Orland Park Mayor denies he disrespected residents who asked for Gaza resolution

Mayor Keith Pekau asserts his comments were taken out of context,but a review of his remarks shows his disdain for the Arab and Muslim population's concerns was stark and clear and are racist

-- Mayor edited the official village videos removing what he described as a 25 minute recess, but raising questions about what else may have been edited.

-- Mayor Peaku asserts his comments were "taken out of context" when he clearly said the protestors could "go to another country," despite his full comments being published extensively (and here below).

-- Not reported were Xenophobic and racist comments made by Pekau's board ally and trustee William Healy.

-- Many who attended said the issue wasn't just his hypocritical comments that a Gaza resolution was inappropriate but a Ukraine resolution was, but rather his disrespect and verbal attacks questioning the Americanism and patriotism of the residents who attended the board meeting.

-- The issue isn't that Pekau rejects a ceasefire, but rather than hsi disrespected residents and taxpayers who brought their concerns to the Village to be considered. Pekau essentially told them their views were unimportant compared to the "important work" he and the board were doing.

— Mayor’s action forcing all residents to leave the meeting may be a violation fo the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Residents have time to file with the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

By Ray Hanania

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, who told residents to "go to another country" when they asked the board on Feb. 5, 2024 to approve a resolution on the Middle East, has edited and replaced the video that was recorded of the meeting.

The edited video deletes 30 minutes of the video, the period between when Pekau ordered the board room cleared of all residents, and when he reconvened the board members.