Paul O’Grady Is Running For Orland Township Supervisor

This Patch article is sponsored by Orland Township Together.

Paul O’Grady is running for Orland Township supervisor. Patch got to chat with O’Grady about his campaign and qualifications in this exclusive Patch one-on-one.

“Township government is structured in a way similar to municipal government, where a board of trustees headed by an executive vote on policy at a local level,” O’Grady explains. “Township supervisor is that executive. My responsibilities include administering our township food bank, assisting with COVID vaccination management and registration, providing health care and tuition assistance to area residents, and directly providing a number of services to all those who live in the unincorporated areas of our township.”

Patch: What attracted you to politics, and how did you get started?

O’Grady: For 14 years, I was an officer with the Cook County Sheriff’s department. Dealing with the law in such a hands-on way and so constantly seeing how people were victimized by crime in my community motivated me to better fight for them. Pursuant to that, I applied to and eventually graduated from the Loyola School of Law, where I learned from my professors and fellow students the sort of difference that diligent, competent work can achieve at the local level. After my parents passed away, I became more involved in senior services in Orland Township.

Patch: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your campaign.

O’Grady: I am a husband, a father of two boys, and a proud Loyola Rambler. Professionally, I am a lawyer currently engaged in private practice with Peterson, Johnson and Murray, a Chicago law firm where I concentrate on employment, labor, and civil rights defense, as well as in public service as both a Special State’s Attorney and Special Attorney General for Illinois. I have certifications from both Harvard School of Law and the FBI National Academy, and I couldn’t be happier about the community my wife and I chose to raise our children in.

This year, my slate and I are running to maintain and improve the standard of service and low taxes we’re already known for in Orland Township, as well as pass a term limit law that would limit elected officials to three years in office. I’m incredibly proud of our accomplishments, including how we saved the Orland Secretary of State’s office and expanded their services at no cost to the taxpayer, our expansion of the local food pantry and the addition of the pet food pantry, providing almost $200,000 of scholarship funds to local families at no cost to the taxpayer, and bringing over 7,000 seniors to their medical appointments in a safe and CDC-compliant way over this past year. I am especially proud that we have done all this and more while keeping our taxes some of the lowest in Cook County. My slate and I are running against opposition which, I fear, would defund and disband township government. I won’t let that happen.

Patch: How long have you lived in Orland Township?

O’Grady: Almost 20 years.

Patch: Tell us about your career and service in Orland Township.

O’Grady: Much like I said above, our accomplishments include our action saving the Secretary of State’s office, our expansions to the food pantry, our assistance with senior’s medical care, and our assistance with local students. I’ve been serving the community for over a decade now, and I’m very happy that every year we have expanded or improved our services from the last, either in kind or in the ability and knowledge of our administrators. We at the township have received an “A” on transparency, and have always valued the trust the community puts in us.

Patch: What are some ways you give back to the community?

O’Grady: I love working with the sports teams. In the past I coached and now I support them financially. Also, I love cooking for the players in between double headers. They say I make the best hot dogs.

Patch: If you were to be elected, what would some of your top priorities/policies/changes be?

O’Grady: First and foremost, we would maintain our strong trend on COVID vaccinations. On March 1st we partnered with Jewel-Osco vaccinating almost 1,000 at-risk seniors. In addition, we assisted in registering seniors for the 30,000 shots that have already been administered at the Tinley Park Convention Center, and we will not rest until that number grows to include everyone in Orland who needs it. Additionally, we will pass a term limit law as I stated above, which is one of the best ways to prevent corruption and ensure good governance at the local level.

Patch: What distinguishes you from other candidates?

O’Grady: I’ve always been called to public service, whether as a policeman, a prosecutor, and now as the supervisor who believes in transparent government, good cost-efficient service, and term limits.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced during this election?

O’Grady: The hardest thing has been the time commitment. I am a father of two, have a full-time job, and have several public commitments in addition to my current job as the Orland Township Supervisor. Making the time to head a full slate of candidates in addition to all that has been incredibly hard, but making that time is necessary for someone serious about better government.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part about running in this election?

O’Grady: By far, the most satisfying part of running this campaign has been being able to interact with voters and hearing them tell me how much the township means to them. There are thousands of people in our township who rely on our services, and many of my family and friends are included in that list, so I know firsthand how impactful good service can be. Hearing from the people our township has been able to help has made all the work of Township Supervisor worthwhile.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your campaign?

O’Grady: You can visit our campaign website at www.orlandtownshiptogether.com or email our campaign manager at colinottmanager@gmail.com to receive more information, sign up for our email list, or request a sign or volunteer opportunity.