FPR Election Guide 2023

Meet the candidates: They answer the Forest Park Review’s questions | Early voting details For complete candidate interviews and bios visit online at Forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide

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It’s time to vote. Here’s what you need to know

A

is that with a dud once in a while, with people we have ll democracy is local. disagreed with on policy, that in our non-partisan elecAnd as Forest Park moves toward the Spring tions almost all candidates run because they care about elections for village and school leaders the Forest the high school or the parks, have a vision for the library, Park Review is offering you this Election Guide. are committed to better village services or That coverage comes in print today and, more holding taxes or growing equity. Or all of the expansively at ForestParkReview.com. above.

This year we have profiled almost every As you read these pages of questions and candidate in a contested election. We also answers from each of these candidates know partnered with the Chamber of Commerce on that there is a lot on the line this year. a candidate forum -- live and recorded – for Your vote truly matters. mayor and commissioner. Over 200 people Do you plan to early vote? The details on turned out. how to do it are just below.

We’ve also sent detailed questionnaires to evAnd don’t miss the digital version of this ery candidate in a contested race. The answers SEE COMPLETE Election Guide at ForestParkReview.com. The to our questions are presented here in this ELECTION GUIDE ONLINE Q&As are there in longer versions. Thanks to Election Guide, which was designed by Javier Stacy Coleman, our digital manager, for buildGovea, our editorial design manager. ing out that sites.

Let’s start with the candidates.

Finally, this expanded coverage is possible because There is something brave and generous, only occasionally ego-driven, that leads a local person to run for local of- of a donation to our Growing Community Media nonfice. We’ve been watching for 43 years and our observation profit from the Good Heart Work Smart Foundation. It has

Almost time for early voting Here’s how and when you can vote

For the April 4 Consolidated Election – school board, village boards, park and library boards -- early voting starts March 20 and continues through April 3.

Courtesy of the Cook County Clerk’s office we have all the early voting locations in our area and the hours when you can vote.

What do you need to vote early?

Voters do not need to provide an excuse or reason why they cannot vote on Election Day. Government-issued photo ID is not required but is helpful if there is a question about the voter’s registration, address or signature.

Providing an ID can also speed up the process because we have ID card readers at every check-in station.

You can also register to vote at all the early voting sites. However,

any voter who needs to register for the first time or file an address change must present two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter’s current address.

Voting equipment Early voting is conducted on touch screens that store every ballot style in the county, permitting any voter in suburban Cook to vote at any location. Your ballot will remain secret and securely stored.

Early voting records The names of all early voters are available to the public and are updated each day during Early Voting. Please call (312) 603-0900 for early voting information.

In-person voting only Voters who participate in early voting must vote in person.

allowed us not only to fund our election reporting and create this guide but also to widely increase our circulation for this issue of the Forest Park Review.

We are mailing a paper this week to many, many additional Forest Park apartments, condos and single-family homes. These are people who do not regularly receive the paper. We hope they will be motivated to vote, and, yes, we hope they will consider subscribing to our weekly print edition or become a donor on our digital side.

This election is in your hands. Educate yourselves on the issues and the candidates. And then seize the power of your vote.

Dan Haley EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Growing Community Media

Jessica Mackinnon ELECTION COORDINATOR Forest Park Review

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS (APRIL 4, 2023 CONSOLIDATED GENERAL ELECTION) The early voting locations listed here are for Suburban Cook County voters only.

If you live in the City of Chicago please visit chicagoelections.gov for their Early Voting locations.

OAK PARK VILLAGE HALL 123 MADISON ST OAK PARK, IL 60302 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3

MAYWOOD COURTHOUSE (WHITCOMB BUILDING), ROOM 104 1311 MAYBROOK SQUARE MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 15 - Mar. 17 Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3 Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

ELMWOOD PARK VILLAGE HALL 11 W. CONTI PARKWAY ELMWOOD PARK, IL 60707 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3 Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

BERWYN CITY HALL 6700 W. 26TH ST. BERWYN, IL 60402 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3 Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

Why we no longer endorse candidates Since 2020 Growing Community Media has been a nonprofit news organization. Because of that change we operate under regulations set by the Internal Revenue Service. Among those IRS require-

ments is the rule that as a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit that we are no longer permitted to endorse specific candidates for office.

That ended our long-standing process of interviewing all local

candidates and offering endorsements. In lieu of that we have stepped up our information gathering and reporting on the candidates and are presenting that to voters in this Election Guide.

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FOREST PARK MAYOR (2 CANDIDATES FOR 1 OPEN SEAT) What do you believe is Do you believe Forest Park the greatest commercial should actively pursue acquidevelopment opportunity in sition of the former U.S. Army Forest Park?

Reserve site on Roosevelt The single most significant Road? If so, what do you becommercial development oplieve would be the best use of portunity for the village is the this property and what do you present opportunity to join the think should be the minimum nearby enterprise zone. An enbid for its purchase? terprise zone is a geographic area Yes. The next Village Council RORY HOSKINS that has been granted special tax of Forest Park should pursue breaks, regulatory exemptions, the former Army Reserve site.

There are a number of potential uses. The or other public assistance in order to encourpresident of a local automotive dealership age private economic development and job once suggested that his company would creation.

Over the last few months, I have spoken want to purchase it from the village if the village were to acquire it. It could also with stakeholders in the nearest enterprise be attractive to residential developers as zone to gauge whether they would let there continues to be a demand for senior Forest Park join the Maywood-Melrose Park Enterprise Zone. They have assured me that housing.

