South Cook News

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau scored 52% of the vote to fend off former mayor Dan McLaughlin and earn another term.

Running on the People Over Politics ticket, Pekau registered more than 13,000 votes to fend off McLaughlin, who was first elected mayor in 1993, by just over 500 votes.

“Thank you to the residents of Orland Park,” Pekau posted on Facebook. “It is an honor to lead our village and my hometown. I am humbled that you have put your trust and faith in me to lead our community for another four years. What was accomplished in the first four years proves that there is no limit to success, growth, and opportunity in Orland Park.”

In an election season greatly impacted by the lingering impact of COVID-19, Pekau estimated that he still knocked on about 2,600 doors in getting his message out to voters.

“I’m excited to continue what we started four years ago and making our village one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family,” Pekau said. “I’m also looking forward to working with Trustee-Elects Sean Kampas, Joni Radaszewski, and Brian Riordan as they are all devoted to keeping Orland Park moving in the right direction and continuing our forward momentum. This new board is committed to putting the people of Orland Park over politics.”

Pekau was first elected in 2017 and touts having reduced the village’s operational budget by nearly 14% and debt by roughly $40 million as one of his biggest achievements.