Latest news with #Pekau
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sean Morrison stepping down as Cook County GOP chair
Sean Morrison announced Saturday that he will resign effective April 14 as Cook County Republican chairman after nine years, saying it was time to infuse 'new energy' into the GOP leadership in a county dominated by Democrats. Morrison, a Cook County Board member from Palos Park, said his decision to step down from the GOP post was 'not a new decision' but had been planned in consultation with family and friends to take place after the November general election and last week's local elections. In a letter to members of the Cook County GOP, Morrison said serving as chairman 'has been one of the great honors of my life' and that he was 'grateful for the support, dedication, and perseverance shown by so many along the way.' 'But now, it's time for new energy,' he said in the letter, dated Friday. 'The future of our party depends on fresh, motivated, and hardworking members to step up and carry the baton forward. I am confident that the next generation of Republican leaders is ready to answer the call.' Morrison said he was retaining his party roles as chairman of the Palos Township Republican organization and as one of 17 members of the Illinois GOP State Central Committee. 'To those watching from the sidelines — I encourage you to step out from the shadows, gather your courage, raise your voice, and help lead this party with integrity and conviction. Our communities need you,' he said. Morrison also wrote that 'I remain committed to working diligently to elect common sense, pragmatic Republicans well into the future.' Morrison was an ally of Keith Pekau, who was defeated Tuesday in a bid for a third term as Orland Park mayor by Jim Dodge, a former village clerk and trustee. Morrison bemoaned Pekau's defeat, saying Pekau had 'demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible governance' and that the election was 'marred by a level of nastiness and vitriol that has no place in public service.' Still, Morrison said he was 'committed to working collaboratively with the new administration to advance the interests of all Orland Park residents.' Morrison set April 22 for an election among county GOP leaders to select his replacement for completing the final year of his term. Aaron Del Mar, the head of the Palatine Township Republicans and a Morrison predecessor as county GOP chairman, is considered the favorite to reassume the post.
Chicago Tribune
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Sean Morrison stepping down as Cook County GOP chair
Sean Morrison announced Saturday that he will resign effective April 14 as Cook County Republican chairman after nine years, saying it was time to infuse 'new energy' into the GOP leadership in a county dominated by Democrats. Morrison, a Cook County Board member from Palos Park, said his decision to step down from the GOP post was 'not a new decision' but had been planned in consultation with family and friends to take place after the November general election and last week's local elections. In a letter to members of the Cook County GOP, Morrison said serving as chairman 'has been one of the great honors of my life' and that he was 'grateful for the support, dedication, and perseverance shown by so many along the way.' 'But now, it's time for new energy,' he said in the letter, dated Friday. 'The future of our party depends on fresh, motivated, and hardworking members to step up and carry the baton forward. I am confident that the next generation of Republican leaders is ready to answer the call.' Morrison said he was retaining his party roles as chairman of the Palos Township Republican organization and as one of 17 members of the Illinois GOP State Central Committee. 'To those watching from the sidelines — I encourage you to step out from the shadows, gather your courage, raise your voice, and help lead this party with integrity and conviction. Our communities need you,' he said. Morrison also wrote that 'I remain committed to working diligently to elect common sense, pragmatic Republicans well into the future.' Morrison was an ally of Keith Pekau, who was defeated Tuesday in a bid for a third term as Orland Park mayor by Jim Dodge, a former village clerk and trustee. Morrison bemoaned Pekau's defeat, saying Pekau had 'demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible governance' and that the election was 'marred by a level of nastiness and vitriol that has no place in public service.' Still, Morrison said he was 'committed to working collaboratively with the new administration to advance the interests of all Orland Park residents.' Morrison set April 22 for an election among county GOP leaders to select his replacement for completing the final year of his term. Aaron Del Mar, the head of the Palatine Township Republicans and a Morrison predecessor as county GOP chairman, is considered the favorite to reassume the post.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jim Dodge, incoming Orland Park mayor lays out short-term priorities, mending relations with police
