Mayor Under Fire Over Controversial Appointments

As Reported by multiple outlets & "Joliet news" Facebook page:

Anthony J. Demaso Jr., 31, who resides in the 12500 block of W. Moorland Drive in Homer Glen and whose father serves as a Republican Precinct Committeeman, has been booked into Will County Jail on two felony counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a victim between the ages of 13 and 17.

Demaso is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Source: Will County Sheriff's Office.

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HOMER GLEN — Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike is facing growing criticism over a slate of recent picks for village, township and county posts, with some residents and local observers questioning whether the appointments were adequately vetted and whether loyalty is being prioritized over experience.

Screenshots shared on social media purport to show that a family member of one of the mayor’s selected precinct committeemen is under investigation for criminal sexual abuse.

Critics say the selections appear “random and unvetted,” arguing that the mayor is rewarding allies rather than seeking candidates with relevant experience. They also point to recent local primary races as part of a broader strategy to build influence across multiple levels of government.

Opponents allege that, with support from Democratic organizations in Homer Glen and Homer Township, candidates aligned with Neitzke-Troike won township and road district positions in a Republican primary—an outcome they say reflected crossover voting by Democrats. More recently, critics say the mayor backed a trustee to challenge conservative County Board member Steve Balich in the Republican primary, and they contend a similar effort is underway as allies promote Dan Butler for chair of the Will County Republican Central Committee.

Some community leaders say the controversy underscores fears that the mayor’s political ambitions extend beyond the village. Neitzke-Troike previously ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in the most recent Republican statewide primary alongside Rick Heidner, a candidate one commentator described as having switched parties shortly before the race.

As debate continues, residents are calling for greater transparency in how nominees are selected and for more opportunities for public input before key posts are filled. Several said they hope additional scrutiny will lead to a more open and accountable local government