Orland Township Together Candidate: John Lynch

ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Meet John Lynch, seeking re-election as Orland Township Trustee with the Orland Township Together slate, in the April 2021 Consolidated Election. The election is April 6.

Lynch recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

John Lynch

Age (as of Election Day)

58

Town/City of Residence

Orland Park

Office Sought

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Orland Township Together

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

High School, Brother Rice

Occupation

Owner and President, Lally Bros. Masonry. 40 years experience as a bricklayer.

Campaign website

ott2021.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I currently serve as trustee and the Youth & Family Services Chairman for Orland Township

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

COVID-19. The world has changed because of COVID-19 and many people are experiencing hardship. Orland Township government is unique because we provide so many services during normal times, and now, during difficult times we have recalibrated to offer our services safely following CDC guidelines. Our Board and staff have worked 24/7 to respond to the needs of our seniors, youth, and families, and we will continue to find solutions to meet our resident’s needs.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I have always approached public service as a responsibility to all residents. I and my committee do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

The pandemic has exposed inequity throughout the United States. I deal with the effects of inequity every day as chairman of my committee, and am dedicated to helping the less fortunate and working towards equality of opportunity. Under our leadership, the Township has operated all our services with a zero-tolerance policy as it relates to discrimination.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

It's February, and I am running as Trustee. The election is in April. I will then, if reelected, be governing for four years after that. As someone who has worked on the coronavirus response for a year now, I know that the situation can change from week to week, let alone month to month or season to season. It would be a disservice to residents to make one plan today and refuse to change it in light of new evidence, new cases, or new situations.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

I will always support cooperation between state and local government, which I why I was thrilled to work with the Secretary of State's office and keep them in Orland. As I said before, new opportunities for cooperation will present themselves as the situation continues to evolve.

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

The major difference between our opponents and our slate is that we have a track record of running our township government efficiently with low taxes. We have built the relationships with the private sector that allow us to do so much, such as provide holiday meals and gifts to needy families, as well as operate a state-of-the-art food pantry and pet pantry. We fear our opponents will dissolve township government and everyone will lose the services we provide.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

We pride ourselves on being solution oriented and listening to the real problems our neighbors face. Having voted for the term referendum passed in the Village of Orland Park we, as a slate, decided to pass a term limit resolution in Orland Township. The career politicians we're all too familiar with in Illinois wouldn't want that. We remain committed to keeping our taxes some of the lowest in Cook County (approx. $55 for a $300,000 home), and making sure that our health service department, senior transportation services and programming as well as food and pet pantries are there for you, our constituents.

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

I have used my construction industry knowledge to assist the Township with the construction of the food pantry, the renovation of the north parking lot, the upgrades of our parks and most recently, and the build out of the space in the Township building for the Illinois Secretary of State. I am proud to be part of the team that kept the Secretary of State here in Orland. Also, as Chairman of the Youth and Family Services Committee, we worked with local high schools to give seniors the opportunity of completing their required community service hours here at the Township, assisting with food drives, the holiday give away and more.

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

The next four years will consist of first getting the virus under control and then beginning our country's economic recovery. In my capacity, I want to aid that in any way I can. During these turbulent times, the Township has an important role to play in maintaining our services, assisting our residents in need, and then continuing to find opportunities to provide for our township, such as keeping the Secretary of State’s Office here.

Why should voters trust you?

Because unlike an absentee official, I maintain contact with our voters. The voters can trust that I am available to them and when called upon and will do everything in my power to assist them. Just ask one the many residents I and my committee have helped this last term. Further, I am committed to keeping taxes low, making government transparent, and continuing the standard of excellence for Township services.

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

I am a fiscal conservative, and our slate will continue maximizing volunteer contributions and organizing private sector efforts to serve our township residents.

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

There are none.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My parents from Ireland instilled in me: Work hard, be kind to others, and help those that need it. Always make sure your word is your bond. You have one good name given to you, so make sure you keep it that way.

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

My brother's entire life changed when he was recognized for his academic merit and allowed a higher education at Harvard University. Our township offers a scholarship fund to local kids who want to pursue college or vocational training, and it is offered at no cost to the taxpayer. I know firsthand how significant a higher education can be for working families, and it is my honor and distinct privilege to administer that fund. I will fight tooth and nail to stop my opponent from dissolving township government and defunding that program.