Tinley Park District Commissioner Candidate Jeff Mech: Election '23

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Name: Jeff Mech

Age as of Election Day: 46

Town/City of Residence: Tinley Park

Office sought: Park board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Associates degree, Moraine Valley Community College

Occupation: Sunrun, 5 years

Campaign Website: Jeff Mech & Danny Flores for the Tinley Park Park District

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. It seems every local election the TPMHC corner is the big topic of discussion. This year is no different. In fact, it has become even more heated. First, the contamination and environmental hazards need to be cleaned at the cost of at least $15 million dollars. The state has shown a willingness to foot the bill.

I think it is reasonable for the current TPPD board to propose their vision for 90 of the 280 acres.

Bottom line, the property is owned by the state of Illinois. Whether Tinley Park residents like it or not, it appears the legislators in Springfield will have final say on how this land is developed.

I don't see the need for more concrete, asphalt, steel, and retail. We already have this on the other side of I-80. There needs to be a clear path for walkers and bikers to get safely across from 80th Avenue to Harlem. I support lots of green space and native tree planting.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? So long as I am clearly expressing my views on our local issues, I'll let the Tinley Park residents answer this question.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Danny Flores and I spoke to many residents who live close to the dog park. Many of them are upset at the amount of noise coming from the park due to the close proximity to the townhomes closest to 84th Street. We need to investigate and find a solution to this problem. Otherwise, I do not think the current board has done a bad job. I see space for improvement and new, bold ideas.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. More security in the Bettenhausen Center parking lot should be prioritized. Additional programming, and lower rates for resident seniors will also be considered.

There are some immediate needs that have to be met concerning our pre-teens and teenagers. We need to create and develop new programs that will be engaging enough to significantly reduce the amount of time our kids spend on screens and social media.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I was a member of the Tinley Park Environmental Enhancement Commission for 7 years. I've walked the halls of Congress in Washington DC with non-partisan environmental groups lobbying for immediate and robust climate action policy. I'm still searching for what it will take to get more people aware of the existential threat of climate change. We are running out of time to curb the most harmful effects of a warming planet. Future generations will be asking, "What were we thinking"?

Why should voters trust you? I'm a lifelong Tinley Park resident. I played football for the Bulldogs, and baseball for the Park District. I ran for trustee as an independent in 2017 and 2019. I've knocked on many Tinley Park resident doors, too many to count. My immediate family, and a lot of my extended family live in Tinley Park. My boys go to our public schools, and play baseball for both the Bulldogs and Bobcats.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? I have put forth 3 proposals. 1) 2 for 1 native tree planting across the 40+ Tinley Park parks. Trees and more trees create vibrant communities. Spending time around trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, and helps us live longer. Trees absorb the CO2 being emitted by greenhouse gases as a result of burning fossil fuels, and also reduce noise pollution. 2) I propose all TPPD vehicles transition to electric with no tailpipe emissions. This will result in cleaner air at our parks, and a reduced Tinley Park carbon footprint. No longer needing to fill up tanks with costly gasoline will add up to long-term savings. 3) Solar panel installation on the roof of the Bettenhausen Center. There is enough space to potentially power the entire facility with clean, renewable energy! With state and federal incentives, this can be done with no upfront cost, and there will be long-term savings because solar power costs less than ComEd. Getting all of these initiatives passed in one term would be a great success.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? Overseeing $9.6 million in revenue (2022) and $8 million in expenditures (2021) for a given fiscal year is a big responsibility, one I will not take lightly.

Where can we cut costs, and save energy? We can start by putting the outdoor lights at the Bettenhausen Center on a timer. I often drive by late in the evening to see the lights on, and empty volleyball and basketball courts.

How about the lights at all of our parks, and the interior lights at the Bettenhausen Center? Have they been converted to LED, which uses up to 90% less energy than fluorescent.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community? Yes, and yes.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

All future Tinley Park buildings and development should be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). There are currently 3 LEED certified buildings in Tinley Park- Panduit World Headquarters, Moraine Valley Southwest Education Center, and Kohl's. These types of buildings reduce contribution to global climate change, protect and restore water resources (which will become a necessity in the near future), and protect biodiversity and ecosystems.

Buildings consume an enormous amount of energy and resources. LEED certification provides a globally recognized framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings.

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? I often will ask residents what they would like to see at the TPMHC corner. Most are receptive to the idea of baseball and soccer fields, sports dome, and open green space. I've heard negative feedback on a casino or racino.

When running for trustee, I proposed a 100 acre community solar farm where the power can be sold to Tinley Park residents at a discounted rate compared to the higher cost of dirty energy coming from ComEd's grid. This idea is favored by residents.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No answer provided.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Grab a clipboard, knock on doors, and run for something. Doesn't matter what position. Show up, and get involved.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? A well-run Park District is vital to a healthy community. I would like to see Tinley Park as the greenest, most environmentally friendly town in Illinois. The Park District can play a key role in achieving this.