In Illinois politics, money isn’t just a tool—it’s the fuel that keeps the machine running. And in Tinley Park, it appears that fuel may have been flowing a little too generously into the coffers of Mayor Michael Glotz’s political operations.
A review of political donations from Lenny’s Gas N Wash and its web of affiliated LLCs reveals a troubling pattern of contributions, all seemingly designed to bolster Glotz’s influence. These donations, which started in August 2021 and abruptly stopped in early 2023, raise a host of questions about potential pay-to-play politics in Tinley Park.
The Money Trail: Donations to One Tinley Park and Friends of Michael Glotz
The donations began as Glotz, then a village trustee, prepared to run unopposed for mayor. Contributions came through multiple LLCs tied to Lenny’s Gas N Wash, each conveniently structured to circumvent contribution limits and obscure the true source of the funds. Here’s a breakdown of what we found:
One Tinley Park PAC:
- April 7, 2022: $750 from Lenny's Food N Fuel Vetter Road, LLC
- June 8, 2022: $1,540 in "gift cards for seniors" from Lenny's Gas N Wash, LLC
- September 23, 2022: $2,000 from Lenny’s Gas N Wash 183rd Street, LLC
- Additional contributions totaling thousands more from various Lenny’s entities
Friends of Michael Glotz PAC:
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- August 2021 – February 2023: Contributions ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per donation, all from different Lenny’s LLCs
- February 2023: The donations suddenly stop
- See https://illinoissunshine.org/
The abrupt end to these contributions is particularly curious. If Lenny’s Gas N Wash was simply supporting a local leader, why did the checks dry up after Glotz cemented his position as mayor?
The Pay-to-Play Question: What Did Lenny’s Get in Return?
Public records and video footage show Glotz actively promoting Lenny’s Gas N Wash at board meetings, even going as far as dismissing citizen concerns about their developments. His unwavering advocacy for the company raises concerns: Was he merely supporting a local business, or was there a quid pro quo arrangement?
A particularly troubling scenario would be if Glotz secured a private consulting contract with Lenny’s after securing their government approvals—an all-too-common tactic among Illinois politicians to convert campaign contributions into personal wealth. Without transparency on any private agreements between Glotz and Lenny’s, the suspicion lingers.
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Will Tinley Park Trustees Take Action?
The trustees of One Tinley Park have a duty to investigate whether Mayor Glotz’s relationship with Lenny’s Gas N Wash has crossed ethical or legal lines. Unfortunately, given their track record of looking the other way when Glotz harasses citizens, it’s doubtful they’ll show much interest in following the money.
The real question is whether local watchdogs—and perhaps state authorities—will take notice before Glotz walks away with the spoils.
For Tinley Park residents, the message is clear: The smell of gasoline isn’t the only thing hanging over this town—it’s the stench of political corruption.
