Election 2025: Tinley Park Village Clerk Candidate Cynthia O'Boyle

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:

Cynthia "Cindy" O'Boyle

Campaign website:

Tinley Together

Office sought:

Village Clerk

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.

Yes, my husband, Bernie, is a Park District Commissioner.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I have been a nurse for 38 years, including over 18 years at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, dedicating my career to caring for families and advocating for those in need. My experience in patient advocacy, crisis management, and leadership has prepared me to serve Tinley Park with honesty, transparency, and compassion. As a nurse, I have always put people before politics—and as Village Clerk, I will do the same, ensuring that residents have a voice, clear answers, and a government that works for them.

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.

One of the biggest challenges facing Tinley Park families is the rising cost of living, especially property taxes and water bills. While the village holds onto millions in reserves, families are being asked to pay more without relief. Instead of supporting residents, the current administration continues to raise fees and add hidden charges. Families shouldn’t have to struggle to afford to live in the town they love. That’s why I support rebating property taxes to ease the burden on homeowners and auditing the Water Department to ensure billing is fair and transparent.

Public safety is also a major concern. Our police officers have gone more than 700 days without a fair contract or pay raise, and staffing shortages have put additional strain on our department. Officers who protect our families deserve respect, resources, and fair pay. We need to make sure Tinley Park remains a safe, welcoming place for families to live, work, and raise their children.

Finally, we need to restore trust and unity in our community. The current administration has divided our town, cutting ties with the Park District and canceling cherished traditions like the 4th of July fireworks at McCarthy Park. Tinley Park is at its best when we come together as neighbors and friends. As Village Clerk, I will work to rebuild these relationships, bring back community events, and ensure government decisions are made openly and honestly—because residents deserve to feel heard, valued, and respected.

The Village Clerk’s Office should be a trusted resource for residents—a place where people can find answers, transparency, and support in their local government. Unfortunately, under the current administration, partisanship and division have taken priority over serving the community. The role of Village Clerk is not about politics—it’s about trust, fairness, and making sure residents have access to the information they need.

As a mother of five and a longtime nurse, I understand the everyday challenges families face—whether it’s managing rising costs, keeping our neighborhoods safe, or simply trying to get clear answers from local government. That’s why I am committed to restoring trust in the Village Clerk’s Office and making it a true resource for residents, not a political tool.

I will bring honesty, transparency, and efficiency to the office, ensuring that residents can easily access records, get the answers they deserve, and feel confident that their local government is working for them—not against them. I will always take a family-first approach, prioritizing decisions that support the needs of Tinley Park families over politics. Most importantly, I will run the office with professionalism and integrity, ensuring that people—not political agendas—come first.

Tinley Park deserves a Village Clerk who listens, serves, and puts families at the heart of every decision. That’s the kind of leadership I will bring.

Tinley Park is a wonderful community, but too many families feel unheard. Instead of working together to improve our town, the current administration has allowed division and secrecy to take over, leaving residents to bear the burden.

Transparency in local government is lacking. The Village Clerk’s Office should be a resource for residents, but instead, important details are hidden, and accountability is missing. Families deserve to know where their tax dollars are going.
Meanwhile, costs continue to rise. Property taxes and water bills have increased, yet there are no clear answers as to why. No family should have to guess when it comes to their household budget.

Perhaps most concerning is how our community has been divided. Cutting ties with the Park District, canceling cherished events, and putting politics before people has only hurt residents. Tinley Park thrives when we come together.

As Village Clerk, I will restore trust, transparency, and unity in local government. Residents should always have access to information, taxpayer dollars must be managed responsibly, and our community should feel united—not divided. Together, we can bring Tinley Park back to the people.

I am running for Village Clerk because families deserve leaders who listen, provide clear answers, and always put their needs first. Trust in local government has been shaken, and it’s time to restore honesty, transparency, and accountability so residents feel heard, valued, and supported.

One of my top priorities is easing the financial burden on families by lowering property taxes and reducing unnecessary fees. Tax dollars should be spent wisely, not wasted, and families should have clarity and confidence in how their money is being managed. I will also work to strengthen communication between residents and local government, ensuring that everyone has access to clear, open information.

Public safety is a top concern, and I will advocate for fair contracts and better resources for our police officers so they can do their jobs effectively and keep our community safe. Above all, I want to rebuild trust in local leadership, ensuring that decisions are made with honesty, integrity, and the best interests of Tinley Park families in mind.

Tinley Park is more than just a town—it’s home. Together, we can make it stronger, safer, and a place where families feel proud to live for generations to come.

For over 30 years as a nurse, I have been a trusted advocate for families, working in high-pressure environments where clear decision-making and accountability are critical. I have always led with integrity, honesty, and compassion—values that will guide me in serving as Village Clerk.

As a mother of five, I understand the everyday challenges families face—from managing finances to ensuring a safe and supportive community. Fiscal responsibility, community involvement, and thoughtful decision-making are all essential to keeping Tinley Park a great place to live and raise a family.

As a longtime Tinley Park resident, I deeply care about this town and the people who call it home. My experience in advocacy, leadership, and service has prepared me to restore trust in the Village Clerk’s Office, ensuring that local government is transparent, accountable, and truly serves the residents of Tinley Park.

I am not a politician—I am a mother, a nurse, and a neighbor who truly cares about this community. My career has been built on advocating for families, ensuring transparency, and standing up for fairness.

I am running because Tinley Park deserves better—leaders who listen, lead with honesty, and always do the right thing. Unlike career politicians, I have no political agenda—only a deep commitment to serving the people of this town.

Above all, residents should trust that I will always put people first, not politics. Tinley Park is home, and I want to help make it stronger, safer, and a place where families feel valued and heard.

