Incumbent Tinley Trustees, Clerk Battle To Keep Seats: Election 2023

TINLEY PARK, IL — Four candidates for Tinley Park trustee will compete for three spots on the board this Tuesday at the polls.

Three current Tinley Park trustees and one aspiring compete for votes, with the incumbent village clerk also facing a challenger.

Running under the One Tinley Park slate, trustees William Brennan and Michael Mueller seek re-election, joined by Village Clerk Nancy O'Connor. Tinley Park Plan Commissioner Ken Shaw is the fourth on the slate.

Trustee Diana Galante takes on the slate and hopes to keep her seat on the board.

Clerk challenger Ahleah Balawender goes up against O'Connor. O'Connor was appointed as clerk in January 2022. Balawender did not complete a Patch questionnaire.

See candidate profiles here:

• Michael Mueller
• William Brennan
• Nancy O'Connor
• Diane Galante

At the forefront of candidates' platforms this election is the future of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, a coveted 280-acre parcel at a prime location at 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue, near I-80. Both the Tinley Park-Park District and Village have sought to acquire the property from the state, each with their own vision for the land. The competing bids have caused what's perceived as a rift between the two entities, drawing sharp criticism from residents. Local events have been impacted, with changes to hand-shake arrangements and intergovernmental agreements. Residents have called for transparency, peace-making and cooperation between the two bodies.

Also of note in candidates' talking points is continued economic development of the Village's downtown. Mayor Mike Glotz and trustees in March announced partnership with a developer for the final stages of Harmony Square, a new multi-use plaza that will be located at the corner of Oak Park Avenue and North Street in downtown Tinley.