Ed Zabrocki, 67
*Incumbent, seeking an eighth term. Except for stint as state representative in 1994 and 1995, has been village president since 1981.
*Takes partial credit for: Fiscally conservative policies that led to AA+ financial bond rating that means lower interest rates; starting downtown redevelopment; fostering “family-friendly” atmosphere.
*Said challenges include: ailing national economy’s ripple effect on local economy; development of Tinley Park Convention Center and the downtown; stabilizing the tax base.
*Characterizes himself as “a people-friendly mayor. I thoroughly enjoy being mayor, to make our community a village that we want to raise our children and grandchildren in.”
Rob Willet, 38
*Challenger. U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. Village resident for 8 years. First person to challenge Zabrocki since 1997.
*Believes in small and limited government.
*If elected, promises to: maintain a balanced budget; end vehicle sticker program; drop business-license charge to $1 to attract economic development; curtail village’s use of federal funds; focus on “maintaining people’s God-given, inalienable human rights”; not serve more than two terms.
*Questions current plans of expanding Convention Center and improving 80th Avenue Metra train station.
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*Said incident 5 years ago led to his decision to run for office. In 2004, he was detained by Tinley Park police and had his guns seized. He wasn’t charged with a crime.