Election 2025: Tinley Park Village Trustee Candidate Eric Schmidt

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:

Eric L. Schmidt

Campaign website:

Tinley Together

Office sought:

Village Trustee

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.

No.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I am an accounting professional for past two decades with extensive experience in budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning.

Throughout my career, I have worked to maximize resources, eliminate waste, and ensure fiscal accountability—principles I believe should guide our local government. In addition to my professional work, I have been a longtime community volunteer and youth sports commissioner, dedicating my time to mentoring young athletes and fostering a strong sense of teamwork and responsibility.

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.

As a father, coach, and community leader, I see firsthand the challenges families face and the importance of strong, responsible leadership in Tinley Park. Families work hard to build a life here, yet rising property taxes, higher water bills, and unnecessary fees are putting a strain on many households.

We need smart financial management, where every dollar is spent wisely to provide relief, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure residents aren’t overburdened. I will push for a full financial review to cut wasteful spending and work toward tax relief so families can keep more of their hard-earned money.

Public safety is also a top concern. Our police officers work tirelessly to protect our community, but staffing shortages and contract delays have left them without the support they need. A safe Tinley Park requires a fully staffed and well-equipped police force, as well as strong community partnerships to enhance trust and security. I will advocate for fair contracts, adequate staffing, and policies that ensure public safety remains a top priority so that families feel safe in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

Beyond financial relief and safety, investing in our community—especially in our youth—is essential. Tinley Park is strongest when we support families, local organizations, and community programs. I will work to strengthen partnerships with the Park District, expand youth sports opportunities, and bring back cherished events that unite our town.

Additionally, we need smart, responsible development that attracts businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our economy, all while preserving the small-town charm that makes Tinley Park special. With thoughtful planning and strong leadership, we can make Tinley Park a place where families feel supported, businesses thrive, and our community continues to grow in a way that benefits everyone.

Tinley Park is more than just where I live—it’s where I’ve built a life for my family, coached young athletes, and worked to strengthen our community. I care deeply about ensuring that our town remains a safe, affordable, and thriving place for families, businesses, and future generations. As a father, coach, and financial professional, I have spent my life focusing on problem-solving, teamwork, and making responsible financial decisions—values that I believe should guide our local government.

My experience in budget management and resource allocation has given me the financial expertise to make sound, responsible decisions that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and fiscal accountability. At the same time, my years of community involvement have given me a firsthand understanding of what families need to feel supported and secure. Local leadership should work for the people, not politics, ensuring that every decision benefits residents and strengthens the foundation of our town.

Additionally, as someone who has worked closely with young athletes, parents, and volunteers, I have seen the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and creating opportunities for future generations. My approach is practical and solution-oriented, focused on keeping Tinley Park well-managed and financially strong. I bring a fresh perspective, a commitment to listening to residents, and a deep dedication to making Tinley Park the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Tinley Park families work hard, and they deserve leadership that respects their time, money, and priorities. Unfortunately, under the current administration, property taxes, water bills, and fees continue to rise, while millions in reserves remain unused. Instead of offering financial relief, residents have been asked to pay more while getting less in return.

Public safety has also been neglected. Our police officers have been working without a fair contract for far too long, and staffing shortages have made it more difficult to keep our neighborhoods secure. We need leaders who will prioritize law enforcement and ensure they have the resources they need to protect our families.

Additionally, community partnerships have suffered—resulting in a disconnect between the village, local organizations, and the families they serve. We need to restore relationships, bring back cherished traditions, and create a government that listens to and works for the people.

I believe leadership should be about collaboration, accountability, and results—not division or inefficiency. That’s why I’m running to restore trust, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in our village governmen

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Families in Tinley Park deserve a community that is safe, financially stable, and connected, where responsible leadership ensures that every dollar is spent wisely, first responders are fully supported, and families have access to strong local programs and businesses. As a father, coach, and financial professional, I understand the importance of smart budgeting, public safety, and community investment.

