The Independent Leadership Party of Orland Township announced its slate last week for the April election, putting a political newcomer at the head of the ticket.
The party is slating nine candidates, with four incumbents and four candidates who have never run for office, along with another political veteran running for township assessor.
Thomas Mahoney is the party’s candidate for Orland Township supervisor, a post held by Michael Brennan. Mahoney is a 31-year employee of Ameritech, serving as the company’s government liaison.
Although Mahoney is a first-time candidate for public office, his resume lists governmental ties that include being a former congressional fellow for former Sen. Alan Dixon. He also was appointed to the Task Force on Private Sector Initiative by former Illinois Gov. James Thompson.
Township Clerk Patricia Ann Thompson and Highway Commissioner Donald Yunker again will be on the ticket. Trustees Dean Casper and Shirley Fazio also will seek re-election.
Every township position is up for election, including the four trustee positions. Two trustees, William Flaherty and Joan Herman, have said they will not seek re-election, Casper said. Orland Park resident Samantha Friel and Tinley Park resident Julianne Malone-Buck are running for trustee.
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Richard Kelly, a teacher at Richards High School in Oak Lawn and member of the Community Consolidated High School District 230 board, is running for assessor, and Peter Poulakis is the party’s candidate for Orland Township collector.
The announcement of the party’s slate drew supporters to Silver Lakes Country Club, including Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin and Tinley Park Mayor Edward Zabrocki, plus representatives from school districts, village boards and chambers of commerce.