The A Team

Introducing Hazel Crest First Party

Candidates for Hazel Crest Park District

Marlon Rias – Why I’m Running

Marlon Rias150x

“We are losing our residents to neighboring park districts because of inadequate facilities and overpricing of programs. Let’s restore our park district. It’s time for new directions!”

Well known in Hazel Crest because of his longtime active participation in youth activities; Park District candidate Marlon Rias, was a coach of the Hazel Crest Little League team, from 2005-2012. During much of that time he also served as Hazel Crest Thunder Basketball Volunteer Coach from 2008-2013.

And from 2011 – 2014 Rias served as a Parent Volunteer for the Hillcrest High School Football/Basketball and Baseball teams. He continues as a Youth Mentor for neighborhood boys, having served from 2010 – Present.

The married father of three children and 14-year Hazel Crest resident, also finds time for non-sports-related volunteer activities. He is the Vice Chairman of the Hazel Crest Economic Development Commission; and the First Vice President of the Highland Civic Association (Hazel Crest).

Rias is a member and fundraiser for the Lupus Society of Illinois. He is also a member of the Independent Voters of Illinois, Independent Precinct Organization (IVI – IPO).

A graduate of the Metropolitan School Accounting program and Thornton Township High School, he has been employed by Gerber Collision Glass since 1994, the last 12 years as a manager. Rias has been a member of Victory Apostolic Church since 2008.

Antwon “Thigpen” Russell

Antwon Russe 150xl
As a police officer, Park District candidate Russell, knows that youth often need extra support in order to be successful. So he spends much of his off time volunteering and working with local youth in Hazel Crest and other South Suburban areas.

His extensive experience includes membership of the Hazel Crest Youth Commission, Volunteer Hazel Crest Mustangs Football team, Volunteer Coach Markham Patriots and Volunteer President/Head Coach Harvey Small Fry Basketball team.

Other volunteer service includes the: Hazel Crest Proper Neighborhood Association, PTO Hazel Crest School District 152.5 and Moses Lodge #1.

Prior to becoming a police officer, Russell was employed by CNA Insurance from 2004 – 2008. He then worked with the Phoenix Police Department (2008 – 2010) and has been employed with the Burnham Police Department since 2010.

Areas of Professional Accreditation include: State Juvenile Police Officer, State Gang Enforcement Police Officer and State Domestic Violence Specialist.

The candidate has also worked as a Professional Campaign Organizer since 2007. He is a graduate of Thornton High School and has attended Triton College and the University of Illinois. Russell has attended Westwood University since 2013.

Church affiliations include True Holiness C.O.G.I.C (Harvey) and the House of Hope (Chicago). He is the married father of five children.