a genuine passion for working with both students and teachers, and the greatest reward is witnessing the "lightbulb moments" when individuals of all ages learn new skills. Those moments of growth and understanding make every challenge worthwhile and continue to inspire my work every day.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Commissioner, Tinley Park Park District

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

Safe and Responsible Remediation of the Property Formerly known as the Tinley Park Mental Health Center

This property has been a hazardous eyesore in our community for far too long. We are proud to have secured the property, along with a $15 million state grant, to remediate the land. Through collaboration with the State of Illinois and our representatives, we have ensured that local tax funds will not be used to clean up this once state-owned land. Our team is second to none, including the former director of the EPA, a top environmental attorney, and consultants from Tetra Tech, who have been involved with this site since shortly after its closure. Additionally, we are working closely with other governmental agencies, including Cook County, OSHA, and the State Fire Marshal, to ensure that the remediation process is conducted in the safest manner possible to protect our local residents.

Expanding Park District Programs

The Tinley Park Park District has a wide variety of programs for people of all ages. My commitment is to continue to provide high-quality recreational programs while expanding these opportunities to ensure an inclusive and exceptional recreational experience that exceeds the expectations of people of all ages.

Rebuild the Partnership between the Village and the Park District

The partnership between the Village and the Park District has unfortunately been strained, leading to negative consequences for our residents. The discontinuation of agreements such as those for fuel and salt, as well as the relocation of the long-standing July 4th celebration, are just a few examples of how this breakdown has affected our community. The core mission of any government should be to work collaboratively for the benefit of its residents. Despite numerous efforts to engage with the Village, it has become clear that they are unwilling to cooperate in good faith for the best interests of the residents of Tinley Park. Our community needs elected officials who are ready to set aside personal differences and work together for the greater good. I am committed to working with all elected officials to ensure that we are moving forward in a way that benefits all Tinley Park residents.

Maintaining and Improving Current Park District Facilities and Park

The Park District has made significant strides in renovating and updating our facilities and parks to ensure they remain inclusive and relevant to the needs of our residents. Through efforts such as securing grants, including the OSLAD grant, we are able to maximize funding and create exceptional recreational spaces. A recent example of this success is the renovation of Buedingen Park, located at 8550 167th Street. It is truly rewarding to see our parks filled with residents enjoying themselves, their laughter and smiles a testament to the impact of these improvements. I am committed to continuing these efforts to upgrade our parks and facilities and enhance the overall experience for users of all ages.

Fiscal Responsibility

Over the past two years, the Park District has successfully maintained a 0% tax levy for our residents. We have dedicated ourselves to enhancing our facilities and programs without imposing additional costs on the community. I remain committed to continuing this approach by prioritizing fiscal responsibility while enhancing the experiences we offer.

As a lifelong Tinley Park resident, I understand the importance of fostering a strong, connected community. As a mother of three young children, I live and breathe the Park District programs daily. Being an actively involved resident, I can personally experience what is working and where improvements are needed. I am out in the community, listening to the needs and desires of our residents regarding parks and recreation.

I do not personally know any of the three candidates running against me and the other incumbents, so I cannot speak to their intentions. However, I have not seen them present at Park District meetings, including board meetings, Remediate 280 meetings, or community forum events. Additionally, I have not seen them at any of the events or programs I have attended, nor have I heard about their plans or ideas for improving our Park District.

I believe that in order to make a meaningful impact, one must be present to fully understand the experiences of our residents, engage with patrons and employees to identify both successes and challenges, and maintain an open line of communication with all stakeholders. This is the approach I bring to my current role and my continued commitment moving forward.

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

I am the incumbent.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Community Collaboration and Unity

Recreation and Wellness for All Ages
Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainable Growth
Transparency and Accountability
Public Safety and Support for First Responders

Let's work together to ensure Tinley Park remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family

With 18 years of experience in the education field, I have had the privilege of working with people of all ages. I hold a Master's Degree in School Leadership, which has allowed me to develop strong leadership skills aimed at improving student learning outcomes. Through my involvement in education, I have gained valuable insights that I can apply to the parks and recreation field, enhancing programming and ensuring that the diverse needs of our community are met.

Over the past four years as a Commissioner, I have worked collaboratively to improve facilities and parks, maintain a balanced budget with a 0% tax levy increase, and enhance programs for residents of all ages. Key accomplishments include securing the Mental Health Center property and a $15 million grant from the State for remediation, as well as securing several OSLAD grants to enhance parks such as Buedingen, Volunteer, and St. Boniface. These efforts reflect my ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for all Tinley Park residents.

Voters should trust me because I am deeply committed to our community and have a proven track record of delivering results. As a lifelong resident, I understand the unique needs of Tinley Park, and as a mother, I bring a personal, hands-on perspective to the issues that matter most. I’ve spent years building relationships, listening to residents, and working collaboratively to improve our parks and recreation programs without raising taxes.

I am also experienced in leadership, with a background in education and a Master's in School Leadership, which allows me to bring strategic thinking and effective collaboration to my work. I believe in transparency, open communication, and working together to address the concerns of all residents. You can trust that I will continue to advocate for what’s best for our community and ensure that we move forward in a positive direction.

