OPEN LETTER: Retired OL Police Chief and War Vet Announces 4th District Trustee Run

My name is Terry Vorderer. I am running for Village Trustee and would appreciate your vote in the April 2013 election. As your next Trustee, I will bring a unique set of skills and experiences to address the needs of District 4 residents. 

My background includes a 35-year career with Oak Lawn Police, rising to Chief of Patrol. I am a decorated Vietnam veteran, current and successful businessperson, husband and father. I was elected to the Park Board and served as Commissioner for six years.

District 4 residents have serious concerns, and it is essential to have Village leaders who can create positive outcomes. 

• More than any other area of town, District 4 will be impacted by Christ Hospital’s expansion. We can expect increased traffic. The expanded Emergency Room may bring added safety/security concerns. By proactively addressing these issues, we can keep the impacts to a minimum.

• Almost 200 residents attended a Village meeting on October 15 about the recent armed robbery in our district.  As former Chief of Police Patrol, this incident was particularly alarming to me, and many of you heard me speak at that meeting.

• Residents village-wide have seen increased property taxes while home prices plummet.  We need new businesses in vacant storefronts and hardworking families in foreclosed homes to see tax relief.  In addition, we must promote our existing businesses and provide resources to help them grow.  Meanwhile, the Village must be efficient in how it provide key services despite limited tax dollars.

• Most of the current Village officials were elected under the auspices of a unity party, but instead have created an atmosphere of infighting and animosity.  Rather than providing effective leadership as promised, they brought apathy and havoc.  They wasted taxpayer dollars, alienated crucial core service providers for police and fire, and have embarrassed the Village over the past few years.  It is disheartening to regularly hear and read about the theatrics of current Village leaders, and it is time we elect new ones.

I pledge to bring professionalism, common sense and levelheaded experience as your next Trustee for the 4th District, along with high energy and commitment.  No other candidate in District 4 offers credentials in crime prevention, traffic management and dispute mediation. 

In the coming weeks, I will be collecting signatures during the petition phase of this election campaign.  Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact me  at 708-422-3108 to discuss the campaign or offer your support. 

The Village needs new leadership in April 2013. Otherwise, we can just expect more of the same. I can help lead Oak Lawn in a positive direction, and I ask for your vote in April as District 4 Trustee.

Terrence (“Terry”) Vorderer

Candidate for District 4 Trustee, Oak Lawn, Illinois

Oak Lawn Patch invites ALL candidates running for local offices in the April 2013 election to blog or submit letters to the editor or op-eds anytime. Please contact local editor at Lorraine Swanson at lorraine.swanson@patch.com.