Orland Park Trustee Kathleen Fenton will not seek re-election this April
Pictured is Orland Park Trustee Kathleen Fenton, who announced she will not seek re-election this April. PHOTO SUBMITTED
By Jon DePaolis
ORLAND PARK, Ill. — Village of Orland Park Trustee Kathleen Fenton has announced she will not seek re-election in the April 2021 municipal election.
“I am grateful to the residents of the Village of Orland Park who allowed me to serve as their trustee for what will soon be 28 years,” stated Fenton in a news release that was sent out early in the evening Thursday, Jan. 7. “This was a very difficult decision to make. I feel that I have served the village with my whole heart and to the best of my ability.”
Fenton — who was first elected to a trustee position in 1993 — said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family.
In the news release, she also recounted some of the accomplishments achieved during her time on the Village Board, such as creating a contest to design a new Village seal and flag.
“Creating a strong sense of community has always been one of my primary objectives,” Fenton said. “This is why I always looked for events and programs that would bring us together as a community.”
Fenton also pointed to her proposal to start a farmers’ market, as well as efforts to ensure the Village’s financial stability and public safety.
“Public safety has been and will continue to be a priority for Orland Park’s elected officials,” Fenton said. “The Orland Park Police Department is known throughout the country for its innovative programs and commitment to keeping the community safe. I’m very proud to have witnessed so many of the department’s accomplishments.”
Fenton also noted how she was part of the group that created the Village’s history museum.
“I’ve been fortunate to serve as the Village Board’s liaison to the museum board and continue to be amazed with all that our local community museum does to forever preserve and promote Orland Park’s rich history,” she said. “We must remember to preserve and cherish Orland Park’s past, live in the present and look forward to a bright future.”
She also commented on economic and community improvements; attracting developments such as Mariano’s, Von Maur, the University of Chicago and Loyola Medical Center; and recreation and park improvements.
“We’ve always promoted Orland Park as the best place to live, work and play,” Fenton said. “The board has always done its best to ensure that our community had the best possible programs and facilities.
“I also want to thank the Village’s Special Recreation Program staff and families. Being a part of their activities, their basketball and softball games, was always a great time with a wonderful program and awesome people.”
Fenton said it has been an honor “to serve the people of Orland Park.”
“As I close this chapter in my life, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the residents of Orland Park for the faith and trust that they’ve shared with me,” Fenton said. “I send my thanks to the village staff and my supporters for their help over the years.”