Election 2025: Tinley Park Village Clerk Candidate Nancy O'Connor

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:

Nancy O’Connor

Campaign website:

One Tinley Park

Office sought:

Tinley Park Village Clerk

Town/city of residence:

Tinley Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

This is a non 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.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Retired Former Small Business Owner 10 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office.

Tinley Park Village Clerk

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

Infrastructure & Roads: Aging roads, water systems, and public facilities need upgrades to support our growing population.

Solution: I will support our board making strategic investments in infrastructure, leveraging grants and partnerships to minimize taxpayer burden while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Public Safety & Emergency Services: Maintaining effective police, fire, and emergency response services amid budget constraints.

Solution: I will support our board to ensure proper funding, staffing, and training for first responders while exploring community-based initiatives to enhance safety.

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

The critical differences between myself and the other candidate are experience, integrity, and independence.

I bring years of direct experience working with and for the village, handling a wide variety of local issues. I understand the responsibilities of the Clerk’s office, from records management to ensuring transparency and efficiency in local government operations.

I pride myself on being honest, ethical, and dedicated solely to serving the residents—not advancing any personal or political agenda. I believe the Clerk’s office should function with neutrality and professionalism, prioritizing the needs of the community over outside influences.

In contrast, my opponent has no experience in local government or the duties of a Village Clerk. Additionally, they have ties to outside political figures, which raises concerns about independence and impartiality in the role.

Ultimately, this position requires knowledge, experience, and a commitment to serving the people—not political obligations. I am running to ensure that the Clerk’s office remains professional, transparent, and dedicated solely to the best interests of our village.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Our campaign is focused on keeping our village moving forward by prioritizing public safety, responsible fiscal management, smart development, and job growth.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Why should voters trust you?

My experience as the Tinley Park Village Clerk for the past three years demonstrates my ability to effectively manage the responsibilities of this role.

During my tenure, I have prioritized streamlining agenda preparation, improving records retention, and enhancing transparency to better serve the public. I have worked diligently to ensure that the day-to-day operations of the Clerk’s office are efficient and well-coordinated with all department directors, fostering smoother communication and workflow across the village government.

With the village’s new ERP system coming online, I am committed to leveraging this technology to further improve efficiency, record-keeping, and accessibility for residents and staff alike. My proven ability to adapt to new systems, implement best practices, and maintain high standards of service makes me well-equipped to continue leading the Clerk’s office effectively.

My track record speaks for itself—I have the experience, knowledge, and dedication necessary to ensure the Clerk’s office operates with professionalism and integrity for the benefit of our community.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have a proven track record of integrity, experience, and dedication to serving our community.

For the past three years as Tinley Park Village Clerk, I have worked diligently to ensure that the Clerk’s office operates with efficiency, transparency, and professionalism. I have no personal or political agenda—my only goal is to serve the residents of Tinley Park with honesty and accountability.

Unlike my opponent, who lacks experience in local government, I have already demonstrated my ability to handle the responsibilities of this office with competence and fairness. I am independent, ethical, and committed to keeping the Clerk’s office focused on serving the people—not outside political interests.

Trust is earned through consistent leadership, transparency, and results—and I have delivered on all three.

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

Success in my next term as Village Clerk would be defined by further improving efficiency, transparency, and public access to village records and services.

Full Implementation of the ERP System: Successfully integrating the new ERP system to modernize records management, streamline processes, and make information more accessible to residents. A smooth transition would ensure greater efficiency in village operations.

Increased Transparency & Public Engagement: Expanding digital access to public records, meeting agendas, and government actions, so residents can easily stay informed and engaged in local government.

Enhanced Efficiency in the Clerk’s Office: Continuing to improve day-to-day operations, ensuring agendas, records retention, and coordination with other departments are handled with professionalism and accuracy.

Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring that the Clerk’s office operates cost-effectively, reducing unnecessary expenses while maintaining high service standards.