A reasonable price will be determined their communities will allow us to join the upon further study.

There may be enterprise zone. In order for us to join the environmental contaminants present. I enterprise zone, each community’s corporate would like to see it transferred to the village board must pass a resolution granting Forest for a nominal amount. I believe that the Park entry. Then, our Village Council would village can work with state and federal have to pass a resolution stating that Forest partners to arrive at a purchase structure Park wants to be part of the enterprise zone. Once all of the required that does not involve the governmental resolutions have “property exchange” scheme been passed, the administrator that the Army Reserve proposed of the enterprise zone must last summer. submit an application to I have shared the village’s the Illinois Department of intention to pursue the former Commerce and Economic Army Reserve site with the head Opportunity. of the Illinois Finance Authority Our inclusion in the (IFA). He indicated that the enterprise zone will lower costs IFA could provide financing for the acquisition. Senate SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE associated with the anticipated President Don Harmon’s chief ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE development of the new automotive dealership to be of staff is also fully apprised located at the vacant space at that the village may pursue the property. She indicated that President Roosevelt and Desplaines. It will also lower Harmon would assist us in obtaining grants the costs for any developments that may to help clean up the site and prepare it for commence at the Altenheim property and at development. Additionally, Illinois House the former Army Reserve site. Finally, inclusion Speaker Welch and I have spoken about the in the enterprise zone may also lower the property. He also supports our acquisition costs to build out the anticipated cannabis of the site. Finally, the village has spoken dispensary (to be located on Madison St.) with Sen. Dick Durbin’s staff about ways that is projected to generate approximately to find an alternative to the Army Corp of $400,000 in annual sales tax revenues.

Engineers’ preferred “property exchange” scheme. In my second term, I will continue The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. working with Sen. Durbin to help the village The full unedited responses can be found online at: Forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ acquire the site.

Do you believe Forest Park neighborhoods struggling should actively pursue acquiwith urban decay and vacant sition of the former U.S. Army properties often face a higher Reserve site on Roosevelt risk of gun violence.

Road? If so, what do you beForest Park is in a unique lieve would be the best use of position to combat all of this this property and what do you by putting the park back think should be the minimum in Forest Park. When other bid for its purchase? municipalities attempt the I believe the Village is not in the remediation of these situations, JOHN DOSS financial position to purchase the landscaping process this property. I strongly believe is called “greening”, which that the Village can use its network to find involves clearing debris, planting grass and a developer for this land, leveraging the trees, and adding public places for residents resources that come with professional to gather and connect. While I will always municipal planning companies to ensure believe that “Greener is Better”, and am a this large site, on a major commercial strong advocate for green spaces and the corridor, is developed into retail use space effect such spaces have on a community, I that produces economic benefit, such as can speak first-hand to say the Park District retail sales tax, for our Village. In the past the of Forest Park is not interested in taking Village developed an introductory plan for ownership of this space. The Park District this property and I would like to bring this would, however, be interested in partnering to the attention of the Village Council for a with the Village of Forest Park to support more in-depth, and targeted, discussion. developing a plan for how we can best use the space. If elected mayor I would strongly What do you believe is the minimum encourage a collaboration of this caliber. portion of the Altenheim property that Additionally, and as I’ve noted previously, I should be preserved as green firmly believe there is no greater space for public use? Is the team than the team of residents park district the best option most directly impacted by a for building out and operatdecision of this sort and before ing that space or do you beI could ever reasonably state a lieve that there are better opdefinitive plan for this Altenheim tions?

Property a legitimate, unbiased, Deindustrialization and and special interest-free deeper rural expansion driven series of Town Hall meetings,

by COVID19 pandemic housing SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE commissions, and resident flight patterns have left many ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE information forums would have American cities with thousands to be introduced. I believe, of vacant properties. In fact, and in many ways know, that one analysis identified 60 cities with at the social benefits of connecting with one least two vacant properties for every 1,000 another through community spaces, such residents. More than just an eyesore, as parks and green space, is a core value of vacant or abandoned properties can affect this great Village. This Altenheim property residents’ physical and mental health is a once in a generation opportunity for conditions, and have been associated with Forest Park to ensure our village’s legacy neighborhood gun violence. The “broken is solidified, but no singular government window” theory provides a framework for official, mayor or otherwise, should make understanding how vacant properties affect this decision without the input of the people the larger community. Vacant properties who call Forest Park home. weaken social ties and the deterioration of both physical buildings and relationships The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. comes to symbolize a lack of accountability. The full unedited responses can be found online at: This theory helps explain why the same Forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/

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FOREST PARK VILLAGE BOARD (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) Do you believe Forest Park important that our elected ofshould actively pursue acquificials represent all people. sition of the former U.S. Army Reserve site on Roosevelt How should Forest Park Road? If so, what do you bebalance public safety conlieve would be the best use of cerns with making policing this property and what do you more equitable and commuthink should be the minimum nity-engaged? bid for its purchase?

Public Safety should always I do believe we should explore be the #1 priority. Being RYAN R. RUSS equitable and engaged in the our options anywhere in town but especially on Roosevelt Rd. community should also take I think the site is an asset and as a council some priority. I truly believe our Police see what is the best use. The land should be Department does a stellar job at both. tested to find out if there are any contaminants that would then need remediation Do you view as an impediment the fact then a much better cost analysis could be that Forest Park does not have home done to figure out a minimum bid. rule? Do you think Forest Park should seek home rule authority?