A month before he's due to become Orland Park mayor, Jim Dodge said he has some immediate priorities, including shoring up relations with village police officers. Dodge said that assessing Orland Park's financial condition is also a priority once he and his group of trustees and clerk take office. Unofficial vote totals showed Dodge with 57% of the vote in the Tuesday's election to 43% for incumbent Keith Pekau, who was seeking a third term. A canvass of votes by the Cook County clerk has not yet taken place, although Pekau conceded defeat and texted congratulations to Dodge Tuesday night after results showed Dodge's apparent win. Dodge said he expects he and his running mates on the Orland Park For All ticket to be sworn in at the May 5 Village Board meeting. His slate, apparently winners, includes a village clerk and three trustees who will join Trustees William Healy, Cynthia Katsenes and Michael Milani, elected in 2019 and running on Pekau's People Over Politics He garnered rare endorsements from unions representing village police officers and firefighters working for the Orland Fire Protection District. The unions said their past practice had been not to endorse one candidate over another in municipal elections. Dodge said morale among police officers is low and recruiting officers has been a problem. 'I want to sit down with the folks in the department and work to address their concerns,' he said. Chapter 159 of the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, in its January endorsement of Dodge, said the village's administration 'imperils the independent, effective, and professional law enforcement service Orland Park's citizens have earned and deserve.' The union has said the village's hiring of outside command staff, rather than promoting from within the ranks, runs counter to a 20-year tradition of promoting from within. Promotions from within the department ensure 'that officers were well-trained and prepared for leadership roles,' the union said. Dodge said 'voters of Orland Park wanted the leadership to get back to a more nonpartisan, bipartisan stance focused on the needs of our hometown.' He said Tuesday that the results ushered in 'a return to dignity where we will bring back respect, transparency, and civility to Orland Park.' Dodge said he is committed to maintaining communication with the community, promising regular updates and opportunities for engagement. Dodge that another near-term priority for him is 'getting a true and accurate understanding of the financial condition of the village.' Last fall, the state comptroller threatened Orland Park with a forced audit due to delays in the village filing financial audits for the 2022 and 2023 budget years. The village said last month the problem was resolved with the recent completion of the 2023 audit, coming after the 2022 audit wrapped up late last year. The audits became an issue during the mayoral campaign, with Dodge criticizing Pekau's administration for not having them filed on time. He said during his time on the Village Board, the village was never late in submitting annual audits to the state. Until audits were filed, the comptroller was holding back offset payments to Orland Park, money the state withholds from state income tax refunds and other sources for things such as past-due traffic tickets and other fines. Village officials blamed the resignation in June of the former finance director and early retirements of key people in the village's Finance Department as factors for the delayed filings, along with the implementation of a new computer system. Last November, the Village Board approved a resolution accusing the comptroller of singling out Orland Park for harsh treatment while dozens of government entities throughout the state have been late in filing audits but not subject to the same treatment, and criticizing what it called 'punitive sanctions.' Dodge said he heard complaints from residents about a village tax on electric and natural gas bills that took effect last year. The village estimated the average resident would see an increase of $12.55 per month between gas and electric costs. It was enacted in part to help pay principal and interest on new debt Orland Park expects to issue to pay for infrastructure work, according to the village. 'We're going to have to take a look at that,' Dodge said. Dodge, 62, became village clerk in 1989 then was appointed trustee in 1996. He did not run for reelection as trustee in the April 2021 election. His Orland Park For All ticket also includes for clerk Mary Ryan Norwell, a former Cook County assistant state's attorney and a municipal attorney for the last nine years. She had 58% of the vote compared with 42% for Clerk Brian Gaspardo on the Pekau-led People Over Politics ticket, according to unofficial results. Gaspardo was recently appointed clerk. Seeking trustee positions on Dodge's ticket were John Lawler, Dina M. Lawrence and Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, with Lawler receiving 8,514 votes, 8,594 for Lawrence and 8,279 for Leafblad. People Over Politics trustee candidate Sean Kampas had 6,127 votes and candidate Brian Riordan had 6,426 votes, according to unofficial results. Also seeking one of three trustee seats on the People Over Politics ticket was Carol McGury, who had 6,182 votes. Dodge said he did not foresee issues with his team getting along with the three trustees on the Village Board. 'I'm looking forward to have positive discussions and relations,' he said. 'My starting point is looking forward to connecting with them so we can talk things through.' Cook County Board member Sean Morrison, R-17th, in an open letter Thursday to the Orland Park community, praised Pekau and said as the transition takes place he is 'committed to working collaboratively with the new administration to advance the interests of all Orland Park residents.' Morrison said Pekau 'has demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible governance,' and that 'under his leadership, the Village of Orland Park has made significant advancements in public safety, fiscal discipline, and economic development.' Morrison said the election was 'marred by a level of nastiness and vitriol that has no place in public service' including anonymous attacks, baseless character assassination and coordinated personal harassment designed to distract voters from the real issues. With the transition to a new administration, Morrison said it is 'an important moment for Orland Park and for all of us who care about good, clean government. Let's ensure the next chapter reflects the highest standards of public service.'