Too many residents feel the strain of rising property taxes, increasing water bills, and inefficient spending, while our police officers and emergency personnel face staffing shortages and delayed contracts. I will work to eliminate wasteful spending, conduct a full financial audit, and push for tax relief, while also ensuring that our first responders have the resources and staffing they need to protect our community.

Beyond financial responsibility and public safety, investing in our community is key to keeping Tinley Park strong. I will work to restore partnerships with the Park District, expand youth programs, and bring back the community events that make our town special.

Smart, responsible development is also essential—we must prioritize attracting businesses that create jobs, support families, and enhance our economy, while ensuring growth preserves the charm and character of our village. With practical leadership and a commitment to putting families first, I will help Tinley Park thrive as a safe, well-managed, and welcoming place for generations to come.

As a longtime community leader, volunteer coach, and commissioner for the Bulldogs Athletic Youth Sports Organization, I have spent years working directly with families, local organizations, and young athletes to build strong partnerships, create opportunities, and foster a sense of teamwork and community.

These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, and lead with integrity—qualities that are essential in local government. I understand firsthand the importance of bringing people together, solving problems, and ensuring that families have the resources and support they need to thrive. My leadership in youth sports has taught me that success isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about working as a team, setting goals, and always keeping the community’s best interests at heart.

In addition to my community involvement, I have built a career as a financial professional, where I have successfully managed budgets, analyzed spending, and ensured that resources are used efficiently and responsibly. My background in budget oversight and financial planning has given me the skills needed to identify inefficiencies, eliminate wasteful spending, and make smart, data-driven decisions.

Just as families and businesses must budget carefully, our village government should do the same—ensuring that every tax dollar is spent wisely and directly benefits residents. Whether it’s advocating for responsible financial policies, strengthening public safety, or revitalizing community programs, I will bring a practical, solution-oriented approach to leadership that keeps Tinley Park financially strong, safe, and connected for generations to come.

Voters should have confidence in me because I am a dedicated father, coach, and financial professional who has spent years working to make Tinley Park a better place for families. My deep involvement in youth sports, community programs, and local organizations has given me a firsthand understanding of what families need to feel supported and secure. I believe that leadership is about listening, making thoughtful decisions, and always putting the needs of residents above politics.

Throughout my career in finance and budgeting, I have built a reputation for honesty, accountability, and responsible decision-making. I understand how to manage budgets, eliminate wasteful spending, and ensure financial stability—the same principles that should guide our village government.

I will always be transparent with residents, prioritize fiscal responsibility, and advocate for policies that benefit families, businesses, and public safety. My goal is simple: to make Tinley Park stronger, safer, and more financially secure for future generations. Voters can trust that I will serve with integrity, work hard for our community, and make decisions that put Tinley Park families first—because that’s what leadership should be about.

Success as Village Trustee would mean that Tinley Park families feel supported—financially, safely, and as part of a thriving community. As a coach, volunteer, and financial professional, I believe leadership is about making responsible decisions that benefit families today while building a strong foundation for the future. My priority is to ensure that families see relief from rising costs, our police officers have the resources they need to keep us safe, and our community organizations and businesses are thriving.

A successful term would mean that unnecessary fees are eliminated, village spending is transparent, and families are seeing real financial relief. It would mean that our first responders are fully staffed, fairly compensated, and supported so that safety is never a concern.

I also want to see a stronger, more engaged community, where partnerships with the Park District, youth sports programs, and local businesses create more opportunities for families. Finally, responsible development should enhance Tinley Park without overburdening residents—bringing in businesses that create jobs and contribute to the local economy.

At the end of my term, I want to see a Tinley Park that is financially strong, safe, and more connected than ever—where families know they are heard, supported, and part of a village that truly works for them..

As a financial professional and active member of the Tinley Park community, I believe responsible budgeting is key to keeping our town an affordable and well-managed place to live. Just like families carefully plan their household expenses, our village should be thoughtful and efficient with every dollar spent. Residents shouldn’t have to worry about unnecessary fees, rising costs, or spending that doesn’t directly benefit the community. Every tax dollar should be used in ways that improve daily life, support local programs, and keep Tinley Park thriving.