What do you believe is the greatest No, I don’t think it impedes Forest Park. commercial development opportunity I don’t think we should seek home rule. in Forest Park?

The form we use seems to work well in our Our single greatest development in For- history. est Park is our Downtown Business District.

Do you believe that the commission form Always has and always will. Harlem and of government is preferable for Forest Park Roosevelt corridors are important also, the in comparison to a city manager form?

DBD is our heart and soul.

In our history, it has served us well as a community. As with anything, What do you believe is the if people don’t work together minimum portion of the Alnothing will work. I think for us tenheim property that should this system works. be preserved as green space for public use?

What role do you think vilIs the park district the best lage commissioners should option for building out and play in the operations of operating that space or do you the village government? Do believe that there are better op- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE you believe that the current tions? Absolutely, green space ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE mayor and commissioners is key. It would be great to team should have active authority up with the park district but at in the operations of the dethe moment they are pretty busy doing partments to which they are assigned? great things! So, I believe the village can A commissioner’s job is to be invested figure out creative ways to fill the space. in the community at large while focusing on the department that they oversee.

How do you define racial equity in mu- Listening to staff ’s knowledge of their nicipal government? Do you believe it trades and the insights they bring to the should be a priority? village. Being thoroughly informed is key, Cambridge Dictionary Defines racial too. I believe it works if you work it. When equality as a noun: A situation in which things are done with the right intent, it all people of all races are treated fairly and in makes sense. the same way.

Treating all people fairly should always The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: be a priority, that’s just me. In a community Forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ that is forever evolving, such as ours, it is

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FOREST PARK VILLAGE BOARD (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) Do you view as an imnance, even if that person pediment the fact that has never taken a finance Forest Park does not have class or looked at a spreadhome rule? Do you think sheet. The same holds true Forest Park should seek for other departments; home rule authority? someone with zero backNot having home rule ground in building and certainly is an impediment zoning, for example, can to Forest Park because we become the boss of Public are limited in our ability Health and Safety, with the to finance the day-to-day MARIA MAXHAM authority to make day-tooperations of the village. day decisions on how the Home rule would open up new rev- department director and employees enue sources. The central issue when perform their jobs. it comes to home rule, however, is Having a commissioner in charge of always trust; opponents of it often a department even if they know nothworry about, and there is a potential ing about the field can create a toxic threat of, over taxation and an undue environment in which a seasoned and burden placed on residents. But home experienced department head is berule also affords the opportunity to ing told what to do by an elected ofshift the tax burden away from resi- ficial with potentially no experience in dents, because other avenues of taxa- the field. Department heads and staff tion are opened, including special use are hired and retained based on their taxes and transfer taxes. (In Oak Park, ability to perform their jobs, and our for example, the village makes $8 per department heads are exceptional. $1,000 on all properties sold.) A home They should not have to worry about rule referendum failed in getting a new boss every Forest Park in 2001. But acfour years. Rather, comcording to the Forest Park missioners (or trustees, as Review, only a small numwe would most likely have ber of voters participated if we changed to a differin the process (just over ent form of government) 2,000). As with changing should set policy but not our form of government, be awarded administrative I think it is time to take a control over “their” departhard look at the pros and SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE ments. cons and hold community ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE To say that traditionlearning sessions and disally commissioners have cussion to determine if respected boundaries igthis is the best way forward for Forest nores the fact that the potential for Park. abuse and mismanagement is inherent within this form of government.

Do you believe that the commis- And the truth is that there are comsion form of government is prefer- missioners whose active attempts to able for Forest Park in comparison to manage their departments, though a city manager form? technically allowed, has at times creNo. The commission form of gov- ated toxic situations for department ernment inappropriately gives com- heads, staff, and even residents. missioners administrative authority over a department, regardless of their The candidate’s responses have been edited for experience in that area. Traditionprint. The full unedited responses can be found ally, the top vote-getter in a commisonline at: sioner election is offered the position forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ of Commissioner of Accounts and Fi-

What do you believe is the land has been cleaned up and freed greatest commercial developfrom the crumbling abandoned ment opportunity in Forest buildings that once occupied Park? the site and provides a unique It is exceedingly difficult to pick opportunity for development. just one. Both the Harlem Avenue and Roosevelt Road sections Do you view as an impediof Forest Park are key locations ment the fact that Forest Park for commercial development. does not have home rule? Do Additionally, over the last 4 you think Forest Park should RYAN NERO years Madison Street (DBD) has seek home rule authority? seen meaningful change and Home Rule authority often improvement. New businesses have come to gets bad press because it is associated with Forest Park and have helped to rejuvenate the raising taxes. Pursuing Home Rule in Forest DBD. Our Chamber of Commerce has been Park affords us the opportunity to streamline working hard and closely with the department our operations and be more efficient, while at heads and elected officials to make this the same time opening doors to new revenue happen. streams. Communities with fewer than 25,001 Harlem Avenue has seen positive change and residents can become home rule by passing we want to continue that trend. Once vacant a local referendum. This was attempted in properties or diminishing business have now Forest Park once before and failed. Presenting seen new life. Taco bell, Mr. Beef and Pizza, and the opportunities Home Rule would provide Chipotle have been the most recent additions the Village of Forest Park in a clear and to Harlem Avenue. Moving forward, the former transparent fashion would help to educate locations of CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond, as well the residents of the benefits. It is important to as the vacant property at Harlem and Harvard know all the facts so a decision can be made will be the new focus. Finding new for the greater good of the Village. ways to make Forest Park more attractive to potential buyers will What role do you think vilbe a priority for the current and lage commissioners should play newly elected administration. One in the operations of the village idea that has been discussed is government? Do you believe the opportunity for Forest Park to that the current mayor and look at joining other communities commissioners should have acand adopting an Enterprise tive authority in the operations Zone Program. Enterprise Zones of the departments to which are geographic regions that SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE they are assigned? are granted special status to ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Elected officials are policy encourage development and makers and the voice of the economic growth. (“Southland residents. The elected officials Enterprise Zones — CSEDCWorks.org”) The should be actively engaged with the zones may be subject to favorable tax rates, department heads. This is necessary to gain regulatory exemptions, or other incentives to insight into the diverse topics brought before encourage businesses to stay in Forest Park or the council members. The elected officials must be informed on the issues so decisions Locate to Forest Park.

