Election 2025: Tinley Park Mayoral Candidate Michael Maloney

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park residents in the thick of a quite contentious local election season are likely ready to see it end. With the consolidated election set for April 1, early voting started March 17, and residents can make their picks for the village's next leaders.

Incumbent Mayor Michael Glotz leads his One Tinley Park slate, joined by Village Clerk Nancy O'Connor and trustees William Brady, Dennis Mahoney and Colleen Sullivan.

Glotz's group goes up against Michael Maloney's Tinley Together slate, consisting of clerk candidate Cynthia “Cindy” O’Boyle and trustee candidates Melissa Sanfilippo, Eric Schmidt and Matthew Walsh.

Patch sent questionnaires to candidates, and their answers are now published in their candidate profiles. Early voting began March 17. Find out where and when you can vote ahead of April 1.

Candidate:

Michael Maloney

Campaign website:

Tinley Together

Office sought:

Mayor

Town/city of residence:

Tinley Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Non-Partisan

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

Daughter; Police Officer

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I am retired after a 40 year successful career in leadership, construction, and labor management. I previously served as President of Pipefitters Local Union #597, where I was responsible for over 10,000 active and retired members.

Additionally, I worked as a Construction Superintendent, overseeing 600 employees across two dual-unit nuclear power plants, and I managed $100 million in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance for Illinois' nuclear fleet of power plants.

My experience in leading large-scale projects, managing complex budgets, and overseeing major infrastructure improvements has prepared me to bring strong leadership, accountability, and real solutions to Tinley Park

Previous or current elected or appointed office.

None.

The most pressing issues facing Tinley Park are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Our community is built on hardworking families, strong neighborhoods, and a shared commitment to making Tinley Park a great place to live. But right now, many residents are feeling the strain of rising costs, public safety concerns, and a government that feels disconnected from the people it serves. It’s time for leadership that listens, brings people together, and puts residents first.

1. Providing Property Tax Relief
Property taxes have become a burden on families and homeowners, and the village has the means to provide relief. Instead of sitting on millions in reserves, we should be returning money to the people through a property tax rebate program, similar to what other municipalities have successfully implemented. Our community deserves leaders who prioritize fiscal responsibility and work to lower costs, not those who continue raising taxes while blaming others.

2. Fixing Water Bills & Fees
Beyond property taxes, residents have been hit with skyrocketing water bills and unexplained fees. Confusing billing practices, increased administrative charges, and lawsuits over faulty water meters have left families paying more while receiving no clear answers. This is unacceptable. The village needs a full audit of its water billing system to ensure that families aren’t being overcharged and that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.

3. Supporting Our Police & Keeping Families Safe
Public safety should never be a political issue. Our police officers work tirelessly to protect our families, yet they’ve gone 700 days without a pay raise and a year without a fair contract. Meanwhile, crime has risen, and multiple police chiefs have resigned, leaving our department understaffed and stretched too thin. Our officers need support, fair wages, and the resources to do their jobs effectively so that every family in Tinley Park feels safe in their home and community.

4. Restoring Trust & Bringing Our Community Together
One of the most concerning issues facing our town is division and broken relationships between local leaders and community organizations. Instead of working together, the current administration has canceled cherished events, cut partnerships with the Park District, and put politics before people. Tinley Park is at its best when we come together as a community, and it’s time for leadership that builds bridges, not walls.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more united Tinley Park—one that we are all proud to call home.

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

I’m running for Mayor of Tinley Park because our town deserves leadership that unites, respects, and serves its residents. As a father, a leader, and a lifelong problem solver, I believe in bringing people together to find solutions, make responsible financial decisions, and create a thriving community for families and businesses alike.

Throughout my career, I have managed over 10,000 people, led one of Illinois’ most respected trades organizations, and overseen major infrastructure projects that power our state. I’ve worked to ensure safe, reliable energy for Illinois families and have helped shape public policy that prioritizes stability and cost-effectiveness. These experiences have reinforced my belief in collaboration, accountability, and putting people first—values I will bring to the office of mayor.

This election is about building a stronger, more connected Tinley Park. We need leadership that listens, fosters trust, and works toward a shared vision for the future. I’m ready to lead with experience, integrity, and a commitment to the people of Tinley Park. Together, we can move our community forward. I ask for your support to help make that happen.

Tinley Park is a wonderful place to live, but families deserve a local government that prioritizes their needs. Unfortunately, property taxes have continued to rise, while millions of dollars in reserves sit unused—funds that should be helping residents, not collecting dust. Instead of providing relief, families are paying more while receiving less.

The high cost of living is only part of the problem. Water bills have skyrocketed due to hidden administrative fees and frequent billing cycles that mask rate increases. At the same time, residents are left without clear answers on why these costs continue to climb. Families shouldn’t have to navigate confusion and uncertainty just to pay their bills—they deserve fair, transparent, and responsible financial management.

