Election 2023: Village of Tinley Park Board of Trustees
TINLEY PARK, Ill. — Election Day is Tuesday, April 4. To help voters learn a little more about the candidates running for the three open Village of Tinley Park Board of Trustees seats, Richard Free Press sent out candidate profiles to those running. The profiles have been edited slightly for spelling and grammar.
The candidates are incumbent trustees William Brennan, Diane Galante and Michael Mueller, and newcomer Ken Shaw.
William Brennan
Age: 37
Previous Political Experience: Village of Tinley Park Trustee (2019-Present)
Occupation: State Farm Agency Owner/Rocket Mortgage Loan Officer
Political Affiliation: One Tinley Park
What is your vision for Tinley Park, and how do you plan to work toward making that vision a reality?
My vision for Tinley Park is one that makes Tinley Park the pride of the southwest side. A best-in-class community where people travel to live, work and play. A family community where our residents feel safe and supported. A community that is a destination for employers, visitors, and residents. The One Tinley Park team has done this through a balanced approach, and I believe we have seen record growth in business licenses applied for and record recruitment of our public safety teams while also keeping taxes low for our residents. We have committed to prioritizing these issues and will continue to work hard to streamline and create efficiencies where possible.
What are the three biggest issues or problems you want to work toward solving or fixing in Tinley Park if elected to the Village Board in April?
As the Public Safety chair, I have always believed that the top priority for our Village is to never take our eye off of public safety. That is why we have committed to adding police officers and public safety personnel. Currently, we have the most sworn officers in department history. We also recently added two K-9 units to the street, as well – one that was purchased through a grant. Secondly, I believe in order to be able to afford these new personnel, we have to continue to drive economic growth and business development to broaden the tax base and generate revenue to pay for the quality services our public safety and public works teams provide. Thirdly, I believe in evaluating and examining every dollar the Village spends. We must be diligent and purposeful with spending and cutting any excess costs to keep our taxes as low as possible. Most recently, we were able to do so by examining insurance costs that saved the Village over $1 million last fiscal year.
The abandoned Tinley Park Mental Health Center has been an issue for more than a decade. How do you believe the Village can work with the State to get the property sold, and what types of uses do you believe the site should house once it is remediated?
The Village has been working to acquire this property for many years. We have been responsible with our funds and are ready and willing to consummate a deal to acquire this property. I believe the best way to get this done is through working with our state legislators and negotiating this long overdue project. I firmly believe the list of demands to the State are simple: the land is entirely cleaned up; the land is sold in its entirety to ensure proper cleanup; and the cost of cleanup is not placed on the taxpayers of Tinley Park.
The possibilities on this land are endless as we are talking 280 acres. I believe it will be a nice mix of retail, restaurants, [entertainment], transit-oriented development, open space with parks and lakes, a sports complex with indoor field houses, baseball and soccer fields, and an ice arena.
How do you plan to reach out to, hear from and work with residents regarding concerns or issues in the Village?
I think the best way to stay connected to the community is by being visible, approachable, and entrenched in the community. I am a firm believer in building relationships and trust, and talking to residents is my favorite part of the position. Since being elected in 2019, I have always been available by phone, email, social media, Village meetings, and most importantly by being present at Village events and community gatherings. I also believe the best leaders I have ever worked with in my professional life have always uncoincidentally been the best listeners. I am committed to always being present and available for all residents of Tinley Park.
What attributes do you possess that you believe will benefit the Village Board in decision-making that will benefit the residents?
I believe I have demonstrated over the last four years that I bring a levelheaded approach with strong logical decision-making. As a born and raised Tinley Park resident, I have an in-depth understanding of the Village’s history and what makes it special, which has been invaluable when making decisions that impact the entire community. My background is also unique, as I have experience in public safety (previously a paramedic) and the financial field (business owner for 11 years). This broad range of experience has given me the necessary tools to be a successful contributor to the Village Board for the benefit of all Tinley Park residents.
Diane Galante
Age: 58
Previous Political Experience: Village of Tinley Park Trustee (2019-Present)
Occupation: Senior Accountant, BorgWarner Automotive’s Frankfort-based plant, for 30 years. The last few years, I was part of the team to shut down the plant, but I assisted with transitioning the product lines to other BorgWarner facilities.