Roosevelt road is no exception to can be made to move the Village forward. opportunities for improvement. The former Having open and honest dialogue with each Hobo location also provides an attractive department head Provides the framework for good decision making. opportunity.

Lastly, the Altenheim property is the most publicized parcel of land in Forest Park and is ready for development. I am excited to digest The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: the findings and recommendations of the forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ Altenheim Advisory Committee. This parcel of

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FOREST PARK VILLAGE BOARD (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) Do you believe Forest Park portunities for the future of Forshould actively pursue acquiest Park. The Village could build sition of the former U.S. Army a new municipal complex, creReserve site on Roosevelt ate pedestrian friendly greensRoad? If so, what do you bepace, or lease land to casual dinlieve would be the best use of ing restaurants. Development this property and what do you must be strategic, with a focus think should be the minimum on sustainable uses while mainbid for its purchase? taining Roosevelt Rd as an ecoI believe the village should nomic engine. The Village must JESSICA VOOGD find that ideal balance between continue to monitor the US Army reserve site as a potential pragmatism and innovation. future asset. It is important to thoughtfully consider the opportunity, which includes What do you believe is the greatest due diligence as it relates to the environ- commercial development opportunity in mental condition of the property.

Forest Park?

It is important to note that the Village has The way folks shop, work, and enjoy their been looking to acquire this property for free time has changed dramatically in the decades. A grant from the Illinois Depart- last few years. Because of those changes, I ment of Commerce and Economic Oppor- don’t think there is a clear “single greatest tunity helped the Village complete the FP commercial development” for Forest Army Site Redevelopment Planning Study Park. I believe the greatest commercial in 2012. That study said, “Forest Park is wise development opportunity is to challenge to be pursuing this long-term planning for the status quo. The Village must think about this important geographic area within the the big picture, about market trends and municipality.” how innovation, equity, and sustainability It is also worth noting that the Forest are integral to successful development in the Park Comprehensive Plan says 21st century. We must consider how policy, infrastructure, and of the property: “The Village updates to village code and should explore further opporzoning are all vital to commercial tunities for continuing discussions with the federal govt to development and investment. It is important we celebrate and explore the redevelopment protect our “small town charm” of the army reserve center...If while we embrace innovation these properties become available, consideration should be and development that provides long-term, sustainable growth made for pedestrian friendly development, along with the SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE for Forest Park. potential to generate addition- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Updating our Comprehensive al revenue.” -Village ComprePlan is crucial to successful hensive Plan, pg 83 commercial developments. In A TIF district was created around this area tandem with updating The Plan, the Village with the goal of unifying the look of the should explore creating an Economic Roosevelt Road corridor with streetscape Development Opportunity Plan, as upgrades. Improvements were made with recommended in 2014. This would outline the anticipation of future development of goals, strategies, policies, and actions the Army Reserve site. designed to support existing businesses, Ultimately, I believe we should continue while attracting new commercial ventures to monitor the site. There are many unan- and promoting growth. swered questions, a big one being the environmental state of the land, so it would be premature to speculate on a purchase price.

The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: That said, the Village’s acquisition of this Forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ property could provide some exciting op-

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FOREST PARK VILLAGE BOARD (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) What do you believe is good example of why the the minimum portion of village should not be in the the Altenheim property business of purchasing land. that should be preserved as Here we are 20 years later, green space for public use? and we are still debating Is the park district the best about the best use of this option for building out and property. We are throwing operating that space or do away $300,000 a year of our you believe that there are already limited resources, better options? to decide the future of this JOE LANGREBE property. We could have I believe there is a great opportunity for a balanced zoned per our intended use approach to developing the Altenheim and this land could have been sold to a property. One that marries the natural private developer, where we would have landscape with the potential for raising generated an immediate stimulus and tax revenue for the community. With the secured long term tax revenue.

11 acres of land available, the majority would be dedicated to a beautiful green How should Forest Park balance pubspace, including walking paths and a lic safety concerns with making policgarden area. ing more equitable and communityA benefit that should be incorporated engaged? into the design, should be access to As an enrollee in the Citizens Police the Prairie Path. I often ride my bike on Academy, I am learning about the this path to the neighboring western balance of public safety concerns, while suburbs. The locations along the path also making policing more equitable become destinations where I and community-engaged spend a good amount of time in Forest Park. I believe in their downtown areas. in fostering a community We could integrate the path that has meaningful and trusting relationships with strategically, so that our local the citizens and the police establishments also become force. Our community has destinations for fellow specific challenges we need suburban path riders. address. We must prioritize Furthermore, I would be mental health, drug abuse interested in looking at SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE developing some of that ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE and homelessness in our community.

