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Resident alleges ethics wrongdoing and describes personal harm during Tinley Park public comment
Summary
During public comment at the April 21 meeting, a resident identified as Pekar levelled ethics-related allegations concerning Trustee Diane Galante, said he filed complaints including with the ARDC, and said the board’s actions harmed his reputation and livelihood; trustees did not take formal action during the meeting.
A resident identified as Pekar used the public comment period at the Tinley Park board meeting on April 21 to raise extended allegations about an ethics investigation and to describe personal harm he said resulted from actions by board members.
During his remarks, Pekar said the board had sent a letter concerning possible misconduct by Trustee Diane Galante and described an investigation he said found she had shared confidential information. He said he had filed complaints — including ARDC complaints — and claimed the board’s actions cost him employment opportunities and harmed his family. Pekar also said he is “a village manager for Tinley Park, Illinois in Cook County” and repeatedly demanded answers about the investigation and who prepared certain letters.
He criticized the board and its attorneys directly, saying the treatment he received was unfair and that prior complaints were labeled “baseless” by an attorney after the election. Pekar asked what crime he had committed and whether crimes are still investigated; he stated he had turned to human resources and said he sought help to protect his rights.
No formal board response or finding resolving his allegations was recorded in the meeting minutes read into the record. Board members present did not announce any immediate investigatory action during the meeting; the transcript records expressions of disappointment from other speakers and an offer by staff to follow up on procedural matters.
Other public comments during the same period included a statement from a resident who identified himself as Howard about traffic and a speed‑limit change on Ridgeland; Howard thanked first responders and urged the board to continue pursuing a lower speed limit with the county.
Why it matters: Public comment raised allegations about elected officials and referenced formal complaints. The board did not take public action to investigate or rebut the allegations during the meeting, and the comments remain public record.
Provenance: The public comment period began at SEG 979; Pekar’s remarks run through approximately SEG 1135 in the transcript.
Provenance: Topic introduced in the meeting at SEG 979 and the primary comments occur from SEG 1009 through SEG 1135.
