April 10--Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin wasn't running in the just-completed election, but there still were victories.
Candidates he endorsed, including McLaughlin's First Orland Party ticket and slates running in Orland School District 135 and Consolidated High School District 230, swept local races where not a single seat went to an independent. Without the mayor's backing, even veteran Trustee Ed Schussler came up short..
There was excitement, and relief in the case of District 230 candidates in the most hotly contested local race, when the first precinct results gave all slate candidates the lead. Candidates from all three McLaughlin-backed slates gathered at The Square Celt in Orland Park to watch vote counts trickle in.
McLaughlin kicked off candidates' victory speeches with congratulations and thanks to the supporters who'd gathered.
Patrick O'Sullivan, top vote-getter for District 230's school board, suggested people compare the palm cards listing endorsed candidates' names to the TV screen above the bar with results, where the names of candidates on track to win were in bold.
"Everybody on that palm card is in bold," O'Sullivan said, adding a "special thanks" to McLaughlin.
Mary Ryan Norwell, who came in fifth in the District 230 race, congratulated her opponents and said she hopes to continue working with them on issues she brought up during the campaign. But she also said she has concerns about a lack of "checks and balances" on single-slate boards.
"There's no one on the board now that isn't fully in line with them. I am a peacemaker, but I also believe that it's good to have people that are not watching each other's backs 100 percent," Norwell said.
Tina Zekich, a District 135 incumbent whom school board president Joe La Margo has depicted as the last of the "old regime," agreed after her loss.
"I congratulate my opponents on winning the election. My concern continues to be having no independent voice to raise legitimate concerns about spending, hiring and patronage in our schools. This isn't sour grapes. It's those politically tied to others who will now influence all the decisions regarding what's in all of our children's best interests," Zekich said in a written statement.
La Margo and members of the District 230 slate that declared victory said united boards don't move in lockstep.
"There are seven people that make up a board and seven different opinions. That's how you get to consensus on what's good for the community. It's not a rubber stamp," said board newcomer Denis Ryan.
La Margo also disputed Zekich's comments about a lack of independent voices.
"Frankly, it bothered me a little when I heard her say that. I'm glad you think I have that much authority, but I don't," he said.
And while independence is good, O'Sullivan said disunity on the board creates instability and uncertainty that can be disruptive for teachers and administrators.
Zekich and Norwell said it's tough even for incumbents to compete with a group of candidates from three races supporting each other, combined with McLaughlin's endorsements.
McLaughlin couldn't be reached for comment.
Candidates he supported agreed his backing provides a boost and that they worked more closely in this election than in previous races.
"Four years ago we created alliances, but not to this extent," O'Sullivan said.
La Margo, who explained his slate's victory as people being happy with the direction the school district is headed and wanting it to continue, said the success of all McLaughlin-backed candidates indicates a similar sentiment.
"People like the mayor's record," he said. "I can tell you he doesn't look for anything in return, ever, and hasn't at 135 or 230. I think he just wants to see good people on the board that will all work together on important issues."
lzumbach@tribpub.com