Our police space to potentially create officers are acutely aware of an arts district. We could offer temporary and/or permanent space these needs. I want to find innovative based on seasonality and needs. This and productive ways to support them. opportunity would offer art fairs, farmer Forest Park currently has a mental health markets, pop up shops, and more to professional on staff for two days a support small and local businesses in our week. I propose we increase that to 5 community. The balance of the property days to relieve some of their duties, and would potentially be townhomes and/ to provide targeted solutions. We also or mid-rise condominiums. These units need to encourage relevant training to could be done tastefully and resemble perform their job effectively. Let’s ensure the projects already built on Van Buren our citizens are heard by developing a community oversight committee.

Street.

At this time, the park district’s resources are spread thin, and I believe they should not be further burdened with the build The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found onout and operations of this space.

The Altenheim property provides a line at: Forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/

What do you believe is the insight into our police officers’ greatest commercial developroles in the community. I want ment opportunity in Forest to ensure that our community Park? has opportunities to engage I don’t tend to put my eggs in with the Forest Park police and one basket – something always fire when they can interact breaks. with the public and answer In talking to residents and questions – but that means we business owners over the past need to fill vacant spots. year, I heard over and over again My experience with our to heighten the “walkability of MICHELLE MELIN- first responders has been ROGOVIN Madison Street.” Seeing increased exceptional. I contacted the business on Madison street has Forest Park police when a been incredibly important, especially young man was wandering on my street during the years of the pandemic, when who was delusional, unsure where he other towns have been losing businesses. was. He had heatstroke and had not Some have wondered how we can bring showered. He was going to people’s doors retailers to increase our uniqueness and to determine if he lived there. I gave him small-town charm –unique makers that a sandwich and water (with a friend) and bring shoppers. Forest Park has many walked with him until the police came, and women-owned businesses and businesses I was so impressed with the officer’s gentle owned by people of color, and we could and caring response. continue to capitalize on that uniqueness.

Building on this, I want to add an What role do you think village commisinnovation hub to Forest Park, where sioners should play in the operations of companies would be able to test their the village government? Do you believe products with shoppers (there that the current mayor and are pop-up stores like this on commissioners should have the north side and downtown active authority in the operations of the departments to Chicago for elite brands, it which they are assigned? would be great to do this with My understanding of the west side brands to make Forest Illinois statute, which I’ve Park a destination). It’s a taste read that establishes the of what they do in the Fulton form of government for market. villages, towns, etc., specifies SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE How should Forest Park bal- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE the job description for each ance public safety concerns commissioner; it doesn’t specify how they are to be carried with making policing more out. In other words, each elected official equitable and community-engaged?

We’re in a time where our first responders has discretion regarding how they work are still recovering their staffing levels from with the staff in their department. Said before the pandemic. This is true for both another way, there are many ways to be a our police and fire department in Forest colleague. One can micromanage, or one Park, as well as our ambulance services can collaborate. Given that Forest Park which have just been brought in-house for is a village where the department heads the first time in a long time. These folks are have so much experience, often decades, handling a lot across the village and helping I would incline to approach the work in a other villages. It’s an important context to highly collaborative manner with a growth keep in mind. mindset.

The community policing academy has been very well received. I’ve heard great The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: things about this program and how the Forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ participants have appreciated gaining

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D209 BOARD OF EDUCATION (8 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) In your opinion, what have and protest so that our voices been specific accomplishments can be heard. I will respond to made by District 209 over the respectful complaints and propast two years? tests with a listening ear and 1. The perseverance of the will encourage students, and students, teachers, staff, and adadults as well, to come to the ministrators to maintain student table not with just complaints involvement and achievement and problems, but with feasible during a global pandemic. My solutions. own son graduated from PMSA JAYDA JAMES in 2021 and I was appreciative of Do you believe that the all the efforts that were made to strike by teachers last year help make his senior year the best it could be was unavoidable? How do you believe under the circumstances. the district benefited by the strike’s 2. The maintaining and enhancing of fa- resolution? cilities has been an accomplishment. As a PE I believe that a strike is always unavoidalumna, it was a very beautiful moment to able. I have been in education contract attend the new football field dedication and negotiations and used the Interest Based step on that field. My pride was heightened! Bargaining (IBB) method so as a Board 3. The initiatives to involve parents and Member, I would suggest this format in the community members in the district. As a future as I saw it yielded positive results. As parent, I appreciate the “open door” that has an Educator for 25 years, I have never been been presented so when I have the time, on strike. I was Vice President of my union I am able to be as active as I choose in my and always made efforts to listen, pick the daughter’s high school endeavors. important battles, and be cooperative in all situations. I do not believe anyone benefitD209 Superintendent Dr. ed from the strike or its resoluJames Henderson has had tion simply because it still bears supporters and critics since a heavy weight on our district. his appointment. Please provide your opinion of his If you are elected to what performance, including his continues to be a divided relationship with faculty, school board, what skills communications with parwould you bring to governing ents and the community, and productively? his management of the dis- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE The most important skill I trict through a pandemic.

ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE bring is my ability to effectively I, honestly, do not have an communicate (speaking and opinion of Dr. Henderson belistening). I am connected to cause I have not had an opportunity to get the different stakeholders as I am a parent, to know him well enough. As a Board Mem- educator, community member, administraber, it will be a goal to get to know him and tor, and alumna. I can speak with the voice work with him to ensure that policies and of all these groups and listen with my ear procedures are equitable and beneficial for as well. As a Board Member, I want to be a students, first and foremost. part of what is good and working in D209. I am a product and parent of this district and As a board member, how would you I want to help paint a more positive picture respond to complaints and protests for the world to see by working with my felbrought by students concerned with their low Board Members and Superintendent. education?

