Politics & Government

Cunningham Supporters Praise Campaign

Family members and friends who assisted Tom Cunningham in his bid for Orland Park Village Board complimented his efforts during last week's Orland School District 135 board meeting.

With the 2011 Election finished, it was back to the business of running Orland School District 135 at the April 11 meeting. But before the board took action on agenda items, friends and family voiced their support for board president Tom Cunningham following an unsuccessful bid for Orland Park Village Board.

Madelyn Flaherty, who worked as Cunningham’s campaign chairperson, first praised the school board for “being vigilant to tax payers” and operating with “fiscal responsibility” before focusing on Cunningham.

“His passion for truth and integrity was feared by the opposition,” she said. “Tom has repeatedly stood up when no one else would. His campaign was run with the highest of standards.”

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In reference to a past domestic battery arrest that had been expunged after the charges were dropped, Flaherty described the revelation as “vigilante tactics” and “sensationalism” against Cunningham.

“If anyone has led a perfect life, please stand up,” she said, addressing the meeting attendees.

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Tom Cunningham Jr. took the floor after Flaherty, and described the election loss as bittersweet. He said people he spoke with while campaigning were mostly behind his father.

“Ninety five percent of the residents know my father has passion and integrity, and he cares greatly about the community,” Cunningham Jr. said. “The other five percent are just projecting their own faults. He’s a great man. We all make mistakes, and we still support him. We know he gives a lot of his time to the community."

At the meeting’s end, Cunningham congratulated current board member John Carmody, as well as winning newcomers Tina Zekich and Joe LaMargo, on their election wins. After describing the “daunting” nature of campaigning for a position, he returned the compliment to his supporters.

“We ran this election on a skeleton system and skeleton funds,” he said. “It was fun going door-to-door and only talking about the issues. Nothing else. I sit here proudly with two more years on this board…It’s all about the kids, and where is the money going. We are still watching where it’s going, and we still have a job to do here.”

Cunningham then called the 16 percent voter turnout among Suburban Cook County registered voters as “absolutely disgusting.”

“Anyone who runs for office, pat them on back and say thank you,” Cunningham said. “It’s an insult to any veteran out there. It’s just terrible when people don’t vote.”


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