Success as Village Clerk means that every resident feels heard, local government is transparent, and Tinley Park remains a wonderful place to live and raise a family. My goal is to make the Clerk’s Office a true resource for residents—a place where they can find answers, feel supported, and trust that their voices matter.

A successful term would mean lowering costs for families by securing property tax rebates and auditing water bills to ensure fair pricing and financial relief. It also means restoring the community traditions that bring us together, like bringing back the 4th of July fireworks and rebuilding partnerships with local organizations to strengthen our town.

Most importantly, success is about transparency and trust. Residents should have easy access to government records, clear communication from leadership, and confidence that their local government is working for them, not against them. As Village Clerk, I will make sure that Tinley Park families always come first.

As a dedicated healthcare professional and longtime Tinley Park resident, I understand the importance of making every dollar count. Just as households carefully budget, plan, and prioritize what truly matters, our local government should do the same—with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to serving residents.

For too long, residents have been asked to pay more while receiving less in return. Property taxes have increased, water bills have climbed with hidden fees, and yet millions of dollars sit unused in reserves. Instead of providing relief, the current administration continues to raise fees with no clear explanation, leaving families to bear the burden.

As Village Clerk, I will work to bring fairness and accountability back to Tinley Park’s finances. That means rebating property taxes, auditing village spending to eliminate waste, and fixing water billing practices to prevent unnecessary fees and rising costs.

Beyond cutting costs, we must invest in what makes our community strong—safe neighborhoods, well-maintained infrastructure, and programs that bring people together. Tinley Park deserves leadership that respects hard work, prioritizes residents’ needs, and ensures local government is working for the people—not against them.

I am committed to making sure Tinley Park remains a community where financial responsibility comes first, where transparency is the standard, and where every resident feels valued and heard.

Every family deserves to feel safe in their community—to know their children can play outside, walk to school, and grow up in a town where neighbors look out for one another. Safety is the foundation of a strong, thriving community, but in recent years, crime has risen, and families are feeling the effects.

According to the Tinley Park Police Department, crime has increased significantly from 2020-2024 compared to 2017-2020. Forcible rapes have risen by 139%, motor vehicle thefts have more than doubled, and robberies and arsons have also increased. At the same time, our police officers have gone 700 days without a pay raise and 365 days without a contract, leaving the department understaffed and stretched thin. The men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our town deserve the support and resources they need to keep our community safe.

As Village Clerk, I will work to strengthen public safety by ensuring fair contracts for officers, fully staffing our police department, and providing the tools they need to do their jobs effectively. A strong partnership between law enforcement and the community is key to building trust, security, and a safer Tinley Park for all families.

Keeping our town safe isn’t about politics—it’s about responsibility. Families deserve leadership that values public safety, respects law enforcement, and takes meaningful action to protect our community. As Village Clerk, I will work alongside officers, families, and residents to restore trust, strengthen accountability, and ensure Tinley Park remains a welcoming and secure place for generations to come.

As a longtime Tinley Park resident, I believe smart, responsible development is key to a thriving community—one that supports families, strengthens local businesses, and enhances our quality of life. Growth should be thoughtful and well-planned, bringing new opportunities while keeping our town affordable and welcoming.

We have an exciting opportunity to revitalize vacant commercial areas like Oak Park Avenue, Harlem, and 183rd Street, attracting businesses that serve families, create jobs, and add value to our community. The 183rd and Harlem area and the Tinley Park Mental Health Center site could be transformed into vibrant spaces with parks, entertainment, and small business opportunities, working in partnership with the Park District and local officials to benefit residents.

Our 80th Avenue train station can also serve as a hub for economic growth, helping local businesses thrive while increasing property values. Expanding parks and recreational facilities will give youth sports groups like the Bobcats and Bulldogs the resources they need to succeed, making Tinley Park an even better place for families.

Above all, growth should put residents first. Every decision must be made with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to preserving the character of our town. As Village Clerk, I will work to ensure that development strengthens our community, creates opportunities, and protects what makes Tinley Park special.

With careful planning, strong partnerships, and leadership that puts families at the heart of every decision, Tinley Park’s best days are ahead!

Thoughtful development isn’t just about building new spaces—it’s about creating a community where families thrive, children play, and businesses grow. Tinley Park has an incredible opportunity ahead with the redevelopment of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center site, and if done right, it can bring lasting benefits for generations to come.

With strong community input and careful planning, this project can provide new amenities, support local businesses, and enhance our town. But to truly make this vision a reality, we must restore trust, rebuild partnerships—especially with the Park District—and ensure that families have a voice in the process.

A successful plan should include expanded parks, sports fields, and recreational spaces, giving youth programs like the Bobcats and Bulldogs the resources they need. At the same time, responsible development can create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and provide property tax relief for residents. Most importantly, every decision must be made with transparency and accountability, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and in ways that truly benefit the community.

As Village Clerk, I will fight for responsible development that puts families first, preserves what makes Tinley Park special, and ensures that growth strengthens—not burdens—our town. Because our community deserves nothing less.

No.

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

I am not a politician—I’m a nurse, a longtime Tinley Park resident, and someone who cares deeply about this community. For over 30 years, I have led teams, made critical decisions, and advocated for families in healthcare, always ensuring that people come first. Just as in nursing, government should be transparent, efficient, and focused on serving others—not politics.

I believe in fiscal responsibility, supporting our police, and making sure development benefits families—not special interests. Too much time has been wasted on division and poor decisions, leaving residents feeling unheard. Tinley Park deserves leadership that listens, works together, and delivers real results.

As Village Clerk, I will restore trust, improve communication, and always put families at the heart of every decision—because when we work together, our community thrives.