Former Orland Park Village Trustee Running For Cook County Board

ORLAND PARK, IL – A former Cook County assistant state’s attorney and Village of Orland Park trustee has declared his candidacy in the June 28 Democratic primary for Cook County Commissioner in the 17th District. Dan Calandriello filed his collected 1,800 signatures for his nominating petitions during this unique shortened petition collection period.

If nominated, and, ultimately, elected, Calandriello says he will be accessible to voters with “open dialogue, communications and constituent services.”

“With the crime surge in our county, poor business climate and lack of local leadership, it’s time for change with a proven independent leader who will bring a fresh perspective to county government,” Calandriello said in a written statement. “I am a leader that has actual experience with our criminal justice system and has the knowledge to implement policies to keep our communities safe. I will not just yell, tweet or point fingers at the problems we face but will provide solutions to getting things done in our district. I have a track record of balancing budgets and promoting business growth."

As commissioner, Calandriello says he will prioritize protecting families with investments in public safety, including increased funding to address the growing mental health crisis. Calandriello also looks forward to strengthening support for local economies with market-based incentives that will help businesses to create good paying jobs in Cook County. He will also focus on improving our infrastructure, including the forest preserve, county roads and stormwater management. Lastly, Calandriello wishes to make the Cook County government more transparent, accountable and productive for taxpayers.

“I look forward to the campaign ahead and sharing my record as a public servant,” Calandriello said. “This moment calls for an experienced leader who will get the job done. As a former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, I protected our communities in the courtroom, and I know how to protect our families in our neighborhoods. We need to protect our families, support our local businesses and foster good government.”

Calandriello was born and raised in Orland Park and has dedicated his life to public service. Dan is a graduate of Marquette University and the University of Illinois Chicago Law School (formerly the John Marshall Law School). Calandriello served as a Cook County State’s Attorney after law school and is proud of his service, providing justice for victims of crime while working closely with many of 17th District police departments. He touts his time as an assistant state's attorney has provided him with an extensive understanding of the criminal justice system that will strengthen his work on the county board.

After eight years in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, he opened his own law firm in Palos Heights, helping families and small businesses with their legal needs.

He is a former Village of Orland Park trustee. During Calandriello’s tenure in office, the village board kept the tax levy flat and even cut taxes his last year in office. At the same time, the village board also considerably lowered the village’s debt obligations.

Calandriello consistently supported the Orland Park Police Department, especially its proactive community-based policing. While Dan served as chairman of the public safety committee, the Orland Park Police Department created the Crisis Intervention Team, which helped deal with the many mental health issues in the community. Calandriello believes this proactive approach should be available for all Cook County residents.

A strong advocate for maintaining and improving the more than 65 parks in Orland Park, Calandriello strived to ensure quality, safe parks for the neighborhoods to enjoy. Similarly, Calandriello says he will be a strong advocate for the Cook County Forest Preserve. Dan also supported term limits and took himself out of the public pension system as a Village Trustee.

Calandriello currently serves as the treasurer of the Southwest Suburban Bar Association and is active in other community organizations. He lives in Orland Park with his wife, Sara, and their three young children. He faces LaGrange village trustee Lou Gale in the June 28 Democratic primary.

Sean Morrison is the current 17th District Cook County Commissioner, who is running in the Republican primary. Morrison faces Liz Gorman, who held the seat from 2002 to 2015.

Cook County's 17th District includes Orland Park, Countryside, Lemont, Palos Park, Willow Springs, Indian Head Park, LaGrange Highlands, Western Springs, LaGrange Park, and parts of Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Worth, Hodgkins, LaGrange, Hillside (west of Wolf Road), Berkeley, Stone Park, Schiller Park, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg.