Paul O’Grady and Orland Pk Together Slate File for April 2025 Election

ORLAND PARK, IL - On Monday, December 9, 2024, Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and his Orland Township Together slate filed for placement on the ballot for the April 2025 election.

As the incumbent for Orland Township Supervisor, Paul O’Grady brings a wealth of experience, dedication and passion to the office. With a deep-rooted commitment to public service and community engagement drawn from over two decades of experience, he aims to continue advocating for the residents of Orland Township, particularly, its senior citizens.
O’Grady and the Orland Township Together slate is comprised of candidates that are long-term, upstanding citizens of Orland Township with a proven passion for helping the community while also being accomplished professionals in their respective fields:

Paul O’Grady for Orland Township Supervisor: The Township supervisor since 2009, O’Grady has worked tirelessly to improve and expand services and the quality of life for seniors in the community. An accomplished attorney and the owner of the law firm Peterson, Johnson and Murray, O’Grady is the proud father of two sons, Colin, a junior at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, and Conner, a freshman at University of Miami’s Farmer School of Business. O’Grady holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University. He also received a Certificate in Executive Management from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Quantico VI program.

Paul O'Grady is not only an accomplished attorney but also a fervent community advocate. His dedication is evident through various initiatives he has spearheaded. He founded the pet food pantry, one of the first in the state, and organized a pet palooza event to support this cause. Additionally, as president of the Orland township scholarship foundation, O’Grady has been instrumental in raising over $300,000 to help local high school students pursue higher education. “I still have the drive and desire to help those in our community that need a helping hand, “says O'Grady. He emphasizes enjoyment of engaging with seniors and participating in community events such as fundraisers and local gatherings fostering connections that enrich the Township. O'Grady is a strong proponent of volunteerism and believes in utilizing community resources effectively. “I enjoy making sure Orland Township is the best run Township in Illinois by keeping taxes low and using volunteerism to support all our programs,” he adds.

O'Grady reflects on his decision to run for township supervisor as deeply personal. "After my parents, Frank and Lorita O’Grady, passed away—both of whom spent their final days in nursing homes and hospice—I saw firsthand how many seniors do not have advocates to assist them in their waning years,” he stated. “This experience solidified my desire to serve in a capacity where I could make a tangible difference.” He believes it is his duty to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community receive the quality of life and support they deserve.

Paul O’Grady’s extensive legal background, community-centric initiatives, and commitment to service position him as the ideal candidate for Orland Township Supervisor. With a wealth of experience and an unwavering dedication to the residents, he aspires to continue making Orland Township a model for effective governance and community support.

Reem Odeh for Orland Township Clerk- Reem Odeh is an accomplished attorney with nearly two decades of experience operating her firm, The Law Offices of Reem H. Odeh, P.C. A devoted mother to three accomplished young adults with a strong understanding of local family issues, Reem is dedicated to listening to the wants and needs of those she hopes to represent.

“It is vital that members of the community with the knowledge and resources to help others step up and run for public office,” said Odeh. “It would be an honor to serve the Orland Township community assist the community at large tackle issues and concerns that are important to them.”
Odeh earned her Bachelor's Degree from St. Xavier University and her Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School. She has successfully assisted thousands of individuals with their legal issues, many from Orland Park and its surrounding areas. Reem's extensive community service includes volunteering pro bono for low-income families and seniors who are unable to navigate legal matters alone.

"I love and believe in the Orland Township community," Odeh expresses, emphasizing her commitment to making a positive difference. Understanding that high property taxes are forcing senior citizens out of their homes, Odeh states, "I have seen the concern of our residents about property taxes, and I feel like it's time for me to step up to fight."

A certified hearing officer. Odeh received her training and certification as a municipal administrative hearing officer in 2013.

Featured in the book "I Speak for Myself," Odeh continues to advocate for those in need, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to public service.

John Lynch for Orland Township Highway Commissioner- A dedicated leader, skilled tradesman, and proud Orland Township resident, Lynch has proudly called Orland Township home for over 35 years. Lynch was appointed Township Trustee in 2015 by Supervisor Paul O'Grady and has since been re-elected for two terms. Over the past nine years, he has faithfully served the community, gaining extensive experience and a deep understanding of its needs.

Now seeking election as Orland Township Highway Commissioner, Lynch brings a unique combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a proven commitment to the community.

Lynch's career in construction is deeply rooted in family tradition. Born to a father from Kerry, Ireland, who was a member of Local #5, he began working alongside him at just seven years old. At 18, he joined Tuckpointers Local #52, mastering trades such as brickwork, concrete, and high-rise construction. A few years later, he co-founded and now owns Lally Bros. Masonry, a company that grew under his leadership from three members to over 60 union workers.
Throughout his career, he has excelled in every aspect of construction, including blueprint reading, project management, finance, and legal operations. His hands-on expertise spans running heavy machinery, installing rebar and concrete, and collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors.