As a Board member, I am going to encourage students to express themselves The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: in a positive and productive way. We have forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ learned from different leaders ways to fight

will plague our community for In your opinion, what have the years to come. I feel that his been specific accomplishments made by District 209 removal of the majority of deans, over the past two years? counselors, and mental health They have done a tremenstaff was the main fuel to fire this dous job cutting expenses--to issue with the reopening. the detriment of the quality of the education our students Do you believe that the strike have been receiving, and by teachers last year was avoidthe resources provided to able? How do you believe the JON KUBRICHT district benefited by its resoluour teachers. To that end, I feel that the most significant tion? accomplishment this administration has I don’t believe the strike was unavoidachieved lies in the unprecedented and utable under the conditions imposed on our ter mismanagement of our school district, faculty by the superintendent, these being funded of course, by us, the taxpayers. I the withholding of a fair and equitable offer mean to say that the superintendent has on the part of the administration from the successfully alienated our teachers, debeginning. The benefits seen by the district moralized both the students and faculty of came in the form of tremendous savings Proviso, and destroyed, in record time, what stemming from the lowering of educatook eight years to build. The incompetional quality seen in all three schools. tence of the sitting board majority, as well Ultimately, I do not believe that the district as of the superintendent himself has left really benefited in any way, much less our the district in shambles. This must change. student body and faculty.

D209 Superintendent Dr. If you are elected to what James Henderson has had continues to be a divided supporters and critics since school board, what skills would his appointment. Please you bring to governing proprovide your opinion of his ductively? performance, including his As a business owner, I have relationship with faculty, extensive experience in budgetcommunications with paring, accounting, finance, contract ents and the community, negotiations, litigation, amongst and his management of the SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE many other things. I plan to district through a pandemic. ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE implement a cost saving strategy In all of my career, I have that maximizes the quality of the never seen such blatant ignorance, miseducational environment experienced by management, incompetence, and worst our students. This strategy would include of all such little integrity as exhibited by the increasing of teacher and support staff Dr. James Henderson. This level of corrupretention, which would effectively stabilize tion and dishonesty is unfamiliar to me. the learning environment and give students His relationship to the faculty is toxic, he is consistency throughout their day at school. unresponsive to parents, and misleading Any cost savings can be used to develop to the community at large. His manageadditional extracurricular and educational ment of the district, through his cutting of programs that would enrich the learning student services, doing away with support experience of all students. Such programs staff and security, have left the teachers would include areas of study in the arts, and the students scrambling and vulnermusic, and even participation in physical able. This was especially true during the reactivities. opening following the pandemic when we saw an unprecedented increase in violence The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: and mayhem in all three schools as only forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ one of the many grave consequences I fear

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Forest Park Review, March 15, 2023

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DISTRICT 209 (8 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) In your opinion, what have been ducing students to the world of public specific accomplishments made relations.

by D209 over the past two years?

■ New beautiful state-of-the-art We’ve had several significant and, football stadium and NCAA-compatiin some cases, historic accomplishble outdoor track at Proviso East.

■ The Illinois State Seal of Bilitments over the past two years, including: eracy - presented at graduation in ■ We are proud of the fact that this recognition of attaining a high level is the first time in ten years Proviso of proficiency in English and one or East has been removed from the list more additional languages.

THERESA L. KELLY of lowest performing high schools in Illinois.

As a board member, how would ■ District 209 will generate $71 million for capiyou respond to complaints and protests tal improvements during FY 24/25 at no tax rate brought by students concerned with their impact to our community, no impact to operating education? funds, and no impact to our fund balance.

To me, a students voice is of the utmost importance, this is the reason I am here, so my ■ We have a $82 million fund balance at an extremely low 2% tax rate - which is very low com- ultimate goal is to insure that I listen attentively to students and the community. If something pared to many of our neighboring districts. is bothering our students I am and have always ■ The International Baccalaureate Diploma been approachable and have always had Program will have opportunities on all three time to talk with a student and/or a parent. campuses.

Our students know that I also support them.

■ Evening school to increase graduation rate I support them by attending first and focus on college, careers with day of school, Bring your Parent to the intent to decrease drop-out rates.

School Day, athletic events, plays, ■ Eight-period day schedule NJROTC Ball, NJROTC Inspections established at all three schools for and etc. Some even call me Mother Academic Equity Theresa because of my listening ■ First phase of facility upgrades ear and compassion for all children.

- completed $12 million on time and Students and parents have direct on budget access to the board of Education ■ PMSA ranked sixth in the State members and they have direct acof Illinois by U.S. News and World SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE cess to the superintendent.

Report.

ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE ■ Freshmen on track to graduate If you are elected to what has increased significantly from 68% continues to be a divided school board, what to 85%, the biggest jump ever in D209 skills would you bring to governing produc■ Quality of life and academic environment upgrades targeting our HVAC system to bring air tively? conditioning to all floors of all buildings, townshipLet me break the misconception that some wide by the end of 2024. people have. A divided board is not necessar■ Transportation available for PMSA families for ily a bad thing. Abraham Lincoln had a team the first time in the school’s history. of rivals in his cabinet. Sometimes you need ■ Advance manufacturing: metals, welding; studifferentiating opinions to help add balance to dents receive credentials to work in the industry, the board. In the end, we are working on one giving them necessary hands-on experience. accord and we will continue to work for the ■ Launched “Parents on Patrol,’ an initiative that betterment of the district. We’ve had several acplaced parents in our campus hallways. complishments over the last two years. I believe ■ The “Northbound Train to Greatness” newswe can accomplish more as a team working for letter offers insights and information on what’s the community. happening in and around D209.

