Public Safety Under Attack: Tinley Together Remains Silent

Tinley Park, IL - March 2025: New legislation proposed in the Illinois House by allies of Tinley Together's financial backers State Representative Bob Rita and Senator Mike Hastings threatens to void Tinley Park's Crime Free Housing Ordinance, stripping the Village of one of its most effective tools to prevent crime and keep neighborhoods safe for families and children. Without this ordinance, Tinley Park would lose the ability to address properties plagued by loud parties, frequent police visits, unsafe conditions, property maintenance issues, junk vehicles, vandalism, and even violent crimes.

The result? A significant decline in public safety and a sharp drop in property values, leaving residents to bear the brunt of this legislative overreach.

This alarming threat to Tinley Park's future is tied directly to Tinley Together, a slate of candidates including Mike Maloney for Mayor, Cindy O'Boyle for Clerk, and Matt Walsh, Melissa Sanfilippo, and Eric Schmidt for Trustee. Former Tinley Park Police Chief Matt Walsh, who suddenly resigned in late 2023, is a particularly perplexing figure in this debate. As a former chief of police, Walsh should understand how critical the Crime Free Housing Ordinance is to maintaining public safety. Yet his failure to stand up against Hastings' and Rita's ongoing assault on local home rule authority, and specifically against HB3110, raises serious questions about his commitment to public safety.

Walsh’s apparent lack of understanding about the challenges facing regular patrol officers may stem from his limited experience in that role. Patrol officers are on the front lines, dealing directly with housing-related crimes and problem properties. The Crime Free Housing Ordinance has been one of their strongest tools to address these issues effectively. Taking away this critical resource is not only shortsighted but also inexcusable, as it undermines the very officers tasked with keeping Tinley Park safe.

Local Impact of House Bill 3110
The Crime Free Housing Ordinance has been a cornerstone of Tinley Park's efforts to maintain safe and orderly neighborhoods. By voiding this ordinance, HB3110 would leave the village powerless to address problem properties and protect residents. This would not only compromise public safety but also lead to declining property standards and significant financial losses for homeowners. Families and children would face increased risks in their own neighborhoods, as the village's ability to respond to crime and disorder would be severely weakened.

Legislative Ties Undermine Credibility
The financial support of Tinley Together by Rita and Hastings ties the candidates to a broader legislative agenda that critics say prioritizes state control over local governance. Representative Rita, in particular, has a long history of chipping away at home rule authority through zoning reforms and property tax revisions. His likely backing of HB3110 aligns with this pattern, further eroding municipalities' ability to tailor solutions to their unique challenges. Senator Hastings' financial contributions to Tinley Together amplify these concerns, as residents question whether the team's public safety platform is consistent with their legislative alliances.

Illinois Chiefs of Police Oppose HB3110
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police has publicly opposed House Bill 3110, emphasizing the severe risks it poses to public safety and urging residents to take immediate action by submitting witness slips in opposition. As both a current and former police chief, Matt Walsh’s failure to align with this urgent call to action is deeply troubling. His apparent disregard for the professional consensus among law enforcement leaders further highlights his inability—or unwillingness—to defend the tools that patrol officers and municipalities rely on to maintain safety. This lack of advocacy raises serious questions about Walsh’s priorities and his understanding of the critical role ordinances like the Crime Free Housing Ordinance play in protecting Tinley Park residents.

What’s at Stake for Tinley Park Residents
For Tinley Park residents, the stakes could not be higher. Tinley Together's association with legislators accelerating the erosion of home rule authority casts serious doubt on their ability to uphold their public safety promises. Renters could face declining property standards, while homeowners might see their property values and neighborhood safety compromised by the inability to address community-specific issues effectively.

Call to Action
Tinley Park residents must act now to protect their community. Contact Representative Bob Rita at his district office at 2355 York St., Suite 2, Blue Island, IL 60406, or by phone at (708) 396-2822. Senator Mike Hastings can be reached at his district office at 20855 S. Frankfort Square Rd., Frankfort, IL 60423, or by phone at (815) 464-5431. Demand that they oppose HB3110 and explain their financial support of the Tinley Together candidates.

Additionally, residents can directly file their opposition to HB3110 by submitting a Witness Slip through the Illinois General Assembly's Witness Slip Dashboard. This is a critical opportunity to ensure your voice is heard in the legislative process. Tinley Park's future depends on it.