Orland Park’s new outreach coordinator has a long relationship with Mayor Jim Dodge, including serving as his campaign treasurer up until Wednesday.
The Orland Park Village Board voted in July to amend the budget to hire Dean Casper, who also serves on the Tinley Park Elementary District 146 board, for a new outreach coordinator position. He will receive a $90,000 annual salary plus an additional $1,300 toward Medicare and $5,600 toward Social Security benefits, according to village records.
The move drew criticism from former Mayor Keith Pekau, who said in a social media post Wednesday that the Casper’s hiring was “pure patronage.”
The budget amendment, which also included allocations for other personnel changes, an internship program, a tuition reimbursement program, a tree pruning program and Ravinia Avenue extension, passed 4-3, with Trustees William Healy, Cynthia Nelson Katsenes and Michael Milani voting against.
Casper defended his qualifications Friday, saying he sees his connection and ability to work with Dodge as a strength. He said he has known Dodge since 1988 and has lived in Orland Park for more than 30 years.
“Since I was in high school, I’ve been active in public service in one way or the other. It’s always been an interest to me,” Casper said. “Obviously, I want to see the mayor — I want to see the village be successful.”
Casper said part of the reason he agreed to leave his role of 11 years as District 135 business specialist was to “rebuild the village’s reputation” after Pekau’s tenure.
That includes mending relationships with other taxing bodies that Casper said found themselves under attack by Pekau.
“Something I’ve always been a part of is reaching across whatever divisional lines, whether they be partisan or community groups,” Casper said. “Whether you’re building a school, whether you’re developing a program, the more buy-in you get from your entire constituency the better it’s going to be. And that’s Mayor Dodge’s mantra.”
According to salary information for District 135, Casper made close to $60,000 working for the district in fiscal year 2023, or $85,000 including health insurance.
Casper said he didn’t believe ethical concerns should arise from his hiring for a village administrative position, as he developed outreach skills both at District 135 and in previous private sector jobs. Dodge did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“Let’s be real — the entire world revolves around relationships and there’s a lot of relationships that we’re using to our advantage that I was able to build up over years in the community,” Casper said.
He touted organizing a community conversation event led by Dodge and state Sen. Michael Hastings on Wednesday as well as an upcoming Pierogi With the Mayor event with state Rep. Mary Gill from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 22 at 14478 La Grange Road.
Casper said he chose to resign as Dodge’s political campaign treasurer on Wednesday due to time constraints. Illinois State Board of Elections records show Orland Park trustee and Dodge’s wife, Linda Peckham Dodge, replaced Casper.
“I’m even going to be considering limiting some of my other civic involvement to devote the time that is going to be necessary for this,” Casper said.
He said his position on the District 135 board will be up for vote in 2027.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com