As a father and a leader who believes in accountability, I know that trust and transparency are the foundation of good government. Tinley Park families work hard to build their futures here, and they deserve leaders who will put them first, not politics. We need a fresh start—one that focuses on affordability, fairness, and responsible leadership. Together, we can make Tinley Park stronger for the next generation.

Strong communities are built on trust, respect, and working together. Unfortunately, too many relationships in Tinley Park have been broken—between local leaders, community organizations, and the very people who call this town home. Leadership isn’t about division; it’s about bringing people together, listening to concerns, and making decisions that benefit everyone.

The mayor should be a steady, supportive presence—someone residents can turn to, who listens, respects their concerns, and works toward solutions with fairness and integrity. Whether it’s restoring partnerships with the Park District, ensuring open communication with residents, or working side by side with our first responders and local businesses, we need leadership that brings people together, not drives them apart.

My commitment is to rebuild trust, restore collaboration, and make every resident feel valued. Tinley Park deserves a leader who puts families first, strengthens our sense of community, and leads with honesty and heart. That’s the kind of leadership I will bring.

Throughout my life, I have worked to bring people together, solve complex challenges, and make decisions that put families first. Leadership is about listening, understanding, and taking action that benefits the community as a whole. My experience has prepared me to serve as mayor, ensuring that Tinley Park remains a safe, strong, and welcoming place for all.

This town is more than just where we live—it’s where we build our futures, raise our families, and support our neighbors. I want to make sure Tinley Park remains affordable, vibrant, and filled with opportunity for generations to come. That means working together, fostering respect, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit everyone.

I’m ready to bring steady, experienced leadership to Tinley Park—prioritizing public safety, strengthening our neighborhoods, and ensuring our local government works for the people, not against them. Together, we can build a brighter future and keep Tinley Park a place we’re all proud to call home.

Voters should trust me because I have nothing to hide, nothing to gain, and every reason to serve this community with integrity. I’m not a career politician—I’m someone who cares deeply about the families, businesses, and future of Tinley Park. Like so many of you, I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, respects its residents, and puts their needs first.

Throughout my career, I have led with honesty, responsibility, and a commitment to doing things the right way. I have managed large teams, overseen major projects, and handled millions of dollars with transparency and accountability. I don’t make excuses—I solve problems. That is the kind of leadership I will bring to Tinley Park.

Right now, too many decisions are being made without the best interests of residents in mind. Property taxes have gone up while the village sits on millions of dollars, water bills continue to rise without clear explanations, and political games have taken priority over real solutions. Tinley Park deserves leaders who unite, not divide—leaders who put people over politics.

I’m not running for personal gain or political power—I’m running because I love this town and want to see it thrive. My only goal is to restore trust, bring back respect, and ensure Tinley Park is led with fairness, integrity, and real leadership. I will always put residents first—because that’s what leadership should be about.

If we’re elected, success means making Tinley Park a better place for our families to live, work, and grow—by rebating property taxes, cutting unnecessary fees, supporting our police, and bringing our community back together. As parents, homeowners, and neighbors, we know firsthand the challenges families here are facing.

1. Keeping More Money in Your Pocket

Raising a family is expensive enough without skyrocketing property taxes and higher water bills. The village is sitting on millions of dollars, yet instead of helping families, they’ve raised our taxes and tacked on hidden fees to our water bills. That’s not right. Success means fighting for a property tax rebate, cutting unfair fees, and making sure families can afford to stay in the community we love.

2. Keeping Our Families & Neighborhoods Safe

Every parent wants to know their kids are safe playing outside and that their home is protected. But crime is on the rise, and our police officers are overworked, underpaid, and stretched too thin. They haven’t had a raise in 700 days and have been without a contract for over a year. That’s not how you treat the men and women who keep us safe. Success means giving our officers the pay, support, and resources they need to protect our families and neighborhoods.

3. Bringing Back Community & Tradition

Tinley Park used to be a place where neighbors worked together, but this administration has divided our town instead of uniting it. They cut ties with the Tinley Park Park District, canceled the 4th of July fireworks, and played politics instead of putting our community first. Our kids deserve the same traditions we grew up with, and success means bringing people together again, restoring relationships, and making Tinley Park a place we can all be proud of.

4. A Town We’re Proud to Call Home

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing—a safe, affordable, and family-friendly Tinley Park. We’re not running for office to play politics; we’re running because we love this town and want the best for our families. If we work together, we can cut costs, restore trust, and make Tinley Park the best place to raise a family.

Fiscal responsibility means respecting the hard-earned money of Tinley Park residents and ensuring that every tax dollar is spent wisely. Just as families carefully budget, save, and plan for their future, our local government must do the same—with transparency, accountability, and a focus on benefiting the community.

