Outgoing Orland Park Mayor Pekau lauded

As Cook County commissioner serving the 17th District, I want to recognize the service and leadership of Mayor Keith Pekau and the Orland Park Village Board as their term comes to a close.

Over the past several years, Mayor Pekau has demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible governance. Under his leadership, the village of Orland Park has made significant advancements in public safety, fiscal discipline, and economic development — all while restoring transparency and accountability in local government. These are real and lasting achievements.

Unfortunately, the 2025 municipal election cycle in Orland Park was marred by a level of nastiness and vitriol that has no place in public service. Anonymous attacks, baseless character assassination and coordinated personal harassment attempted to distract voters from the real issues at stake. Yet despite this, Mayor Pekau carried himself with integrity and professionalism — never allowing political gamesmanship to pull him away from the work of governing.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mayor Pekau on numerous regional matters, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact his administration has had on the village and surrounding communities. I thank him and his board colleagues for their service.

As Orland Park turns the page and welcomes Mayor-elect Jim Dodge into office, I want to be clear: I remain committed to working collaboratively with the new administration to advance the interests of all Orland Park residents. I sincerely hope the Dodge administration will continue moving the village forward and avoid the wasteful, bloated and patronage-driven policies of past eras.

Sean M. Morrison, Cook County commissioner, 17th District

Voter turnout means no change

Again the local midterm election had very low turnout in Illinois. That means that little will change. The same old establishment politicians will stay in their same old positions for another term.

The problem with our republic is that it needs reliable honest elections that are not corrupt. Our state will continue their support for the waste, fraud and abuse that has caused the huge national debt.

Bill Fischer, Plainfield