Elyse Hoffenberg accuses political rivals of extortion over surveillance video

Lyons Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg, a candidate for Cook County Commissioner, has accused political rivals of attempting to extort her following the emergence of a surveillance video. The footage shows Hoffenberg being kissed by Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek at the township office after hours on July 13.

Hoffenberg described the interaction as “lighthearted, friendly and non-romantic” and characterized it as an exchange between colleagues. She alleged that opponents threatened to release the video unless she withdrew from her campaign, calling the incident “old-school politics of harassment.”

Republican opponent Liz Gorman stated she filed an open-records request after receiving a tip regarding potentially incriminating footage on the township's surveillance system. The controversy also involves questions regarding whether taxpayer-funded surveillance cameras, which Hoffenberg previously advocated for, were used for private purposes.