Lynch has also served with the Local #9 electrical union, where he worked on critical infrastructure projects, including emergency repairs, power restoration, and rail maintenance. With three union memberships-Local #21, Local #52, and Local #9-his construction and infrastructure experience is unparalleled, making him uniquely qualified to manage Orland Township's highways. As a trustee, Lynch has been a driving force behind numerous community initiatives. He served as chairman of Youth and Family Services, on the scholarship foundation board, and as finance chairman under Supervisor O'Grady.
Lynch has also overseen significant townships projects including:

• · developing a state-of-the-art food pantry
• · renovating Township offices to accommodate the Secretary of State facility
• · improving parks, trails, and parking infrastructure.

His leadership has saved the Township tens of thousands of dollars while ensuring high quality results. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lynch is deeply committed to giving back. From playing Santa Claus for children in need to co-chairing the Pro-Open for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, he supports charities like Misericordia, St. Jude, and Veterans’ organizations. John's greatest joy is his family and being a proud father of three, John, Jimmy, and Nellie Rose, all graduates of Orland Park’s schools. Lynch is a devoted grandfather to three. John values hard work, loyalty, and compassion. His decades of experience in construction, dedication to public service, and passion for Orland Township make him the ideal candidate for Highway Commissioner.

“I am honored to have served this community and am ready to apply his expertise to improve the township's infrastructure for generations to come,” said Lynch.

Michael Maratea for Orland Township Trustee- A retired educator with 34 years in the Orland Park area, Maratea spent a significant portion of his career teaching the sixth grade and serving as a team leader at Grissom Middle School for 17 years. Beyond the classroom, the incumbent trustee has dedicated his time to coaching, having sponsored numerous activities and coached both girls’ and boys’ volleyball for over 20 years. Notably, he has had a long-standing influence on the tennis program, achieving recognition for over 40 years of coaching and recently celebrating his 500th win at Andrew High School. Maratea is married to Julie, a Speech Pathologist in District 140 since 1994. They have four sons—Nick, Luke, Jacob, and Zack—and a six-year-old Cavapoo named Koda. Maratea earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University in1976 and his Masters in Communication and Television Production from Governors State University in 1987.

Maratea's community engagement extends far beyond education and sports. As the current Chair of Youth and Family Services for Orland Township, he works diligently to foster connections between local youth and the resources available to them. Prior to his role as trustee, he served eight years on the District 135 School Board, including two years as Vice President. During his time there, Maratea was instrumental in several significant initiatives, including: - Introducing a 1-to-1 technology initiative to enhance student learning. - Establishing full-day kindergarten to better serve families and advocating against the elimination of the honors program, ensuring advanced learners had appropriate educational opportunities, as well as acting as a steward of taxpayer money as Chair of Finance, safeguarding community resources and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
As Maratea seeks re-election for a second term as trustee, he emphasizes three core priorities: increasing youth involvement, enhancing mental health support, and continuing the initiatives he previously championed. He articulates his vision: "My reason for running again for a second Trustee term is to finish the initiatives I first ran on: more youth involvement and mental health support." Under his leadership, the township has taken significant strides in these areas, including the resurrection of the dormant Youth Commission and the hosting of the first Mindful Event aimed at addressing residents' mental health issues.

In addition, Maratea expresses his desire to further establish a Mental Health Commission, similar to those in other townships, to ensure robust support for mental health initiatives in the Orland Township community.

Maratea believes strongly in the importance of being present and connected within the community. "I owe it to the taxpayers to attend almost all of the events the Township sponsors," he states. His commitment to being an active participant in township events reflects his dedication to understanding the needs and concerns of his constituents. Furthermore, he asserts, "I try to be everywhere in the township," demonstrating his resolve to be an accessible and responsive leader. With the support of the community, he hopes to continue making Orland Township a better place for families and youth.

Patrick J. Feldner for Orland Township Trustee- A dedicated community member, incumbent, and resident of Orland Township for 28 years, Feldner is a committed business owner and community advocate who aims to enhance the health and well-being of all residents in the township.

Feldner, owner of Defin.Net Solutions, a consulting firm he founded in 1999, has been delivering innovative IT solutions for over two decades. In 2010, he established CAIRS Solutions, a software and service provider focused on adoption and foster care management, client marketing, and compliance management services. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master’s in Computer Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Feldner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Township Trustee.

"My commitment to the residents of Orland Township is unwavering," Feldner said. "I aim to continue developing health services programs that are both accessible and affordable. I want to ensure that essential health services are provided free of charge or at the most reasonable cost possible."