■ Robust Summer School Program for credit The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: recovery and graduation goals. forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ ■ Communication Internship Program - intro-

As a board member, continuously engaged in, how would you respond speaking to those attendto complaints and ing in a condescending protests brought by tone, accusing others of students concerned with racial inequity, interrupttheir education? ing, and shouting down Students are the voice speakers, has accelerated we need to listen to. As a and amplified the tensions long-time educator and in our district. The unproadvocate, I have always fessional tone our board CLAUDIA MEDINA has taken is alarming. We listened to our students, met with them, and heard need to promote thoughttheir concerns. They live the policies ful policy and compliance, these are we enact. As a local school board, we the backbones of a well-functioning are required to adopt and enforce all and effective board. What we need policies necessary for the manageare returns to forums for the commument and governance of the public nity, the ability for students to voice schools. Our written policies guide concerns, listen and engage our comthe board, which directs and empowmunity in town halls that promote diaers the superintendent to function logue, bring empathy and care for our as chief executive officer in managstudents back to the board room, and ing day-to-day district operations. focus on actions and policy that diThe current board majority does not rectly impact students positively. This follow through on any of the policy will bring proper functioning of our violations committed by district. What we currentthe superintendent. Acly experience is an angry countability is essential free-for-all, and it is this to maintain a studentBoard’s actions that are to centered focus, and blame. As board members, credibility. Not in D209. we are required to study Instead of investing in the needs of students and teachers and relationthe community. Our deciships which change sions should be based on student learning, we have those needs. Equity needs SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE invested in programs like ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE to start first in the board Epiphany that are owned room, it is hard to have an and operated by a close open mind if you do not friend of the superintendent. The have an open heart. Embracing diverprogram has not addressed student sity, equity, inclusion, representation, learning needs, or enhanced student and an overall sense of belonging performance, in fact it has dropped. can significantly change perceptions This makes no sense. (Programs I of the world around you and change have not voted for.) Other spending the student experience quickly. As continues to escalate at a rate more the first Latina ever elected to D209, than double the state average and it it has meant a lot to the students to has been prioritized over the instrucsee leadership that looks and sounds tion of our students! The policy and like them, most importantly that cares spending allocations in the district are about them. Representation matters. directly impacting the future of our students. Students do not get to relive The candidate’s responses have been edited their high school experience, we need for print. The full unedited responses can be to make it the best one, because it is found online at: their only one! forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ The actions the Board majority has

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D209 BOARD OF EDUCATION (8 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) In your opinion, what have been specific accomplishments made by D209 over the past two years?

Implementation of the Facility Master Plan (FMP) from prior Superintendent is being implemented. HVAC and improvements across the three campuses. The introduction of the girls’ wrestling program is noteworthy.

issues have the same severity, I would like to document these issues to identify trends. Are we seeing an increase in a particular complaint? Let’s also allocate time to community workshops to better address ongoing issues and increase community engagement. Solutions require all parties at the table. We won’t DAVID OCAMPO know if we’re improving without valuable feedback from our community.

D209 Superintendent Dr. James Henderson has had supporters and critics Do you believe that the strike by teachsince his appointment. Please provide ers last year was unavoidable? How do your opinion of his performance, includ- you believe the district benefited by its ing his relationship with faculty, commu- resolution? nications with parents and the commuIt could have been avoided with propnity, and his management of the district er, respectful dialog and having a board through a pandemic. member present during negotiations. The Dr. Henderson joined the Proviso school educators did not want to strike, but it was district during a period of uncertainty. His their last resort to call attention to the lack leadership and actions, however, have wors- of a contract. Educators currently face lessened the learning environment. than-ideal working conditions: He has gutted the IT departincreased class sizes, lack of rement to the point that the skelsources and support. The stress created by the situation cometon crew is overwhelmed and pounded now with an ongoing can barely service our students severe teacher shortage is afand faculty with hardware and fecting our students negatively. software needs. Lack of transportation continues to plague If you are elected to what the district. The execution of continues to be a divided the bus contract with First StuSEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE school board, what skills dent at the last minute did not ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE would you bring to governdemonstrate proper planning. ing productively?

To this day, the public hasn’t Being productive on the board requires seen any evaluations on his performance.

As a taxpayer, I am concerned with the man- cohesion, unity and strong interpersonal agement of my tax dollars. His relationship skills. The board must demonstrate trust with faculty, students and the community and maintain respectful dialog with all is rocky, at best. I’ve witnessed his Facebook stakeholders. As a servant leader within my community, I have volunteered in serving tirades against the community. the youth from teaching them financial litAs a board member, how would you eracy to life skills in the scouts. I am ready respond to complaints and protests to offer my skills as a data engineer/analyst brought by students concerned with and lessons from life experiences to improve our district. Sandra, Jenny and I offer a their education?

