[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 A SALUTE TO MAYOR KYLE R. HASTINGS AND THE RESIDENTS OF ORLAND HILLS, 
 ILLINOIS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, JUNE 24-
                                26, 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2011

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to rise today to mark 
the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Village of Orland Hills, 
Illinois. Orland Hills is nestled in the southwest corner of Cook 
County in the 1st Congressional District. Its growth speaks to the 
dynamic and dedicated leaders who have built Orland Hills with an eye 
towards the connectedness that is the true definition of community. At 
a time when social networking via technology has increasingly replaced 
face to face interaction, the real life network that exists among the 
residents of Orland Hills should be seen as a model for us all.
  Originally founded on June 30, 1961 as the Village of Westhaven, 
residents held their first Village Board Meeting on August 3, 1961. A 
president, Raymond Pecor, was elected. Shortly afterwards, the village 
annexed 10 acres at the southeast corner of 167th Street and 94th 
Avenue. A Zoning Commission was formed and a Planning Commission was 
appointed to prepare a zoning ordinance and a zoning district map. Over 
the years, as the village's population continued to grow, annexations 
of adjacent land took Westhaven south to 171st Street. In 1970, the 
U.S. Census Bureau set the population at 470. Today the name is Orland 
Hills and the population is more than 7,000 and growing. During 
difficult economic times, village leaders found a way to build roads, 
schools, churches, shopping centers and beautiful homes. Racial and 
ethnic diversity occurred on its own as people found themselves feeling 
welcomed, accepted and at home with others who shared the American 
dream of building community through determination and hard work.
  As the village continued to grow its reputation as a family friendly 
community with modest to low property taxes also grew. The village 
began to celebrate itself. In 1993 the first Orland Hills Jamboree 
became a success. That same year, it's fair to say another very 
important event took place. A man who, over the years has grown to be a 
very dear friend of mine, Kyle R. Hastings, was elected to serve as the 
Mayor of Orland Hills.
  As history would have it, 1993 was also the year I was first sworn in 
as the U.S. Representative for Illinois' First Congressional District. 
And, while there are many things I could say to describe the leadership 
that Mayor Hastings has brought to this thriving community his own 
words best describe his dedication to public service. In an interview 
he gave to the Chicago Tribune in May 2004 Mayor Hastings said ``I'm 
like the DePaul Basketball Coach Ray Meyer of mayors. If someone needs 
something, I'm there to help 'em, and we're always winning.''
  In that same story, the newspaper reported that under Mayor Hastings' 
leadership, the village had balanced its budget for 10 consecutive 
years. It built lighted ballfields, greatly expanded its recreational 
programs and resurfaced about half its streets. Orland Hills also spent 
more than $4.5 million building a village government complex, a public 
works facility and a recreation/senior center without issuing bonds or 
increasing property taxes. The report also noted Hastings' ability to 
attract a Wal-Mart and other small businesses to a strip mall, a 
decision that, today, continues to bring tax revenue and jobs into the 
Orland Hills community.
  Mr. Speaker, I must also take a moment to highlight the Village's 
Administrator, John A. Daly, whose effective leadership played a 
decisive role in securing a $6,000 Local Tourism Grant from the Chicago 
Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.
  Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons and more, it is my sincere honor 
to enter into the Congressional Record this heartfelt tribute to the 
residents of Orland Hills, their Honorable Mayor Kyle R. Hastings, the 
trustees and appointed leadership of Administrator John A. Daly, and 
the Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, an Orland Hills Trustee 
and the Mayor's son, Kyle R. Hastings II. I also want to pay tribute to 
the thousands of Orland Hills residents who spend significant social 
capital every day to make their village a true social network . . . a 
real place to live and work and raise families.
  At a time when so much of our nation is beset with tough budgets or 
less than stellar policy and political leaders, the Village of Orland 
Hills has much to celebrate. I am deeply proud to serve the interests 
of this thriving community and I pray for the good health and 
prosperity of its citizens--and good weather this weekend--as thousand 
assemble to take part in a festive atmosphere of family, food and fun 
from June 24 through 26, at Kelly Park at 16675 S. Haven Avenue in 
Orland Hills. It will be a true American celebration, not of bricks and 
mortar but of the power of people and the spirit of sharing that makes 
our nation great and makes Orland Hills a place of pride for us all.
  May God continue to bless and keep this community, the state of 
Illinois and our nation. Amen.

                          ____________________