Strengthening Trust in Local Government: By maintaining my commitment to honesty, ethics, and professionalism, I aim to ensure that residents continue to have confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the Clerk’s office.

If I accomplish these goals, I will consider my term a success, knowing that I have made the Clerk’s office more effective, accessible, and beneficial for the residents of Tinley Park.

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

Fiscal responsibility is a top priority in my role as Village Clerk. I believe that taxpayer dollars must be managed with transparency, efficiency, and accountability, ensuring that every dollar spent serves the best interests of our residents.

In my tenure as Tinley Park Village Clerk, I have worked to ensure that the Clerk’s office operates cost-effectively, avoiding unnecessary expenditures while maintaining a high standard of service. I fully support responsible budgeting, eliminating waste, and seeking cost-saving opportunities—such as the implementation of the new ERP system, which will improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs in the long run.

Government spending should be measured, transparent, and focused on delivering essential services without placing undue financial burdens on taxpayers. I will continue to advocate for smart financial management, careful oversight, and policies that keep our village fiscally strong while maintaining the high-quality services our residents expect.

As Clerk, I remain committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring accountability, and keeping our village financially stable for years to come.

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?

Our police department is well-trained and committed to keeping our community safe.
Investments in technology, such as surveillance cameras and license plate readers, have helped law enforcement prevent and solve crimes.

Strong community engagement between residents and law enforcement fosters trust and cooperation.

Increased Police Presence & Resources: Ensuring our police force has the staffing, training, and tools necessary to deter and respond to crime effectively.

Crime Prevention Through Community Partnerships: Expanding neighborhood watch programs, business security initiatives, and youth outreach programs to deter crime before it happens.
Leveraging Technology & Data-Driven Policing: Using crime data analysis to identify trends and allocate resources where they are needed most.

Collaboration with Regional and State Law Enforcement: Strengthening partnerships to address crime that extends beyond village borders.

By taking a balanced approach of strong enforcement, community engagement, and crime prevention strategies, we can ensure Tinley Park remains a safe place for families, businesses, and visitors. I fully support smart public safety investments that protect our community while remaining fiscally responsible.

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

I believe the Village’s approach to commercial and residential development should strike a balance between growth and sustainability. We need to ensure that new development supports our community’s needs, improves quality of life, and aligns with our long-term vision for the town while preserving its character.

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?

When it comes to development, there are several key areas that residents have expressed interest in, and I believe we can make meaningful improvements to better meet their needs.

Downtown Revitalization & Vibrant Public Spaces:
Many residents want a more walkable, vibrant downtown area with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and community spaces. This would not only improve quality of life but also attract visitors and boost the local economy.

Focus on mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Invest in upgrading public spaces like plazas, and pedestrian areas to make the downtown more attractive and accessible.

Encourage the development of small businesses by providing incentives and reducing barriers for entrepreneurs.

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

No.

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

I want voters to know that I am deeply committed to serving our community with integrity, transparency, and a focus on what’s best for everyone in our village.

I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Tinley Park Village Clerk for the past three years, and during that time, I’ve gained invaluable experience working with residents, businesses, and all levels of government. This role has given me a deep understanding of how local government functions and how important it is to have effective leadership in the Clerk’s office.

My approach is straightforward: I believe in listening to residents, being transparent, and making informed decisions that are in the best interests of the community. I have no hidden agenda—my goal is to continue improving our village by enhancing public safety, streamlining government processes, encouraging responsible growth, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

I am proud of the work we’ve already accomplished, including streamlining operations, improving transparency, and freezing property taxes for the past two years. But there’s more work to do, especially as we look to the future and continue to build a community that remains safe, vibrant, and welcoming for all residents.

I also want voters to know that I am dedicated to making government more accessible and inclusive. I want to continue fostering strong communication between the village government and residents, ensuring that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed.

My leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and solution-oriented. I am committed to maintaining an office that is independent, ethical, and focused on serving the people of Tinley Park with professionalism and care.

I ask for your support so I can continue working to make our village a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Together, we can ensure a bright future for our community!