Village Of Tinley Park Clerk Candidate Nancy O'Connor: Election '23

Patch is providing candidate profiles for several races in the area. If you are a candidate seeking an opportunity to complete our profile form, please email lauren.traut@patch.com. Please note your position sought.

Name: Nancy O'Connor

Age as of Election Day: 63

Town/City of Residence: Tinley Park

Office Sought: Village board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): Non-partisan

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

Education: 2 years of college

Occupation: Travel agent for 20 years. Small business owner 10 years.

Campaign Website: Onetinleypark.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Village of Tinley Park Clerk

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. As the Tinley Park Village Clerk, my top priority is to ensure that all Village documents and records are safeguarded. I believe that the best way to ensure this is through information technology and teamwork, that will in turn allow staff to work more efficiently. I am committed to fiscal responsibility and full transparency.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? The critical difference between myself and the other candidate is experience and commitment. Long before I held the position of Village Clerk, I was actively involved with the Village. I brought to the forefront the numerous environmental issues of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center by filing reports with the USEPA, IEPA, MWRD and other critical agencies. I am dedicated and fully committed to seeing the Tinley Park Mental Health Center fully remediated.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: As a member of the One Tinley Park team, I am dedicated to making our Village an even better place to live. During my campaign, I will listen to the key issues that are important to residents and help to implement the changes that will improve our wonderful town.

The One Tinley Park team will continue to work to improve public safety. This includes ensuring we have the correct public safety personnel in place and continuing to invest in safety programs and equipment.

We will continue to focus on encouraging economic development, creating more jobs, and attracting new businesses to Tinley Park.

I am proud to be part of the One Tinley Park team and I am committed to making Tinley Park a great place to live and work. I look forward to continuing to serve the community and to make a positive difference in our Village.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? In terms of accomplishments, I have worked in both the public and private sectors and I have developed a keen ability to listen and implement solutions to complex problems. My success in these areas has allowed me to develop strong relationships and build a deep understanding of the needs of the community. From starting the Mt. Carmel High School men's volleyball program, to building and running my own business, to taking on the State of Illinois and exposing the countless dangers of the toxins at the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, I have a proven record of hard work and commitment.

Why should voters trust you? Voters should trust me because I have a proven track record of success in both the public and private sectors. I believe in the importance of listening to all voices in the Village and using their input to create meaningful policy changes. I am also committed to holding myself and other elected officials accountable, and to ensure that the Village's resources are used in a responsible manner.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? If I am elected, I want my term in office to be remembered for transparency and cost savings for the residents. In my first term, working with the Mayor and majority of the Board we were able to eliminate the 57 year old Vehicle Sticker ordinance this year. I will continue to look for ways to cut costs and save taxpayer dollars.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? As the Village Clerk, I believe that one aspect of my job is to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility . My goal is to make sure that the Clerk's office spends wisely and the monies allocated go towards the most important and necessary areas, while also ensuring that we are utilizing money efficiently and effectively.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community? No answer provided.

Do you support Black Lives Matter, and do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality? If not, what specifically should be done to do so? No answer provided.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not? No answer provided.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development? No answer provided.

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? No answer provided.

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

The best advice ever shared with me was: The best advice ever shared with me was to never give up, always keep pushing myself and to always keep striving for excellence. This has been my guiding principle throughout my life, and I will always work hard to ensure that our village continues to grow and prosper.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I want voters to know that I am committed to public service and to the well-being of our Village. I am proud to help make our little corner of the world a better place. I will work hard to ensure that our village is a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and play. I will work hard to ensure that our village is well-prepared for the future, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve our village as Village Clerk.