One Tinley Park Sweeps For Trustees, Clerk Seats

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park voters Tuesday cast their votes for three trustee spots and the village clerk seat, with unofficial results showing a sweep by slate One Tinley Park.

In what's proven to be a heated election season, current trustees Michael Mueller and William Brennan are the projected winners and will keep their seats, with plan commissioner Ken Shaw joining them. Trustee Diane Galante sought re-election independently of a slate and will relinquish her seat. Incumbent, appointed clerk Nancy O'Connor topped challenger Ahleah Balawender.

"We're very pleased with the results," Trustee Michael Mueller told Patch Tuesday night. "We're happy."

Mueller said the results aligned with what they were seeing in early voting. The slate campaigned hard and took in constituents' feedback.

"We were making sure we were on track," Mueller said.

Balawender shared a statement on social media following her loss for the clerk role.

"It was a hard race, and while the outcome wasn’t what I expected, I do appreciate the people who came out and supported me and voted for me!" she wrote. "Biggest shout out goes to my husband who has been by my side, walked the precincts with me, stood out there at the polls for me, and most importantly, was there to share the truths for me and with me every day of this journey!"

Trustee Diane Galante also issued a statement via social media.

"Thank you to everyone who supported me for my run for re-election," Galante wrote. "We worked very hard for every vote.

"It was amazing to see so many people I’ve met over the years come out to support me, it meant a lot. I hope more Individuals get involved in the future. and bring dignity back to our community."

With the polls closed, here’s how vote tallies looked, with all precincts reporting:

TRUSTEE, VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK

Cook County

• Michael Mueller: 3,826
• William Brennan: 4,037
• Diane Galante: 2,234
• Ken Shaw: 3,661

Will County

• Michael Mueller: 457
• William Brennan: 461
• Diane Galante: 193
• Ken Shaw: 444

CLERK

Cook County

• Nancy O'Connor: 3,816
• Ahleah Balawender: 1,705

Will County

• Nancy O'Connor: 490
• Ahleah Balawender: 107

At the forefront of voters' and candidates' mind remains the vacant, much-coveted Tinley Mental Center acreage. Both the Tinley Park-Park District and Village have sought to acquire some or all of the 280-acre parcel at a prime location at 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue, near I-80. Each has its 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 state of Illinois will ultimately decide who acquires it.