Chicago Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Jim Dodge, incoming Orland Park mayor lays out short-term priorities, mending relations with police
A month before he's due to become Orland Park mayor, Jim Dodge said he has some immediate priorities, including shoring up relations with village police officers. Dodge said that assessing Orland Park's financial condition is also a priority once he and his group of trustees and clerk take office. Unofficial vote totals showed Dodge with 57% of the vote in the Tuesday's election to 43% for incumbent Keith Pekau, who was seeking a third term. A canvass of votes by the Cook County clerk has not yet taken place, although Pekau conceded defeat and texted congratulations to Dodge Tuesday night after results showed Dodge's apparent win. Dodge said he expects he and his running mates on the Orland Park For All ticket to be sworn in at the May 5 Village Board meeting. His slate, apparently winners, includes a village clerk and three trustees who will join Trustees William Healy, Cynthia Katsenes and Michael Milani, elected in 2019 and running on Pekau's People Over Politics He garnered rare endorsements from unions representing village police officers and firefighters working for the Orland Fire Protection District. The unions said their past practice had been not to endorse one candidate over another in municipal elections. Dodge said morale among police officers is low and recruiting officers has been a problem. 'I want to sit down with the folks in the department and work to address their concerns,' he said. Chapter 159 of the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, in its January endorsement of Dodge, said the village's administration 'imperils the independent, effective, and professional law enforcement service Orland Park's citizens have earned and deserve.' The union has said the village's hiring of outside command staff, rather than promoting from within the ranks, runs counter to a 20-year tradition of promoting from within. Promotions from within the department ensure 'that officers were well-trained and prepared for leadership roles,' the union said. Dodge said 'voters of Orland Park wanted the leadership to get back to a more nonpartisan, bipartisan stance focused on the needs of our hometown.' He said Tuesday that the results ushered in 'a return to dignity where we will bring back respect, transparency, and civility to Orland Park.' Dodge said he is committed to maintaining communication with the community, promising regular updates and opportunities for engagement. Dodge that another near-term priority for him is 'getting a true and accurate understanding of the financial condition of the village.' Last fall, the state comptroller threatened Orland Park with a forced audit due to delays in the village filing financial audits for the 2022 and 2023 budget years. The village said last month the problem was resolved with the recent completion of the 2023 audit, coming after the 2022 audit wrapped up late last year. The audits became an issue during the mayoral campaign, with Dodge criticizing Pekau's administration for not having them filed on time. He said during his time on the Village Board, the village was never late in submitting annual audits to the state. Until audits were filed, the comptroller was holding back offset payments to Orland Park, money the state withholds from state income tax refunds and other sources for things such as past-due traffic tickets and other fines. Village officials blamed the resignation in June of the former finance director and early retirements of key people in the village's Finance Department as factors for the delayed filings, along with the implementation of a new computer system. Last November, the Village Board approved a resolution accusing the comptroller of singling out Orland Park for harsh treatment while dozens of government entities throughout the state have been late in filing audits but not subject to the same treatment, and criticizing what it called 'punitive sanctions.' Dodge said he heard complaints from residents about a village tax on electric and natural gas bills that took effect last year. The village estimated the average resident would see an increase of $12.55 per month between gas and electric costs. It was enacted in part to help pay principal and interest on new debt Orland Park expects to issue to pay for infrastructure work, according to the village. 