South Cook News

Keith Pekau got his dream job, but it looks like he will have to deal with some nightmares first.

The Orland Park businessman and newly elected mayor easily beat six-term incumbent Dan McLaughlin with 59 percent of the vote on April 4, but even as his record-setting tally was essentially still being counted, village board members were busy installing an interim manager and incorporating a plan some predict might diminish Pekau's powers.

“I’ve heard some say this is just politics as usual, but since I haven’t been included in any of the discussions leading up to this, I don’t know what the motivation or rationale is,” Pekau told the South Cook News. “I thought we had agreed that no major action would be taken before I took office, but I’m not surprised by anything that happens before May 15.”

A political novice and former U.S. Air Force member, Pekau ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and greater economic development. The Daily Hookah reports that he also benefited from voters openly rebelling against granting McLaughlin a $110,000 raise and an annual salary of $150,000, with an overall pension plan worth up to $1.2 million.

With the massive pay hike, McLaughlin was to perform his mayoral duties on a full-time rather than part-time basis.

“It got everyone’s attention,” Pekau said. “Without question, it made it easier for my message to be heard.”

On April 17 -- less than two weeks after the election -- the board named Joe LaMargo interim village manager at a pay rate of $160,000. Largo had been serving as assistant village manager since 2015. 

In his new post, Largo will also have an assistant at a salary of $135,000. 

There are even rumblings that the board might be considering bringing back McLaughlin in a yet-to-be-determined post at a salary of $150,000.

While Pekau conceded that the salaries fall in line with market rates, he is somewhat confused by the moves.

“I thought all of this could have waited until I took office, or at least I could have been informed so I could have sat in on the meetings,” he said. “Even then, I would have been outnumbered by the board, and they could have done what they wanted.”

As it is, the new mayor insists he plans to stand by his campaign pledge of not accepting a government-funded pension and placing even more of a financial burden on taxpayers.

“The people spoke clearly in this election, and I will continue to do the things I told voters I would do,” he said.

Pekau will take office on May 15 for a four-year term.