Follow the Money, Follow the Mayor:

When it comes to politics in Illinois, the line between influence and corruption is often razor-thin. And in the case of embattled Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz, that line may have been crossed.

New revelations suggest that Glotz’s ties to Lenny’s Gas N Wash extend far beyond simple campaign contributions. Evidence, including political donation records and video footage, now suggests that Glotz has actively lobbied outside of his jurisdiction in favor of Lenny’s, raising serious ethical and legal concerns. If substantiated, these actions could constitute a violation of Illinois lobbying laws, potentially making the mayor guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Caught on Camera: Glotz’s Lobbying in Woodridge

Investigators have obtained video footage of Glotz outside of Tinley Park, in Woodridge, Illinois, advocating for Lenny’s Gas N Wash in an apparent effort to push through approval for a new station. While it is one thing for a mayor to support local business interests, Glotz’s involvement outside of his municipality raises legal red flags.

Under Illinois law (5 ILCS 420/2-101, subsections a-f), municipal officials are explicitly prohibited from lobbying other governmental bodies if they receive compensation from entities with business before those governments. Given Lenny’s significant financial support of Glotz’s political apparatus—including direct donations to One Tinley Park and Friends of Michael Glotz—there is a compelling argument that his actions constitute improper lobbying.

The Money Trail: Political Contributions That Raise Questions

As previously reported, Lenny’s Gas N Wash and its network of LLCs have funneled tens of thousands of dollars into Glotz’s campaign coffers. Here is the breakdown:

Lenny began donating to Michael Glotz’s political action committees (PACs) in November 2017, contributing a total of $2,500 to "Friends to Elect Michael Glotz" through March 2019.

In August 2020, Lenny started donating to "Citizens for One Tinley Park," giving $5,000 that year. Donations resumed in 2021, with contributions to both "Friends of Michael Glotz" and "Citizens for One Tinley Park." The latter received donations in February 2021, while "Friends of Michael Glotz" received $6,000 starting in August 2021.

In April 2022, Lenny began donating to "One Tinley Park," another PAC linked to Michael Glotz. That year, "One Tinley Park" received $8,290.

The largest contribution came in February 2023, three months after speaking in front of the Woodridge board, when eight of Lenny’s LLCs donated $20,000 to "Friends of Michael Glotz." Donations ceased after that, with no reported contributions in 2024 or so far in 2025.

A total of $49,280 in campaign contributions were donated to Glotz.

A Direct Violation of the Ethics Act?

Glotz’s actions appear to violate not only state lobbying laws but also the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. According to the Act:

"No elected or appointed municipal executive or legislative official shall engage in compensated lobbying of the governing body of a county, municipality, township, the General Assembly, a State executive branch office or agency, or an official thereof, on behalf of any lobbyist or lobbying entity that is registered to lobby the municipality in which the official is elected or appointed."

If the donations from Lenny’s and its affiliated LLCs can be tied to any personal or political benefit for Glotz in exchange for his advocacy, he could be subject to criminal penalties, including up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Tinley Park’s Ethics Ordinance: A Paper Shield?

The Village of Tinley Park has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to ethics, even referencing the Illinois Municipal League’s ethics guidelines on its website. However, these words ring hollow when the mayor himself appears to be bending the rules.

Illinois’ 2021 ethics reform legislation (P.A. 102-0664) strengthened prohibitions on municipal officials engaging in lobbying activities outside their jurisdiction—precisely the behavior exhibited by Glotz in Woodridge. Yet, despite these laws, the mayor continues to operate with no oversight and no consequences.

Will Authorities Step In?

While local government officials have so far turned a blind eye, this case may now warrant state-level intervention. With clear video evidence, a pattern of financial transactions, and a legal framework explicitly prohibiting this kind of lobbying activity, the Illinois State Board of Elections, the Attorney General’s office, or even the FBI’s Public Corruption Task Force should be taking a hard look at Tinley Park.

The Bigger Picture: A Call for Transparency

This situation underscores a larger, systemic issue in Illinois politics: the ease with which local officials can manipulate campaign finance laws for personal and political gain. Until there is meaningful enforcement of ethics laws, public trust will continue to erode.

For the residents of Tinley Park and surrounding communities, the question now is whether their elected officials will demand accountability—or whether they will continue to let political corruption run unchecked.

If Glotz violated state ethics laws, he must be held accountable. If Tinley Park officials refuse to act, it will be up to the citizens, the press, and potentially the courts to do what they won’t.