'We're going to have to take a look at that,' Dodge said. Dodge, 62, became village clerk in 1989 then was appointed trustee in 1996. He did not run for reelection as trustee in the April 2021 election. His Orland Park For All ticket also includes for clerk Mary Ryan Norwell, a former Cook County assistant state's attorney and a municipal attorney for the last nine years. She had 58% of the vote compared with 42% for Clerk Brian Gaspardo on the Pekau-led People Over Politics ticket, according to unofficial results. Gaspardo was recently appointed clerk. Seeking trustee positions on Dodge's ticket were John Lawler, Dina M. Lawrence and Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, with Lawler receiving 8,514 votes, 8,594 for Lawrence and 8,279 for Leafblad. People Over Politics trustee candidate Sean Kampas had 6,127 votes and candidate Brian Riordan had 6,426 votes, according to unofficial results. Also seeking one of three trustee seats on the People Over Politics ticket was Carol McGury, who had 6,182 votes. Dodge said he did not foresee issues with his team getting along with the three trustees on the Village Board. 'I'm looking forward to have positive discussions and relations,' he said. 'My starting point is looking forward to connecting with them so we can talk things through.' Cook County Board member Sean Morrison, R-17th, in an open letter Thursday to the Orland Park community, praised Pekau and said as the transition takes place he is 'committed to working collaboratively with the new administration to advance the interests of all Orland Park residents.' Morrison said Pekau 'has demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible governance,' and that 'under his leadership, the Village of Orland Park has made significant advancements in public safety, fiscal discipline, and economic development.' Morrison said the election was 'marred by a level of nastiness and vitriol that has no place in public service' including anonymous attacks, baseless character assassination and coordinated personal harassment designed to distract voters from the real issues. With the transition to a new administration, Morrison said it is 'an important moment for Orland Park and for all of us who care about good, clean government. Let's ensure the next chapter reflects the highest standards of public service.'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau concedes defeat in bid for third term
Keith Pekau conceded defeat Tuesday evening in his bid for a third term as Orland Park mayor, with challenger Jim Dodge ahead with nearly all precincts reporting. Pekau thanked supporters gathered at Papa Joe's restaurant, telling them 'I got shellacked' but that 'we ran a great campaign.' He said he texted congratulations to Dodge. With 44 of 45 precincts reporting, Dodge had 57% of the vote to 43% for Pekau, unofficial results show. Turnout for the election was more than 33% of registered voters, according to the Cook County clerk's office. 'This victory is not just about the vote,' Dodge in a statement declaring victory. 'It's about the people who have dedicated their time, energy, and hopes into making Orland Park a vibrant and welcoming place for all. I am deeply grateful for your trust and overwhelming support.' 'This is the first day, or the onset, to a return to dignity where we will bring back respect, transparency, and civility to Orland Park,' Dodge said. Pekau said that Orland Park residents 'voted to go back to what they had before,' referring to McLaughlin. 'I did what I could,' Pekau said. 'We made it transparent. Obviously, the people spoke.' Both Pekau and Dodge had fielded slates of trustee and clerk candidates, and other candidates who ran on Dodge's Orland Park for All ticket were leading candidates backed by Pekau. Pekau, 58, was first elected mayor in 2017, defeating longtime Mayor Dan McLaughlin, who was seeking a seventh term at the time and who Pekau faced again in 2021. Dodge, 62, became village clerk in 1989 then was appointed trustee in 1996. He did not run for reelection as trustee in the April 2021 election. The Dodge-headed Orland Park For All ticket also includes for clerk Mary Ryan Norwell, a former Cook County assistant state's attorney and a municipal attorney for the last nine years. She had 58% of the vote compared with 42% for clerk candidate Brian Gaspardo on the Pekau-led People Over Politics ticket, according to unofficial results. Seeking trustee positions on Dodge's ticket were John Lawler, Dina M. Lawrence and Joanna M. Liotine Leafblad, with Lawler receiving 8,376 votes, 8,453 for Lawrence and 8,143 for Leafblad, according to unofficial results.. People Over Politics trustee candidate Sean Kampas had 5,981 votes and candidate Brian Riordan had 6,263 votes, according to unofficial results. Also seeking one of three trustee seats on the People Over Politics ticket was Carol McGury, who had 6,027 votes, according to unofficial totals. Kampas, Riordan and Joni Radaszewski, who is not seeking reelection, were elected in the April 2021, running with Pekau on the People Over Politics ticket. 