To ensure this, I support a full financial review to eliminate wasteful spending and explore ways to provide financial relief for families. Growth and development should be handled with care and foresight—bringing in businesses that create jobs and enhance our community without adding financial burdens on residents. A well-managed budget should reflect what truly matters to the people of Tinley Park—safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and a welcoming place for families to live, work, and grow.

Keeping Tinley Park a safe and welcoming place for families is something we all care about. While our community has always been a great place to live, crime has increased in recent years, and we need to take steps to ensure that our neighborhoods remain secure. As a father, coach, and longtime community volunteer, I know how important it is for families to feel safe—whether it’s in their homes, at school, or out enjoying parks and local businesses.

To keep our community safe, we need to make sure our police officers have the resources, training, and staffing they need to do their jobs effectively. It’s also important to focus on stronger community connections—encouraging neighborhood watch programs, youth activities, and local partnerships that help prevent crime before it happens. Giving kids and young adults positive outlets like sports, mentorship programs, and recreational activities can also play a big role in keeping them engaged and out of trouble. When the community and law enforcement work together, we create a safer, stronger Tinley Park for everyone.

Tinley Park is a wonderful place to raise a family, and smart growth is essential to keeping it that way. As a father, coach, and longtime community volunteer, I’ve seen how important it is to have vibrant local businesses, well-maintained parks, and strong neighborhoods where families can put down roots and thrive. Growth should be thoughtful and beneficial to the people who already live here—bringing in businesses that serve families, creating spaces where kids can play and grow, and ensuring that home values remain strong.

We have great opportunities to revitalize key areas like Oak Park Avenue, Harlem, and 183rd Street to attract family-friendly businesses, restaurants, and shops that add to our town’s character and convenience. The redevelopment of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center site is also a chance to create something special—a place that includes parks, recreational spaces, and community-friendly development that benefits residents first. Growth shouldn’t be about just adding more buildings; it should be about making our town even better for families, kids, and future generations.

When we think ahead and build wisely, we create a Tinley Park where families want to stay, kids have opportunities to grow, and businesses thrive alongside the community.

Families in Tinley Park want a community that grows in a way that makes life better for everyone. As a father, coach, and longtime community volunteer, I hear from parents all the time about what would make our town even better—more places for kids to play, well-maintained parks, family-friendly businesses, and spaces where the community can come together.

One of the biggest opportunities we have is the redevelopment of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center site. Instead of letting it sit unused, we can create something that truly benefits families—parks, walking paths, and recreational facilities that give kids a safe place to play and support programs like the Bulldogs and Bobcats. We also need to breathe new life into areas like Oak Park Avenue, Harlem, and 183rd Street, attracting businesses that bring more convenience, entertainment, and dining options for families. Making this happen starts with listening to the people who live here and making sure that every project adds something valuable to our town.

When we focus on what makes Tinley Park a great place to raise a family, we build a community where kids can grow, families can connect, and future generations will want to stay.

No.

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

I’m just like a lot of the families here in Tinley Park—a dad, a coach, a neighbor who wants to see this town continue to be a great place to raise kids and build a life. I’ve spent years on the sidelines, coaching young athletes, teaching them about hard work, teamwork, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching—and I think those lessons apply just as much to leadership as they do to sports. Good leadership means showing up, listening, and making decisions that put the people you serve first.

At the end of the day, I’m running because I believe in Tinley Park, in the families who live here, and in what we can build together. I want to make sure that families aren’t struggling with rising costs, that our police and first responders have the resources to keep us safe, and that our kids have great parks, strong programs, and a community that invests in them.

Tinley Park has always been a town where hard work pays off, neighbors look out for each other, and families put down roots for generations—and I want to keep it that way. If we work together, listen to each other, and focus on what really matters, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish as a community.