Political Affiliation: Independent
What is your vision for Tinley Park, and how do you plan to work toward making that vision a reality?
I believe Tinley Park has made its mark as a strong family community; we earned the honor of being named the best place to raise a family. You can see the strong community bond if you watch how many neighbors pile into the Oak Park Avenue train station to listen to music on a Saturday night, or how many families line the streets of Oak Park Avenue for a communitywide parade. I believe our strong community was made because of all the pieces in our community working together, and not separately, over many years.
My vision as a Village trustee is to work toward mending the current relationships and damage that exists within the Village and build back the trust within the community to ensure we are working together for the people we were elected to represent. I worked 30 years for a company whose motto was, “find a way.” I believe we can build back trust and respect with our community members, and work to find the best solutions for the Village of Tinley Park and its residents.
What are the three biggest issues or problems you want to work toward solving or fixing in Tinley Park if elected to the Village Board in April?
No. 1, the cleanup of the mental health property is a priority. I believe that every day that this issue is ignored or not resolved is another day that our community members are put at risk.
No. 2, work to ensure all members of the Village, including board members and community members, are being heard and that their issues are being addressed instead of disregarded because of personal opinions/beliefs.
No. 3, the transparency and the public’s access to information needs to be improved. The current policy in place forces our own citizens to jump through hoops to obtain information and find out what is being done with their tax money. This information should not be held amongst the members of the board and should be readily available to all community members and the public.
The abandoned Tinley Park Mental Health Center has been an issue for more than a decade. How do you believe the Village can work with the State to get the property sold, and what types of uses do you believe the site should house once it is remediated?
The first step would be to stop the negative press campaigns that have taken place to point blame and disrespect those we need to be working with, not against. Unfortunately, personal feelings of decision makers seem to get lost in the midst of what is best for the Village and its residents.
I believe that the Tinley Park-Park District has proposed a wonderful idea with respect to the use of this property that can support a need in our family focused community. I believe the idea of an indoor facility and additional outdoor fields, that will allow Tinley Park organizations and community members to host additional sporting events and tournaments is a perfect use of that property – and is something the people have been asking for.
How do you plan to reach out to, hear from and work with residents regarding concerns or issues in the Village?
I am a regular attendant at most Village and chamber events. I regularly talk to residents to get feedback on how they feel about what is happening in the Village. I have had residents reach out on concerns, and I have always accepted to meet with them to discuss their concerns and look for a reasonable solution.
I plan to continue to be actively involved in the community by attending events, listening to the concerns of the Village members, and encourage them to be a part of resolutions to their concerns.
What attributes do you possess that you believe will benefit the Village Board in decision-making that will benefit the residents?
I believe that my 30 years of accounting experience in the automotive industry, working in many different environments with a variety of individuals to help find the best solutions for the company, is a positive attribute that I possess that can benefit the community when it comes to decision making for our Village. I understand the need to question issues and ideas that are not clear, request additional information in order to make informed decisions before voting on a topic, and I will not simply follow the crowd if I do not believe a decision is in the best interest of the Tinley Park community as a whole.
My belief is that there is always a way if you don’t stop looking for the solution. I will follow through with my promises to the Village and ensure that I do my part in keeping Tinley Park the best place to raise a family.
Michael Mueller
Age: 43
Previous Political Experience: Village of Tinley Park Trustee (2019-Present)
Occupation: Principal Software Architect for a BSS/OSS software company in the telecommunications industry.
Political Affiliation: One Tinley Park
What is your vision for Tinley Park, and how do you plan to work toward making that vision a reality?
My vision for Tinley Park is that it is a first-class community for residents, businesses, and visitors. To do this, we need to continue the great strides that we have taken as a One Tinley Park team, and each of these groups has a unique set of needs. For our residents, we need to ensure we continue our best-in-class services, continue investment in public safety, and ensure that our taxes remain as low as possible. For our businesses, we need to have programs and incentives for them to come and stay in Tinley Park and have a partnership with the Village to ensure their sustained success. And, finally, for our visitors, we need to ensure we are a safe community to visit while providing all the accommodations, restaurants and venues that make any visit enjoyable.