'I will move on and I will be just fine,' Pekau told supporters. 'I fought the fight.' During the campaign, Dodge said being better stewards of taxpayer money was a goal if elected, and he is critical of spending on a concert venue at Centennial Park West. Pekau campaign on accomplishments during his first two terms, saying he and the Village Board have improved 32 neighborhood parks in the last five years and improved the condition of streets. He said the village went from having 40% of streets rated as in poor or very poor condition to the current level of 17%. Pekau was the Republican nominee in the 6th Congressional District in 2022, losing to Democrat Sean Casten. Outside of the Orland Park Civic Center, a polling place on Tuesday, McLaughlin was handing out leaflets supporting Dodge and the Orland Park for All group as well as for his daughter, Bridget Lindbloom, running for a library board seat. While mayor, McLaughlin appointed Dodge to a trustee position on the Village Board. 'I think Jim understands the village, he understands how the village works,' McLaughlin said. He said that, several months ago, he and Dodge had talked, when Dodge was considering a challenge to Pekau and sought advice from the former mayor. 'I told him I thought he'd make a great candidate and that I would help him,' McLaughlin recalled of the conversation. Outside Orland Park's Liberty School, voters Vince Cotter and his wife, Karen, were going in opposite directions — he voting for the incumbent and his wife backing the challenger. 'I just see a lot of new business that has opened in town and I think he's generally done a good job,' Vince Cotter said of Pekau. 'I don't see any real need to shake things up.' His wife said she has not been happy about higher taxes imposed under Pekau's watch, including a utility tax on gas and electric bills and a higher home-rule sales tax. 'With prices for everything going up I think that we really need to take a look at how taxed we are,' Karen Cotter said. A village tax on electric and natural gas bills that took effect last year was estimated to generate $3.5 million to $3.9 million annually, and the village estimated the average resident would see an increase of $12.55 per month between gas and electric costs. An increase in Orland Park's home-rule sales tax also took effect last year. It doesn't apply to groceries or medicine, but increased the village's overall sales tax rate, in Cook County, to 10.25%. Through 2027, the village proposes issuing $60 million in bonds to finance projects such as improving streets, parks, and water and sewer infrastructure, but paying principal and interest on that new debt is expected to be covered by property taxes along with the utility tax and higher local sales tax. Coming out of Liberty School after voting, Diane Baker said she felt Pekau had 'done a decent job' and had cast her ballot for him. 'I know that taxes are high for everybody, but we have a lot of things in Orland others (towns) don't and we all know it costs money to pay for that,' she said. On the People Over Politics slate, Brian Gaspardo is village clerk and is managing partner of O'Neill & Gaspardo, Consultants and CPAs. Kampas has more than 25 years of experience in technology, business and strategy consulting, according to People Over Politics. An attorney, Riordan is a shareholder and board member at the law firm Clausen Miller. McGury retired recently, after 36 years having served as an executive vice president for Smithbucklin, a business management consulting firm in Chicago. On the Orland Park for All ticket, clerk candidate Norwell is a former Cook County assistant state's attorney and a municipal attorney for the last nine years. Trustee candidate Lawler is a homebuilder while Lawrence holds a master's in business administration from the University of Chicago and has a background as an evironmental engineer. Leafblad is president of the Orland Park Library Board and an assistant Cook County assistant state's attorney, according to Orland Park For All.