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

The accomplishments that would make this term in office a success include the safe remediation of the Mental Health Center property, fostering a collaborative relationship between the Village, Park District, and the community, restoring cherished family traditions like the July 4th celebration, and continuing the improvement of our parks and facilities. These goals reflect my commitment to creating a safer, more vibrant, and inclusive community for all residents.

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

I believe in a fiscally responsible approach to managing taxpayer dollars. My priority is to maintain a balanced budget that ensures the efficient use of funds while minimizing the financial burden on residents. This means carefully evaluating every expense and seeking innovative solutions, such as securing grants, to fund necessary projects without raising taxes. By being strategic and resourceful, we can continue to enhance our community while safeguarding the financial well-being of our residents.

I believe in transparency and accountability when it comes to government spending. Taxpayer dollars should be used efficiently, with a clear focus on enhancing public services, improving facilities, and ensuring the community’s needs are met. This will ensure that we continue to provide high-quality services without compromising the financial stability of our community.

The safety of our community is a top priority, and I understand that concerns about crime, particularly violent crime, can impact residents' sense of security. While Tinley Park has historically been a safe place to live, we must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing crime.

The first step in addressing crime is to ensure that our first responders have the resources and support they need to effectively do their jobs. The fact that our police department has not received a pay increase or a new contract for over a year sends the wrong message—that as a community, we are not fully supporting the critical work they do every day. It’s essential that we provide our police officers with the tools, training, and equipment they need to keep our community safe, while also ensuring that they feel valued and supported.

By ensuring that our first responders are properly compensated and equipped, we send a strong message that we stand behind them. Additionally, fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the community is vital to building trust and collaboration. When our officers know that the community fully supports their work, they are better positioned to protect and serve us all.

To combat crime, we need a collaborative approach between local law enforcement, the community, and other organizations. Strengthening relationships with our police department and supporting initiatives like community policing can help increase visibility and trust between residents and officers.

Improving lighting in key areas, increasing surveillance in public spaces, and supporting neighborhood watch programs can also help reduce crime and make residents feel safer.
Ultimately, combating crime requires both proactive measures and a strong sense of community involvement, and I am committed to supporting these efforts to ensure that Tinley Park remains a safe place for all residents.

My view on the Village’s approach to commercial and residential development is that it should prioritize sustainable growth while preserving the character of our community. Development should be thoughtful and intentional, ensuring we meet the needs of our growing population while maintaining the quality of life that makes Tinley Park such a wonderful place to live. As a mom of three children, my hope is that one day they will choose to raise their families here too. With that in mind, the development we pursue should focus not only on financial stability for our residents but also on creating family-friendly spaces that will attract people of all ages to our community. We should aim to foster an environment where families, businesses, and residents can thrive together for generations to come.

Community input and collaboration with residents are crucial to ensure that development aligns with the needs and desires of the people who call Tinley Park home. I support growth that enhances our town while respecting the values that make it unique.

When it comes to development, there are several key areas for improvement or additions that I believe would be highly valued by residents.

More Family-Friendly Spaces: Many residents desire more parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces that are designed with families in mind. This would not only provide a safe and fun environment for children but also offer opportunities for family gatherings and outdoor activities. To make this happen, we would need to prioritize investments in our park district, seek out additional funding through grants or partnerships, and involve the community in planning these spaces to ensure they meet the needs of all age groups.

Public Sports and Recreation Programs for Adults: While there are great opportunities for children’s sports and recreational programs, adding more activities and leagues for adults, such as pickleball courts, could promote wellness across all age groups. These programs can be offered in local parks, recreation centers, and community spaces.

Expanded Public Safety Initiatives: In addition to improving resources for first responders, expanding public safety programs such as neighborhood watch, community policing initiatives, or crime prevention education could further reduce crime rates. Additionally, creating emergency preparedness programs to educate residents about handling natural disasters or other crises could make the community safer.

The key takeaway is that we can achieve these goals without raising taxes for our residents. By adopting a strategic, resourceful approach that emphasizes fiscal responsibility and collaboration, we can implement a variety of initiatives to enhance our community. Through securing state and federal grants, forming partnerships with the private sector and nonprofits, and optimizing existing resources, we can fund important projects without burdening taxpayers. Additionally, by exploring cost-saving measures, public-private investment opportunities, and user fees for specific services, we can continue to improve our community while maintaining financial stability. Working together and leveraging all available resources will ensure we move forward with the best interests of our residents in mind.

No.

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

As a lifelong Tinley Park resident and a mother of three, I have a personal investment in ensuring our community continues to thrive and be a great place for families to live, work, and grow. I am deeply committed to serving the needs of our community with integrity, transparency, and a clear focus on sustainable growth.

My approach is one of collaboration and listening. I believe that in order to make meaningful progress, it is essential to actively engage with residents, understand their concerns, and work together to find practical solutions. My background in education, leadership, and community involvement allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table—one that values both fiscal responsibility and the importance of creating opportunities for all members of our community.

Above all, my focus is on improving the quality of life for every resident without raising taxes. Through thoughtful planning, innovative partnerships, and efficient use of resources, we can continue to enhance our parks, facilities, and programs. I am dedicated to working in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that we build a stronger, more inclusive Tinley Park for today and for future generations.

I ask for your trust and support in this election, and together, we will work to continue moving our community forward.