La Grange Village President Supports Lyons Township Supervisor — But Only Up to a Point

In a quiet corner of western‑suburban Illinois, La Grange Village President Mark Kuchler has quietly slipped a handful of cash into the political coffers of Lyons Township’s elected supervisor, Christopher Getty. Since 2022 the total comes to $1,250 – a modest sum by any campaign‑finance standard.

The latest check, a $500 contribution from Kuchler’s own campaign account, was recorded in February. The other three donations, ranging from $250 to $500, were made directly by Kuchler himself, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Getty, who wears two hats – mayor of the village of Lyons and an independent candidate for the 4th Congressional District – promptly replied when Patch asked about the money: “I supported Chris in his role as Mayor and township Supervisor and continue to support him in those roles.” Simple enough, but the story doesn’t end there.

Kuchler also told reporters he had put money behind Democrat Patty Garcia in the same congressional race, noting that he had contributed to her campaign. Garcia, a former chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, entered the race after the incumbent abruptly announced his retirement just before the filing deadline – a move that left many local officials, including Getty, chattering about the sudden shift.

Getty’s own fundraising record is a study in contrasts. Over the past few election cycles he has amassed roughly $635,000 from contractors that do business with the village of Lyons and Lyons Township, according to a Patch analysis. Some of that cash even paid for a brand‑new vehicle bought with campaign money earlier this year – a purchase that has yet to be publicly explained.

Adding another layer of intrigue, township clerk Elyse Hoffenberg has accused Getty of skipping town‑hall duties and even of surveilling her office. Getty, who also runs an insurance agency and draws a full $160,000 in salary from his dual elected roles, disputes those claims.

All told, the modest $1,250 from Kuchler is a tiny footnote in a much larger, and at times messy, political picture – one where money, allegiance, and personal ambition intersect in the everyday governance of La Grange and its neighboring townships.