Court restores candidate Michael Maloney and the Tinley Together Slate on April 1 election ballot

Candidate Michael Patrick Maloney and his slate of candidates, the “Tinley Together Slate,” were restored to the April 1, 2025, Tinley Park Village election ballot after a judge Friday ruled that efforts to remove them had violated the law. Maloney placed an American Flag on his signature petitions that foes said was “illegal.” Click tor read Judge’s ruling

Tinley Park, IL – Democracy prevailed late Friday night as the Tinley Together Party secured a decisive legal victory, ensuring their place on the April 2025 municipal election ballot.

The Cook County Circuit Court ruled in favor of Michael Patrick Maloney, former president of the Pipefitters Union and candidate for mayor, along with his running mates Cynthia “Cindy” O’Boyle, Matthew F. Walsh, Melissa Sanfilippo, and Eric L. Schmidt.

The court rejected objections from allies of current Mayor Michael Glotz, who attempted to disqualify the Tinley Together Party’s petitions for displaying six American flags.

The judge found no legal basis for the claims, condemning the Objectors’ arguments as overreaching, unsupported by law, and riddled with political assumptions.

 

“This victory isn’t just for our team—it’s for the voters of Tinley Park,” said Maloney.

“Whether in person or in court, Glotz’s playbook is always the same: bully and intimidate. But that doesn’t work with me. The court delivered a scathing rejection of their baseless objections, sending a clear message that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated. The town bully doesn’t always get his way.”

The court’s opinion sharply criticized the Objectors’ reasoning, calling it a “tortured attempt” to impose restrictions not found in the law. The judge emphasized that the American flag is not prohibited by the Election Code and dismissed the Objectors’ attempt to label it as political messaging. The court also highlighted the Objectors’ complete lack of evidence, underscoring their unfounded claim that the flags conveyed partisan affiliation.

The ruling reinforced that Illinois law prioritizes ballot access and warned that candidates should not be excluded due to frivolous technicalities. The judge cited key legal precedents that stress the importance of protecting voters’ right to choose their candidates and condemned attempts to undermine that right through procedural manipulation.

“This was a clear rebuke of the kind of political gamesmanship that Glotz and his allies are known for,” added Maloney.

“The court saw their arguments for what they were—an attempt to silence the voters of Tinley Park. But today, democracy prevailed, and it’s a reminder that the town bully doesn’t always get his way.”

With this legal challenge behind them, the Tinley Together Party is energized and ready to continue its campaign for transparency, integrity, and community-driven leadership.

— Press Release