What are the three biggest issues or problems you want to work toward solving or fixing in Tinley Park if elected to the Village Board in April?
The three biggest issues in Tinley Park that I am focused on as a trustee are continuing sustainable economic growth, public safety, and keeping taxes low with rising inflation.
I believe that continuing the sustainable economic growth is critical to ensuring that Tinley Park remains a thriving community for many years to come. I have worked to attract new businesses to Tinley Park using all the tools that can, including incentives, grants, and outreach to businesses in neighboring communities. This hard work has paid off, and we are seeing growth now in corners of Tinley Park where there was only promises before.
I also believe that public safety is paramount to our resident; and, as trustee, I will continue to work hard to ensure residents feel safe in their homes, their neighborhoods, and when they are enjoying our businesses and venues. One Tinley Park has worked hard to increase our police force, add K-9 units, and advocate for outreach programs from our Public Safety department to all of our businesses and residents.
Finally, I understand the importance of keeping taxes low for Tinley Park residents, especially in the face of rising inflation. I have done this by ensuring the Village cuts spending in times of uncertain revenues and by working hard to increase our tax base, specifically by increasing the numbers of businesses here in Tinley Park.
The abandoned Tinley Park Mental Health Center has been an issue for more than a decade. How do you believe the Village can work with the State to get the property sold, and what types of uses do you believe the site should house once it is remediated?
The Village has been working with the State for a number of years to acquire this hugely important piece of property. But there are important things that need to take place with that deal. First, we need to ensure that the property is sold entirely, so that the remediation of that property can also be completed in its entirety. Second, we need to ensure that the tax burden on the Village of Tinley Park is protected from such a purchase. The Village has done this by having money put aside for years to make sure that can purchase this property, without asking for additional money from our residents and businesses.
As for uses, we only have to use our imagination to see all the possibilities: an ice arena; tree-lined walking and bike paths; a multi-use, domed sports complex (baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, wrestling, and other activities or sports); transit-oriented residential near the train tracks; several lakes; a golfing facility; an interactive and innovative playground; great stores and restaurants; a hotel with banquet facilities; and plenty of other imaginative possibilities.
How do you plan to reach out to, hear from and work with residents regarding concerns or issues in the Village?
One of the best parts of local government is that you always get to hear from the residents. Since taking office in 2019, I have heard from residents via email, phone calls, at board and committee meetings, at events and festivities around the Village, and even when at events for my kids. The key aspect to all of this is to listen to exactly what is being said and work with those residents on solutions. Outcomes from these sessions with residents have led to changes in our ordinances and policies, letters or phone calls to other government agencies, and bringing developers and residents to meetings to work out issues.
What attributes do you possess that you believe will benefit the Village Board in decision-making that will benefit the residents?
I believe that over the last four years I have demonstrated my strong rational decision-making ability that has benefited all the resident of Tinley Park. This didn’t happen by accident. I have a degree in economics that helps with financial decisions. I have worked in the software industry for the last 20 years, which has helped drive technology initiatives within the Village. And I have family (a wife and two sons) that have lived in Tinley Park for the last 14 years, and they keep me grounded and are always pushing me to keep Tinley Park a safe place to live.
Ken Shaw
Age: 55
Previous Political Experience: Village of Tinley Park Plan Commissioner (2021-Present); Tinley Park Brand Leadership Team (2017-2018); Plan Commission Chairman (2016-2019); Lockport Zoning Board of Appeals (2004-2005); Bolingbrook Zoning Board of Appeals (1999-2001); Bolingbrook Neighborhood Preservation Commission (1993-1995)
Occupation: Internal Audit Director for 22 years
Political Affiliation: One Tinley Park
What is your vision for Tinley Park, and how do you plan to work toward making that vision a reality?
As a One Tinley Park team member, I’m proud to state that due to their hard work and leadership, the Village has reached a level of stability and effectiveness it hasn’t seen in years. I sincerely believe that we are at the beginning of a great transformation that the people of Tinley Park have been reluctant to consider possible. Their skepticism is understandable, because they have been let down and misled enough that they have trouble recognizing and believing the positive signs and successes that already exist. There will be many accomplishments continuing on the current path, from delivering Harmony Square to securing the Tinley Park Mental Health Center as a valued asset and economic engine for the community. But, for me, the greatest accomplishment will be restoring the people’s faith and optimism so that they are once again willing to believe what they see without skepticism.
