Patrick Maher is a small business owner and a reform-minded Democrat running for the Cook County Board in the 17th District. Elected to the Orland Park Fire Protection District in 2003, he has served as its President since 2006.

He believes it's time for the Cook County Board to clean house and end the scandals, wasteful spending, patronage, and bad contracts. He believes that it is time to deliver savings to the taxpayers by demanding responsible spending and legislation to end business as usual at the county board.

During his tenure with the Orland Park Fire Protection District, Patrick has helped make it one of the best in the state while:

• Approving a $1.3 million tax abatement on behalf of taxpayers and eliminated a multi-million dollar budget deficit.
• Instituting a new ethics ordinance that limits contributions to candidates and elected officials to end corruption and mismanagement.
• Making all firefighter advancement testing and promotions subject to independent review to end patronage and unfair hiring practices.
• Putting in place a responsible bidder policy for all contracts that requires bidders to guarantee quality workmanship.
• Changing firefighter deployment strategies and cut call time response by an average of 45 seconds per call.

Patrick wants to bring these same kind of common-sense practices to the Cook County Board.

Patrick has a background in real estate as an appraiser and consultant, he is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, and a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser.

Patrick is a member of the Orland Park Economic Development Advisory Board and the Southwest Suburban Homebuilders Association. In addition to a long history of community involvement, Patrick has coached youth sports including girls' softball and soccer and boys' basketball, baseball, and football. Patrick and his wife Karrie live with their three children; Korryne, Tara, and Patrick in Orland Park.