South Cook News

The last board meeting was relatively short.  The Committee of the Whole had only one agenda item where we approved the engineering contract for Schussler Park and Centennial Park West.  We are planning to begin construction on both parks this year.  Five years ago, when I first ran for office one of my priorities was to fix/upgrade our parks.  In 2019, with three new trustees we were able to start this with John Humphrey Complex and local park upgrades.  Now that we have shored up the village’s fiscal position, we have the ability to upgrade some of our larger parks as well.  I am excited to see these projects completed in 2023/2024.

 

 The main board meeting had a lot of agenda items but they were routine and included the approval of a contract to assist with ballfield startups and dredging of the Grasslands Pond.

 

 The first highlight of the night was honoring Kendall Coyne Schofield, captain of the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team for her silver medal at the 2022 Olympic Games.  She is an amazing role model for young girls and boys alike.  She was a graduate of Carl Sandburg and is an Orland Park resident and an example of the best that Orland Park and the United States has to offer.  You can watch it here beginning approximately 1 minute into the meeting.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuqlITmUbss

 

 The second was honoring retiring Police Chief Joe Mitchell for his 27 years of service to the Village of Orland Park.  Chief Mitchell had an outstanding career and amazing success as Chief of Police during very difficult times in the region.  Highlights include:

• In 2021, we had the lowest number of index crimes in 27 years
• The lowest violent crime rate of towns over 50,000 in Illinois in 2020 and 2021
• Named the Safest City in Illinois in 2020
• Named the 8^th Safest Small City (30,000 to 100,000 residents) in the United States in 2021
• Implemented the Youth Supervision Program at Orland Square Mall
• Implemented the Mobile Response Unit that has reduced mental health committals by 35%

You can watch this part of the meeting beginning at the 10-minute mark.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuqlITmUbss

 Unfortunately, one of my opponents in the Republican primary decided to attack our police department just hours before we honored the Chief.  Chief Mitchell’s responded to this attack with these comments from our board meeting -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yG5_YI1ELw

 

 Additionally, a reporter asked for a statement from me about these attacks.  My entire statement follows:

"I expect attacks from candidates desperately trying to breathe life into their failing campaigns, but I will not stand for attacks on our police department. In the video, he is implying that crime in Orland Park is not at a 27-year low—index crimes (reported crimes involving people or property) are at a 27-year low, that is a fact. He also implies that our officers are not doing their jobs because arrests are down but crime is running rampant—the facts are, that our arrest rates are much higher than regional or national averages according to FBI statistics.  

Stating that the facts are incorrect implies that our last two police chiefs, Tim McCarthy and Joe Mitchell, are not telling the truth. I take great exception to that. Their leadership and our police officer’s outstanding work has led Orland Park to be named the 8th safest small city in America, clearance rates being exceptionally high, and index crimes (tracked by the FBI) decreasing every year over the last 5 years to the lowest level in 27 years.  

 

Additionally, this video was deliberately released just hours before Chief Mitchell’s recognition at the village board meeting in an effort to negatively impact this event. This is a despicable affront to him and to all police officers. 

Attacking our police department’s performance and our Chiefs' integrity for personal and political gain is as distasteful as it is unacceptable."

 

 When I am elected to Congress, I will support our police officers just like I have as Mayor of Orland Park. Congratulations to Chief Mitchell on his retirement and for a job well done.

 

On the Campaign Front

 

 The campaign is going very well.  In the past week we put out nearly 100, large 4x4 signs.  Small signs will be delivered over the next week and have been popping up all over the district.  I have yet to see any of my opponent’s signs.

 

 I have also attended events throughout the district over the last week and have been walking in neighborhoods in DuPage and Cook County.  The reception has been outstanding and I always enjoy speaking with residents.

 

 Coming up on April 13^th, Sean Morrison and I will be hosting a fundraiser for Trustee Cindy Katsenes in support of her candidacy for Orland Township Republican Committeewoman.  Cindy is the right person for this role and has my full support.  You can purchase tickets here www.cindykatsenes.com/kickoff

 

 Thank you

 

 Keith

  

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Mayor's Update 4-3-22