For years, property taxes have risen while the village sits on millions in reserves, offering little relief to families. At the same time, water bills have increased due to hidden fees and confusing rate changes, leaving residents frustrated and without clear answers. Families shouldn’t have to pay more while getting less, and taxpayer dollars must be managed wisely and fairly.

If elected, I will push for property tax rebates to return surplus funds to residents, a full audit of village finances to eliminate wasteful spending, and lower fees by fixing Tinley Park’s water billing system to ensure fair and transparent pricing. Investments should prioritize public safety, infrastructure, and community improvements, not politics or unnecessary projects. Just as families make careful financial decisions, local leaders must do the same. Every financial choice should be made with the best interests of residents in mind, ensuring Tinley Park remains strong, affordable, and family-friendly for generations to come.

As a father, community leader, and longtime resident, I believe that every family deserves to feel safe in their own neighborhood. Parents should have peace of mind knowing that their children can play outside, ride their bikes, and walk to school without worry. Unfortunately, over the past four years, crime has increased significantly, putting a strain on both our residents and our police department.

According to the Tinley Park Police Department’s Annual Crime Summary, from 2020 to 2024, violent and property crimes have risen compared to the previous four years. Forcible rapes have increased by 139%, motor vehicle thefts have more than doubled, and arsons have more than doubled as well. These aren’t just numbers—they represent families who have been impacted, businesses that have suffered, and a community that deserves better.

Despite these challenges, our police officers have been without a pay raise for over 700 days, without a contract for over a year, and the department is understaffed, and several experienced chiefs and commanders have resigned or retired. Without strong leadership and proper support, our officers cannot effectively prevent crime and keep our community safe.

Tinley Park has incredible potential, and with the right leadership, we can ensure responsible growth that strengthens our economy, enhances our quality of life, and makes our town an even better place to raise a family. Our village should be a place where businesses thrive, families have access to great community resources, and taxpayer dollars are spent wisely to create long-term prosperity.

The future of Tinley Park depends on smart investments and thoughtful planning. That means revitalizing key commercial areas, ensuring vacant storefronts on Oak Park Avenue, Harlem, and 183rd Street are filled with businesses that truly serve our residents. It also means transforming the Tinley Park Mental Health Center site into a multi-use space that creates economic opportunities while expanding parks and recreation for families.

We must also leverage the 80th Avenue train station as an economic hub, using it to attract businesses, create jobs, and increase property values. Expanding parks and recreational opportunities is another key priority—programs like the Bobcats and Bulldogs deserve better access to fields and facilities so that kids and families can fully enjoy all that Tinley Park has to offer.

Most importantly, growth should benefit residents first. Smart development should generate revenue that reduces the tax burden on families—not increase it. Our community deserves leadership that collaborates, makes responsible financial decisions, and ensures transparency in every project.

By making thoughtful choices today, we can build a thriving future for families, attract businesses that add value to our town, and create a community that people are proud to call home. Tinley Park’s best days are ahead—let’s make them a reality together.

The future of Tinley Park depends on thoughtful, responsible development that enhances our quality of life, strengthens our economy, and keeps our town a wonderful place to raise a family. One of the most important projects ahead is the redevelopment of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center site. With the right vision, this space can become a vibrant, family-friendly asset that benefits our community for generations.

This site is prime real estate, offering easy access to expressways and the potential to bring new opportunities for businesses, recreation, and economic growth. However, past political infighting and mismanagement have led to missed opportunities. Moving forward, we need leadership that prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and the best interests of Tinley Park families.

For this project to succeed, the community must have a voice in shaping its future. Strong partnerships with the Park District and local organizations will help create parks, recreational spaces, and family-friendly amenities that serve residents and youth programs like the Bobcats and Bulldogs. Any development must also attract responsible businesses that create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and provide long-term tax relief for homeowners. Most importantly, every decision must be made with transparency and accountability, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that development truly benefits Tinley Park families.

This project is about more than just new buildings—it’s about shaping the future of our community. If handled correctly, it can provide new amenities, create jobs, and strengthen the heart of Tinley Park. As mayor, I will ensure this development is done the right way—with smart planning, community input, and a focus on what’s best for the families who call Tinley Park home.

No.

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

I want the people of Tinley Park to know that I am not a politician—I’m a husband, father, grandfather, and longtime resident who loves this town and wants to see it thrive. I’ve spent my life leading teams, managing complex projects, and making responsible financial decisions that have had a real impact. I believe in fiscal responsibility, supporting our police, and ensuring that Tinley Park grows in a way that benefits families—not just developers or special interests.

I also believe in respect and accountability in government. Too much time has been wasted on petty fights, poor decisions, and missed opportunities. We need leadership that listens, works together, and delivers results for the people of Tinley Park.