Feldner has a proven track record of responsible financial management. His ongoing initiatives, like the property tax refund assistance program, have already saved families significant amounts of money, exemplifying his commitment to financial stewardship and community support. He consistently seeks new and innovative ways to maximize Township funds and direct them where they are needed most.

In addition to his professional commitments, Feldner is actively involved in coaching youth football and wrestling, dedicating his time to fostering the personal and athletic development of young people in the community. He collaborates with various local services and community engagement programs to find solutions for adoption-related challenges, emphasizing his personal connection to this cause due to his own adoption as an infant.

Feldner's deep-seated commitment to Orland Township is also reflected in his family life. He is married to Carol, a speech-language pathologist working in the school system, and they are proud parents of three children: Mary, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine specializing in internal medicine; Samuel, a mechanical engineer; and Jack, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry.

Feldner cites his experience, business acumen, professional expertise, public service background, and strong family values as key attributes that make him an ideal candidate. He has built a career focused on enhancing the lives of others, and his background equips him to make sound decisions for the community he loves. In his personal life, he enjoys spending quality time with Carol, as they travel together. They relish exploring new places and experiencing diverse cultures, which enriches their appreciation for the world.

"Serving as a Township Trustee has provided me the chance to make a significant difference in people’s lives, similar to the fulfillment I found in coaching sports and witnessing my athletes' successes," Feldner reflected. "This role allows me to contribute positively on a larger scale, and my dedication to doing the right thing inspires me to continue serving my community."

Feldner embraces the philosophy that kindness is paramount in public service. He believes that one of the best pieces of advice he has ever received is to treat others as you would like to be treated. This means respecting the residents of Orland Township and using their tax dollars responsibly to enrich the community and assist those in need.

He is committed to setting aside partisan differences and working for the common good. Feldner maintains that he does not view those with whom he disagrees as adversaries but rather as fellow community members with valuable perspectives. He actively listens to their viewpoints and integrates them into his plans for the betterment of all.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue serving this wonderful community," Feldner added. "Together, we can ensure that Orland Township remains a great place to live and thrive."

Kristin Hawksworth for Orland Township Trustee- A dedicated community volunteer and former public librarian, Hawksworth has lived in Orland Park for 8 years with her husband, Dan, and their three children Maia, Lucy and Ruby. Hawksworth has a passion for supporting local services and programs.

With a Bachelor's Degree in History from Ripon College and a Masters Degree in Library and Information Sciences from Dominican University, Hawksworth appreciates the vital human services that Orland Township offers. “These programs are essential for our community, and I'm committed to protecting and growing this key local support network,” she said.
Throughout her career, Hawksworth served many years in Youth Services as a public librarian period. Now retired, she focuses on family, volunteering, and advocacy. Her extensive volunteer work includes serving as Co-president of the Music Parents Association at Meadow Ridge and Century schools, volunteering at Century’s library, and supporting local organizations like Moms Demand Action and Be SMART for Kids.

“I have the time, energy and passion needed to serve as an informed and active trustee for Orland Township,” she added. In her leisure time, Hawksworth enjoys traveling with her family, exploring food and cultural history, and cooking. An avid reader, she also loves searching for treasures in thrift and used bookstores. With a strong commitment to community service, Hawksworth aims to bring her wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role of Orland Township Trustee.

Marie Fuesel for Orland Township Trustee- A long-time resident of Orland Township, Fuesel is running to advocate for local programs and services. Fuesel has lived in the area for 45 years with her husband Jerry where they lovingly raised their children, Robert and Carrie.
Currently employed as an account associate for HUB international in Downers Grove, Fuesel holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Governor State University and is a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent.

The candidate aims to support Township residents by implementing and maintaining special programs that are accessible and affordable. “It's crucial that we ensure all current programs remain in place and are not eliminated,” Fuesel stated. Her commitment to the community is also reflected through her volunteer work. Fuesel serves as a board member for the Andrew Weishar foundation, which provides financial assistance to families with adolescents and young adults battling cancer.

As an advocate for blood donation with the American Red Cross, she earned the 2024 Westbury Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership and promoting the organization's mission in greater Chicago. Fuesel, who was born and raised in Orland Park and attended St. Michael's grade school, has been actively involved in her community. She has volunteered as a brownie troop leader, a lunch aide, and as a substitute teacher at Cardinal Bernadine Grade School.

“I have deep roots here in Orland Park and understand the needs of our community,” she asserted. With a strong commitment to family services, Fuesel is equipped to be a valuable advocate for the Township residents.

With your support, the Orland Park Together slate is ready to advocate for positive change and community empowerment. For more information about our candidates, campaign events, and ways to get involved, please contact info@supervisorpaulogrady.com. Together, we can maintain a thriving Orland Township that is beneficial to all.