Responses from students should be fresh perspective and are confident that we treated with the utmost respect and urgen- can help move the district forward. cy. Policies and procedures should be followed when addressing issues and should The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: be respected at all levels – faculty, adminforestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ istration and board. However, assuming all

D209 Superintendent Dr. to manage our district, there are James Henderson has had improvements to be made. Parsupporters and critics since ent engagement with Dr. Henhis appointment. Please derson started on a good path, provide your opinion of his Dr. Henderson created the Superformance, including his perintendents’ Parent Advisory relationship with faculty, Council (SPAC) which met for the communications with parfirst time on Thursday, October ents and the community, 15, 2020, and then met monthly and his management of during the school year. I was a the district through a pan- JENNIFER (JENNY) part of that advisory council unBARBAHEN demic. til it was cancelled indefinitely As a Proviso parent and

by Dr. Henderson in December, community member, I have not seen any 2021. The energy of the meetings changed evaluations from the board of education over time when parent advisory members on Dr. Henderson’s work performance, started asking questions and wanting even though yearly evaluations are re- transparent answers about the plans to quired in his contract. No data has been address the issues facing our schools. Dr. presented from the Board or district re- Henderson eliminated opportunities to garding success, or lack thereof, of the communicate and build stronger bonds changes implemented during Dr. Hender- with parents and as a result parents and son’s tenure in D209. The outside data pro- community members are not getting posivided from the Illinois School Report Card tive, accurate and timely information on a and the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, shows consistent basis. that Dr. Henderson has not Speaking to Dr. Henderson’s been successful. relationship with faculty, we The district, under Dr. Henhave witnessed the district derson’s leadership, has unexperiencing unprecedented dergone tremendous changes turnover in educators, counand restructuring with no selors, admin, and security. clear key performance indicaThe working environment for tors provided. The community our teachers and staff is the does not have access to the learning environment for our data driven effects on student SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE students and the working enperformance under these ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE vironment right now is not changes over the last 2 school healthy. District 209 is not able years. With the changes and to retain and attract quality restructuring of Dean positions, Special educators because of the broken relationEducation services, English Language ships with Dr. Henderson. The community Learner (ELL) services, College and Career has witnessed retaliatory actions against Counselors, the IT department restruc- educators, unprofessional attacks on partured, food service brought in-house and ents and community on social media, viothe plan for transportation to be brought lent outbursts, and interactions with board in-house, are the students provided the re- members with no accountability for those sources they need to succeed? behaviors from the board of education.

As an involved parent, I have witnessed The lack of positive relationships is conthe management style of Dr. Henderson tributing to the negative climate in Proviso through the lens of his employment ac- and is detrimental to the districts mission tions, resource allocation decisions, and of Equity, Excellence, Relevance for ALL. contract negotiations. The start to each school year is a public demonstration of The candidate’s responses have been edited for the management abilities of each Superinprint. The full unedited responses can be found tendent and if we look at the start of SY 22online at: forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ 23 as an indicator of Dr. Henderson’s ability

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In your opinion, what have huge gaps in key areas that stubeen specific accomplishdents needed to be successful like ments made by D209 over food services, Technology, SPED, the past two years?

ELL services, etc. These areas have In my opinion, the District continued to suffer. We must rehas made some headway in member that when systems suffer, bringing the PMSA programs our students suffer. I believe that Dr. into East and West. They have Henderson has not shown that he continued programs our stuhas been effective in the managedents are interested in, cosmement of our organization through SANDRA tology/barber programs. They the pandemic and beyond.

JOSEPH-HIXSON have also made gains in the As a former employee and areas of construction by folthrough my connections within lowing through on the five-year Master Plan the community, I began to hear from many Dr. Rodriquez started for all three schools. disgruntled parents and people in the community. They spoke of the chaos, lack of D209 Superintendent Dr. James Hender- communication, and divisiveness they were son has had supporters and critics since experiencing from the administration. In my his appointment. Please provide your opinion, I thought it was perhaps his manopinion of his performance, including his agement style that seemed a bit abrasive, the relationship with faculty, communications parents and taxpayers were concerned. with parents and the comI met with Dr. Henderson in an munity, and his manageinformal setting, as a taxpayer and ment of the district through a former employee of D209, during a pandemic. his first year as superintendent. AfDr. Henderson was hired ter our conversation, I became conwith the hope that he would cerned about his ability to create a be able to continue the progpositive and enriching educational ress and pathways set by the and work environment. However, I prior administration. He was understood that one conversation hired and then the pandemic is not enough to evaluate somehit, not an ideal situation, for SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE one’s intentions and ability. Graduanyone. But the pandemic is ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE ally as time went on, I noticed that not an excuse for the failure we, as a community, needed to do to create thriving relationships something, this was not the time with staff. It is part of the duties he was hired to lose communication with our community, to perform. it was not the time to cut off our community Dr. Henderson’s relationships with staff partners and trusted allies to the district. I have proven to be difficult and at times con- didn’t see the organization and attention tentious. One of the most important things to student needs that the times demanded. an organization can do for its employees is Dr. Henderson removed valuable resources to make them feel valued. Superintendents from students and made draconian cuts must be evaluated properly per board and that deeply impacted our students’ access to state policy. Through evaluation and coach- their education and the school district’s basic ing, the board can determine whether our functions. Some could say those items could one employee is able to make any needed have cost savings but without a firm plan on behavioral changes to ensure we’re able to replacement sources and added pressure to move relationships and this district forward. an already pressed staff has proven difficult The pandemic would have been an ideal these last few years. time for him to take the time to establish relationships with all stakeholders and evaluate our processes. Instead, he chose to use The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: that time to “restructure” key areas without forestparkreview.com/2023-election-guide/ proper evaluations and audits. This created