It had a little bit of everything.
The event was called Pancakes with Mayor Dodge (and Santa).
Yes, there were pancakes.
Yes, Orland Park Mayor James Dodge was there.
Yes, Santa Claus ho-ho-hoed his way into the Orland Park Civic Center and into the hearts of the kids who were there.
But there was more.
The Dec. 13 event featured holiday songs from the Orland Park Children’s Choir, vendor booths, and areas where people could donate to the Orland Township Food Pantry.
Santa was the main event for the kids but for the adults, Dodge brought out State Rep. Nicole La Ha for a segment about state and local government as well as a chance for Orland Park residents to get to know a little more about her.
La Ha represents the 82nd District, which serves portions of Orland Park as well as all or parts of Willowbrook, Burr Ridge, Willow Springs, Western Springs, Countryside, Hickory Hills, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, Justice and Palos Park.
She grew up in Oak Lawn and Homer Glen and still lives in Homer Glen.
Before taking office, she won the Mrs. Illinois and Mrs. America beauty contests.
“I spent the year travelling around the United States representing our state and our nation,” she said. “I would discuss my platform, which is getting accessible spaces for people with disabilities. Getting accessible playgrounds. Making sure our communities are accessible for all individuals.”
La Ha has a daughter with cerebral palsy and she wrote a children’s book My Sister is Just Like You and Me.
When it comes to the inner workings of the government, La Ha said that compromise and compassion are vital to getting things done.
“I would like to make a joke that none of that exists,” she said. “But that’s just not true. There is a lot of compromise. We try. I am the super, super, super minority. So, without compromise, we really wouldn’t get too much done.
“But with that being said, a lot of things in Springfield can be considered very non-partisan. Making sure our schools are fully funded. Making sure we have safe neighborhoods. Supporting our men and women in law enforcement. These are non-negotiable and these are things that we can all agree we need.”
