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Pekau’s attacks: A personal letter from Columnist Ray Hanania By Ray Hanania I have covered Chicagoland politics since 1975, when I was honorably discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. I served 12 years in the Illinois Air National Guard and believed strongly in military service. I followed…
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This St. Patrick’s Day, Plan Before You Party! Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America date back to the country’s founding. All too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations turn deadly due to impaired driving. However you celebrate, make to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day by remembering one important…
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Orland Park Partners with Federal Agency to Address Illegal Firearms In an effort to combat increasing number of guns recovered within Orland Park, the Orland Park Police Department has entered into a partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In 2021, the Orland Park Police recovered 61 illegally-possessed guns, leading to…
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Slight slowdown in COVID-19 cases in Orland Park Coronavirus COVID-19 continues its threatening levels in Orland Park, which has become the symbol of the anti-face mask movement because of the failed leadership of the Village’s administration. These statistics reflect all of the cases in Orland Park, as opposed to the partial and incomplete statistics that…
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Opinion: Orland Park Village lacks experience to manage COVID-19 vaccine distribution Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau claims he is readying to distribute the COVID-19 vaccinations but with no real experience in health care services, the Village is not the best qualified source to manage this important need. That responsibility should go to Orland Township Supervisor…
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Orland Fire District touts “Dementia Friendly” awareness to support residents in need The Orland Fire Protection District declared in partnership with the Village of Orland Park, the Orland Chamber of Commerce and Aishling Companion Home Care announced that it is recognizing the needs of individuals who suffer from dementia. The Fire District announced it is…
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Opinion: Orland Park challenge to Pritzker restrictions stumbles Orland Park is stumbling because it is poorly led by an incompetent official who puts his personal interests above the interests of the public he was elected to represent. Mayor Keith Pekau’s fight against Gov. J.B. Pritzker isn’t about protecting the taxpayers, but rather about stirring up a political base he…
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Opinion: 2nd Coronavirus case slams Orland Park Village government Two days after revealing the first case of coronavirus to infect an employee in the beleaguered administration of Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, a second confirmed Coronavirus case has been confirmed in the Village’s Recreation Department. The two cases are a political embarrassment for Pekau who is vacationing during…
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Former Orland Park village manager La Margo files lawsuit against Pekau, personally and officially Former Orland Park Village Manager Joe La Margo accused Mayor Keith Pekau of violating a separation agreement he signed with the village following his forced resignation in May 2019. La Margo was forced to resign after initiating an investigation into allegations…
Opinion: Pekau continues his vicious personal attacks against Trustee Calandriello Village President Keith Pekau continued his personal attacks Wednesday against Trustee Dan Calandriello who attempted to introduce board action to discuss possible short-term support for local businesses in Orland Park. Those businesses are suffering because of the difficulties caused by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. By…
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Opinion: Orland Mayor bullies Trustee who asked village to help struggling local businesses Once again, Keith Pekau demonstrated why he should not be the mayor of Orland Park. He has no class, is a political bully, and loves to attack anyone with whom he disagrees. On top of that, he doesn’t know how to run…
O’Grady proposes using vacant Andrew land for popular Pioneers Football league Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady called on the Village of Orland Park, residents and local leaders to join in supporting a plan to convert land vacated by the Andrew Corporation to be used as fields for the popular Pioneer Football League. O’Grady noted that…
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Liz Gorman urges Orland Park officials to address Safety Issues at Mall Former Tollway Executive Director & Commissioner Liz Gorman urges Orland Park Village officials to address Safety Issues at the Orland Square Mall in the wake of the killing of a St. Michael’s teacher and injuring of another teacher. Gorman said that the tragedy…
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How Pekau is trying to hide his many failings Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau use fear-mongering to shut down a homeless shelter to help families in need that is being hosted at a local church. It’s a sad state of affairs when a public official is more concerned about his rightwing political allies than with…
O’Grady slams Pekau over homeless shelter By Ray Hanania Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady criticized Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau Monday over the mayor’s refusal to permit Hope Covenant Church to operate a one-day each week shelter for homeless. O’Grady, who oversees Township services that assist families and individuals in need as well as senior…
Orland Park trustee proposes restaurant tax Orland Park’s village board majority is preparing to increase taxes on its residents, both a property tax hike and a massive tax on local restaurants that the village officials defend by asserting that “it won’t just impact Orland Park residents. It will impact everyone.” That’s what they said when…
Pekau sworn in as new mayor of Orland Park Photo array by photographer Steve Neuhaus Keith Pekau was sworn in as Orland Park’s new mayor at ceremonies held at the Orland Park Village Hall on Monday night, May 15, 2017. Pekau won a decisive election over 24-year incumbent Mayor Dan McLaughlin, who was criticized for…
Orland Park approves 375% increase in mayoral salary Nearly 100 residents crowded the Orland Park village hall to complain that the pay hike should be presented to the voters for approval and not the board members, who voted unanimously to hike the salary following two hours of public discussion and debate. By Ray Hanania (Note: You…
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