Democrat U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorsed Dan McLaughlin Thursday in his quest to win a seventh term as mayor of Orland Park.
McLaughlin has come under fire for raising his salary from $40,000 to $150,000. The increase would spike his starting government pension from $30,000 to more than $100,000, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Democrat U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is backing Dan McLaughlin for a record seventh term as Orland Park mayor.
| U.S. Senate
Durbin, from Springfield, frequently endorses Chicago-area mayoral candidates. Most recently, he endorsed Rahm Emanuel for re-election as Mayor of Chicago.
He made the announcement in an email distributed to his and McLaughlin's supporters.
The full text is as follows:
I’ve known Dan McLaughlin for over twenty years and I can tell you that he begins each day with a commitment to make his community the best it can be for every family.
In Illinois many municipalities are in financial crisis, and have seen their credit and bond ratings tumble.
This is not the case in Orland Park. Under Dan’s leadership, the Village has operated with a balanced budget for 24 straight years and a “AA+ Credit Rating” – making your community one of the most financially sound municipalities in Illinois, with little debt.
Dan has never lost sight of the special responsibility he has as mayor to do more with less and to live within the means taxpayers are already providing.
The village hasn’t raised its property tax levy since 2010 and has refunded millions in property taxes to homeowners.
Orland Park has been rated by F.B.I. crime statistics as one of the safest communities in the state, and Chicago Magazine named the village one of the “Most Livable Cities in America.”
Success like this doesn’t just fall off the back of a truck. It takes focused, dedicated leadership and the ability to work collaboratively with many interests to make it happen.
In recent days, Dan’s opponent Keith Pekau received over $150,000 for TV ads from the Liberty Principals PAC – an alt-right political organization funded by people like the Koch Brothers. They’re writing checks to spread a stream of ‘fake news’, distortions and misinformation about Dan and the village.
Please, don’t be taken in by the fake news, alternative facts and false information being spread about your community by a candidate who will clearly say anything to win.
My best,
Dick Durbin
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