Election 2025: Tinley Park Village Trustee Candidate Colleen Sullivan

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:

Colleen Sullivan

Campaign website:

One Tinley Park

Office sought:

Tinley Park Village Trustee

Town/city of residence:

Tinley Park

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

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.

Customer Service Representative – Claims Division. I have been in the healthcare industry for over 15 years.

Previous or current elected or appointed office.

Trustee for the Village of Tinley Park

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

The biggest pressing issue our community is facing are the continued tax increases from the counties that our village is situated in. My intentions as a board member are to continue the economic growth of our community by supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities, and investing in key infrastructure. By keeping taxes low within the Village, we ensure that residents and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive while maintaining a sustainable budget. We are dedicated to building a welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds feel at home and can contribute to our vibrant, growing community.

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

As a candidate, I bring a unique approach to leadership that distinguishes me in this race. My proven record demonstrates my unwavering commitment to our community, highlighted by my active participation in both the Marketing Commission and Veterans Commission over the past four years. These roles reflect my dedication to a welcoming environment for all. I am deeply committed to listening to the concerns of our residents and ensuring that every voice is heard. Throughout my time as a Trustee, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with many incredible people within our community, many of whom have my personal cell number and have shared their appreciation for the accessibility and responsiveness I provide, whether through email, a quick text or a phone call to assist with any questions or need they may have.

Unlike other candidates who may be influenced by party lines or special interests, I prioritize collaboration with the residents of our Village to achieve results that benefit our community, not political promises made in Springfield.

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.

Our campaign is focused on several key issues that are important to the future of our community. We are committed to transparency and open communication between local government and residents, ensuring that everyone has a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Additionally, we prioritize sustainable development and smart growth to ensure that our Village thrives without compromising the quality of life for future generations. We are also focused on supporting local businesses, improving community engagement, and enhancing community safety. Above all, we believe in uniting our community and working together to create a stronger, more vibrant place for all.

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

My entire adult life has been dedicated to helping others. When my children were young, I was always happy to sign up to chaperone their class field trips, organize their classroom parties and help out with their Girl Scout Troops. When COVID hit, I was happy to assist those that were vulnerable such as our senior community. I spent many nights grocery shopping for them, picking up prescriptions and sometimes just chatting on the phone if I felt they just needed some sense of companionship. There is a lot that comes with the job as being a Trustee, but to me, being there for our residents in a time of need is and will always be my top priority.

Why should voters trust you?

I have proudly called this community home for nearly 30 years. I have raised three daughters here, and now, my oldest daughter and son-in-law are raising my two grandchildren here in Tinley Park as well. My commitment to our community goes beyond my family — I’m dedicated to ensuring a government that truly serves the people. As a candidate, I’m focused on serving our community with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Listening to the concerns of our residents and making their voices heard will guide every decision I continue to make. Honesty and transparency are at the core of everything I do because I believe they are essential to building trust.

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

If re-elected, my primary goal will be to sustain and build on the economic growth we've experienced over the past four years. This growth has allowed us to maintain the Village tax levy with no increase for the past two years. I have the privilege of working with a great team to see the state-of-the-art Loyola medical campus get developed from start to finish. We've also completely transformed the 159th and Harlem corridor, attracting numerous new businesses to the area. I am also very proud of the approaching completion of Harmony Square. This development will be the epicenter of a place for the community to enjoy for years to come.

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

I believe that fiscal policy, government spending, and the handling of taxpayer dollars must prioritize efficiency, transparency, and responsibility. Village funds should be allocated in a way that ensures essential services are provided effectively without wasteful spending. Fiscal policy should aim to stimulate economic growth, create opportunities for all, and reduce unnecessary deficits while safeguarding the long-term financial health of our community.

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?

As a Trustee, resident, and mother of three daughters, I am deeply troubled by the lack of consequences for those who commit crimes in our community. I firmly believe that real change is needed at both the County and State levels to break the cycle of criminal behavior. While our Police Officers do an excellent job protecting us, the root issue lies in the failure to properly prosecute criminals and ensure they face appropriate consequences. Addressing this failure is crucial to ending the cycle of recidivism that continues to affect our community.

Over the last four years, we have provided more resources to our police department and hired a number of new officers to help protect our families. We have always supported requests made from our police department to ensure their safety and strengthen their ability to perform their duties.

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 be a balance between promoting growth while preserving the unique character of our town. Responsible planning and staying focused on the needs of residents, the village can ensure a harmonious blend of modern conveniences all while maintaining the traditional charm of our Village.

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?

Based on discussions with residents over the years, and my own observations, it's clear that there is a growing demand for more family-friendly businesses and restaurants in our area. While chain restaurants provide convenience, adding more family-oriented dining options would greatly enhance our community. With Harmony Square likely to attract many families, we have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this by introducing businesses that cater to families, such as a Children’s Museum with interactive exhibits or even expanding our music scene with a “School of Rock”-style school.

Additionally, there's a noticeable need for more entertainment options for adults, such as a small music venue comparable to Joe’s Live or The Salt Shed. I have noticed that we have a very active community. I’ve been researching some state-of-the art pickleball facilities such as a place called Chicken N Pickle that have locations in AZ & TX, which includes a restaurant, pickleball courts and a variety of yard games. There is nothing more I love then attending our many local events and seeing the community come together and enjoying a fun, day/night out.

To make these ideas a reality, I will collaborate with our Business Development department to try to bring some of these ideas to life. Our current board and Village staff work diligently to attract new businesses to Tinley Park.

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

I have every intention of completing my full term. I’m someone who believes in seeing things through to the end, and we have some fantastic projects in the works. I’m excited to watch them come to life and enjoyed by the residents of Tinley Park.

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

I am human, I am your neighbor, I am open to constructive criticism and always willing to learn. I make my own decisions and don't allow outside influences to sway them. My goal is to see our community come together again, just as it was before state politicians got involved and stirred up division. Elections can be tough and at times hurtful, but I personally choose to focus on the positive achievements of the current board rather than the negativity. After all, no matter what happens, we’re all still neighbors on April 2nd.