Candidates Talk Budgets and Businesses at Orland Township Forum

Candidates Talk Budgets and Businesses at Orland Township Forum 

Orland Park, March 29, 2011- A forum, moderated by WLS radio host, Dan Proft, was held in the Orland Township Activity Center, 14807 S. Ravinia Avenue, on Friday, March 25, 2011 with eight of nine candidates running in the April 5 Consolidated Election.

Candidates, Pat Gira, Edward Schussler, Rich Kelly, Tom Cunningham, John Brudnak, Steven Williams, Molly McAvoy Flynn and Carole Ruzich were present to speak during the regularly scheduled Senior Drop-In Center, allowing regular attendees and additional guests to gain clarification on the issues before submitting ballots in Tuesday’s election. Candidate John Fotopoulos was unable to attend due to a work commitment.

Each candidate was given two minutes for opening and closing remarks and one minute to elaborate on questions submitted by the audience prior to the start of the forum. Candidates also answered questions from their counterparts, including Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly, who was asked by Carole Ruzich if he planned on resigning from the Assessor position. Kelly clarified that if he wins the election, he will maintain his position at the Township.

The morning’s event went without much debate amongst the candidates, aside from the issue of new building developments. Candidate Brudnak inquired to candidate Schussler whether apartments would go up in the Main Street Triangle District and if there could be a guarantee they would not become Section 8 housing. Schussler assured the forum that the developments are of the high-end variety.

“It’s  phony baloney to throw out Section 8 and get people emotional,” said Schussler.

Supervisor Paul O’Grady, who welcomed the candidates and audience to begin the forum, expressed his satisfaction in Orland Township’s role in the forum.

“I’m pleased that Orland Township residents had this first-hand opportunity to hear the candidates’ views,” Supervisor Paul O’Grady said. “Townships remain the most basic unit of local government, as well as the closest to the people. There couldn’t have been a better place for our residents to gather their information in order to make an informed decision.”

Orland Township will serve as a polling place for precincts 31, 40 and 48 on April 5 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the Highway Department, 16125 S. Wolf Road will serve precincts 57 and 65. For precinct information, please visit www.cookcountyclerk.com.

About Orland Township

Orland Township (www.orlandtwp.org), established in 1850, is the level of government closest to residents. Its purpose is to educate and coordinate programs and services that will enhance community life and promote activity and overall wellness for residents.

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