What are the three biggest issues or problems you want to work toward solving or fixing in Tinley Park if elected to the Village Board in April?
Continuing to strengthen and expand Tinley Park’s business community is a top priority for me and the One Tinley Park team. Breaking down barriers to new business and supporting existing business will continue to be an area of focus. A healthy and business-friendly environment is essential to ensuring that the Village remains capable of delivering essential services to the people and protects their property and personal interests. This includes continuing to invest in public safety equipment, personnel and training. Further advancing the Village’s ongoing branding and marketing efforts will additionally contribute to increasing Tinley Park’s stature as both a great place to visit and a great place to live. Tinley Park is a genuinely unique community with a rich history and vibrant present. I believe the role of elected leaders is to fiercely preserve and protect the interests of its citizens, current and future.
I’m a fiscal conservative and believe in limited government. I have publicly spoken and written about my belief in the proper role of government. Municipal government must be primarily focused on delivering essential services, including public safety, and promoting a healthy environment within which private businesses can thrive. The challenge facing this Village Board is striking the right balance.
The abandoned Tinley Park Mental Health Center has been an issue for more than a decade. How do you believe the Village can work with the State to get the property sold, and what types of uses do you believe the site should house once it is remediated?
See Trustee Michael Mueller’s submission for One Tinley Park response.
How do you plan to reach out to, hear from and work with residents regarding concerns or issues in the Village?
Although this is my first campaign for elected office, I have a very public record of service and history of stating my positions on important issues facing the Village of Tinley Park. I have been a vocal and visible public advocate online and in-person at Village Board, committee, and commission meetings as both a private citizen and an appointed official. I strive to be accessible and approachable both in-person and through various communication channels. I enjoy meeting new people and am excited to continue making myself available and engaging with the wonderful people of Tinley Park.
What attributes do you possess that you believe will benefit the Village Board in decision-making that will benefit the residents?
As a member of the One Tinley Park team, I’m proud to highlight the many strengths that we share, including our dedication to our community, our families, and our faith. Our common goal of continually building a stronger Tinley Park is a driving force for our team. As much as we have in common, our differences make us even stronger. Our broad professional experiences bring the most complete and diverse Board of Trustees that Tinley Park has had in recent memory.
First and foremost, I understand how municipal government works and sometimes doesn’t work. I have over 25 years of experience in local government in appointed roles across three separate local municipalities – Bolingbrook, Lockport, and Tinley Park. I was a Code Enforcement Officer for the Bolingbrook Police Department dealing primarily in building and housing code compliance.
Second, I’m prepared to serve from Day 1. I have significant experience conducting public meetings and a thorough understanding of the inner workings of municipal government. As chairman of Tinley Park’s Plan Commission, I lead the public hearings and meetings for major developments, including The Boulevard in downtown. I have never shied from the challenges these responsibilities presented.
Third, I’m a stable and well-rounded leader. My experience in corporate and nonprofit business help me bring a balanced perspective to the Village Board. My experience across many industries helps ensure I’m not hyper-focused on one area of Village operations at the expense of all the rest. Beyond my professional experience, I have worked in construction, food service, and 10 years in retail from entry level to upper management. I enjoy problem-solving and consensus-building.
Deciding when or when not to spend the public’s money is a great responsibility. Under-investing in critical infrastructure may seem prudent and applauded in the short-term, but incurring excessive replacement costs down the line can prove the short-term decision to be quite foolish in the end. My experience as a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner will help me relate to the Village’s professional staff without getting in their way. I can perform my oversight role as a Trustee without second-guessing their work.
Finally, I’m committed to public service in all forms. I have worked with many nonprofits and charitable organizations as both volunteer and board member. My military experience early in life gave me exposure to and appreciation for people of many different cultures and backgrounds. My diverse experiences working at all levels with a wonderful cross-section of the public have kept me grounded and sincerely rooted in public service.