ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Meet Brian Younker, the Orland Township Highway Commissioner seeking re-election. The election is April 6. Younker recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below. If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.
ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Meet Brian Younker, the Orland Township Highway Commissioner seeking re-election. The election is April 6.
Younker recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below.
If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.
Brian Younker
Age (as of Election Day)
50
Town/City of Residence
Tinley Park
Office Sought
Township board
Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)
Independent
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
NO- Unlike my opponent
Education
Attended Moraine Valley Community College
Occupation
Orland Township Highway Commissioner (12) years
Small Business owner
Campaign website
writeinBrianYounker.com
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Tinley Park Park District Board President 20 years
Village of Tinley Park Trustee 4 years
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The aging of our infrastructure and replacing, it while trying to hold the line on taxes
Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?
Everyone has a right to peacefully protest, but looting and rioting should not be tolerated. My opponent has been named in numerous lawsuits before he was let go from employment from the Cook County Sheriffs Department.
Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?
I’m not aware of anything my opponent has done as a board member , as current Highway Commissioner I don’t have a vote on the board
What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?
I’m impressed with the rapid response to create vaccines, but the administration of the vaccines is another story. I do not support limiting operations of businesses and also do no support a local mask mandate
What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?
Local governments can and will be key to providing help with vaccine distribution. The Village of Orland Park and Orland Fire District have a plan in place if asked upon.
Cook County and the State have the National Guard administering vaccine shots at the Convention Center in Tinley Park
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Experience is key. My opponent has Zero experience when it comes to maintaining the roads and handling day to day operations of the Highway Department. He just wants to continue to collect 2 pensions as he already has a job working for Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx.
My opponent a former TAX COLLECTOR with township and current trustee who is the Finance Chairman, who was on board when a former employee stole over $59,000 of taxpayer funds.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
The Highway Commissioner position is a actual job and doesn’t vote at board meetings.It requires experience to operate and run efficiently. I’m running as a independent Write in candidate . I’m not a double dipper with pensions like my opponent.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I started a Electronic Recycling Program which has recycled over 3 Million pounds of electronics and kept the e-waste out of landfills.
Established Recycling Drop Off Center for residents who don’t have curb side recycling at Town home/Apartment Complexes
Worked with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District on a Rain Barrel Program for Township residents
Replaced old light fixtures within the road district with Energy Efficient LED street lights
Hold Document Shredding Events to help fight against Identity Theft
Started Annual assessment of roadways and repair schedule
Started using a liquid deicer to augment our use of rock salt. The liquid deicer is a mixture of salt brine (salt and water), liquid calcium chloride, and sugar beet extract. The use of this material has allowed us to reduce our use of road salt while utilizing an environmentally friendly product to achieve our goal of safe winter streets.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
I would look to expand our recycling center and continue to provide township residents with top notch service and safe and accessible roads with the most modern technology available
Why should voters trust you?
iAs your Orland Township Highway Commissioner I am committed to providing the residents the best possible services while continuing to hold the line on property taxes
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
Almost every resident I meet when discussing their concerns mentions how much they pay in taxes, so yes it is a top priority to try to hold the line on taxes and continue to provide the best possible services to residents.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
NONE
The best advice ever shared with me was:
My father always said to work hard, listen and be kind to others
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I take my job as Highway Commissioner seriously, this isn’t a political position, and I don’t vote at board meetings-I get to spend my time making a difference and helping our residents by addressing their concerns
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