Rubino, O'Boyle Lead Pack In Park District Race, Will Keep Seats

TINLEY PARK, IL — Wrapping up a contentious election cycle riddled with mudslinging and allegations from all sides, Tinley Park voters Tuesday cast their votes for two spots on the Tinley Park-Park District Board of Commissioners. With unofficial totals among the top three vote-getters incredibly close, incumbents Ashley Rubino and Bernie O'Boyle are the projected winners and will keep their seats.

Incumbent and board vice president O'Boyle ran with commissioner and board secretary Rubino on the Parks Over Politics slate. The pair went up against newcomers Jeff Mech and Danny Flores on a slate. Candidate Joseph F. Jarzabkowski ran independently of any slate.

"It has been a long and tough campaign," O'Boyle and Rubino wrote on their campaign social media, "but we are standing proud and we are immensely proud of our incredible volunteers and our community-based effort. Parks and families win over negative politics, every time. Thank you Tinley. We will make you proud!"

With the polls closed and all precincts reporting, here’s how vote tallies look:

COOK COUNTY

• Ashley Rubino: 2,736
• Bernie O'Boyle: 2,557
• Danny Flores: 2,532
• Jeff Mech: 2,323
• Joseph F. Jarzabkowski: 602

WILL COUNTY

• Bernie O'Boyle: 5
• Ashley Rubino: 2
• Jeff Mech: 9
• Danny Flores: 10
• Joseph F. Jarzabkowski: 0

At the forefront of voters'—and candidates'—minds this election season, remains the future of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center property, a coveted 280-acre parcel at a prime location at 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue, near I-80. Both the 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. The bidding process has seemingly pitted the two bodies against each other in pursuit of bringing each's own plans to fruition.