WJ Election Guide 2023

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

Sponsored by

24

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

OAKPARK.COM

sponsored by

Are you now or soon to be an Empty Nester?

It can be a shock to your life as you know it. I know this from my own personal experience. 178 days with an empty nest but hey...who’s counting?

And the home you’ve been living in all these years, what is next? Need help answering some daunting house questions?

I have been helping families transition from their family homes to the next abode for more than 20 years.

STEVE SCHEURING Realtor ® & Local Expert Oak Park & River Forest 708.369.8043 steve.scheuring@compass.com

Steve Scheuring is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws. 1643 North Milkwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647.

OAKPARK.COM

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

25

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

A

ego-driven, that leads a local person to run for local office. ll democracy is local.

And as Oak Park and River Forest move toward the We’ve been watching for 43 years and our observation is that Spring elections for village and school leaders, library with a dud once in a while, with people we have disagreed and park offices Wednesday Journal is offering you this with on policy, that in our non-partisan elections almost all candidates run because they care about the Election Guide. That coverage comes in print today high school or the parks, have a vision for the and, more expansively at OakPark.com. library, are committed to better village services This year we have profiled almost every candidate or holding taxes or growing equity. Or all of the in a contested election, held two candidate forums above.

-- live and recorded. One was for school board As you read these pages of questions and candidates at Oak Park and River Forest High answers from each of these candidates know that School, the other, just this week, featured the there is a lot on the line this year. candidates for the Oak Park village board. Thanks Your vote truly matters. to Charlie Meyerson and Doris Davenport for Do you plan to early vote? The details on how to moderating these discussions.

SEE COMPLETE do it are just below.

We’ve also sent detailed questionnaires to every ELECTION GUIDE ONLINE And don’t miss the digital version of this candidate in a contested race. The answers to our Election Guide on our OakPark.com website. The questions are presented here in this Election Guide which was designed by Javier Govea, our editorial design Q&As are there in longer versions. Thanks to Stacy Coleman, our digital manager, for building out these sites. manager.

Finally, this expanded coverage is possible because of a Let’s start with the candidates.

There is something brave and generous, only occasionally donation to our Growing Community Media nonprofit from

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.

the Good Heart Work Smart Foundation. It has allowed us not only to fund our election reporting and create this guide but also to widely increase our circulation for this issue of Wednesday Journal.

We are mailing a paper this week to thousands of additional apartments, condos and single-family homes across Oak Park and River Forest. 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 Jessica Mackinnon EDITOR AND PUBLISHER ELECTION COORDINATOR Growing Community Media Wednesday Journal

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

Mar. 25, Apr. 1

MAYWOOD COURTHOUSE (WHITCOMB BUILDING), ROOM 104 1311 MAYBROOK SQUARE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 15 - Mar. 17 Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3

Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

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

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

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 can-

didates 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.

26

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

OAKPARK.COM

sponsored by

OAK PARK VILLAGE BOARD (5 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) How would you define the the village board for the use role and responsibilities of a of the Sustainability Fund. The village trustee? recommendations passed The role and responsibilities of unanimously in March 2021. a village trustee are difficult to ■ Successfully advocated understand for many members for funding development of of the public and some trustees, Climate Action Plan, energy even after years of board service. efficiency and solar grants, and The village board oversees the second sustainability coordinavillage manager, discusses and tor - As a result of the ad hoc SUSAN determines policy, discusses and group’s recommendations, a BUCHANAN determines budget priorities greenhouse gas inventory was and the amount of the tax levy, completed, a consultant was passes laws and approves expenditures of hired to create our Climate Action Plan, and > $25,000. Village trustees should not act we offer energy efficiency retrofit grants in a supervisory manner to village staff; the to low-income households and solar panel village manager is their supervisor and is rebates.

■ Stimulated sustainable development responsible to the board for all of his/her - As the village board liaison to the Oak employees.

Park Economic Development Corporation, What do you believe is the most press- I created expectations from developers ing issue facing Oak Park and how do you to include sustainability elements in their buildings, resulting in solar panels, electrifiintend to address it?

The most pressing issue facing Oak Park is cation, green roofs, and native plantings. the same existential crisis that threatens the Our village government has come a long entire planet: climate change. No other issue has the potential to change our lives to way in the past two years, but it is extremely important that we continue the same degree. Even though to move forward toward our the Great Lakes area is not expegoal of reducing our greenriencing increased hurricanes, house gas emissions by 50% tornados, and forest fires, the by 2030. To assure that the clirecurrent deadly heatwaves, mate action plan doesn’t sit ozone action days, increased on a shelf, trustees must lead asthma rates, and flooding are in both policy and budgeting. just the tip of the iceberg of how We must have specific plans for our lives will change if climate promoting and funding energy change continues unchecked.

SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE I want to do everything I can ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE efficiency retrofits for all buildings, change our zoning code in my position as a trustee to to require electrification of all make sure Oak Park village government is leading in climate change miti- new construction, apply for grant programs gation and prevention. The list below high- to pay for solar and geothermal incentives, lights what I’ve done so far and what I hope and develop innovative methods to offer EV charging for residents of multi-unit buildto do in my next term: ings, among many other initiatives that we ■ Created ad hoc Sustainability group - I simply must implement if we are going to became frustrated with the lack of action meet our mitigation goals. I will advocate within village government to spend the vil- for regular reporting to the village board so lage’s Sustainability Fund on projects that we can hold village staff accountable to our lower Oak Park’s greenhouse gas emissions, climate action plan. so I helped create an ad hoc sustainability group recognized by the village board The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: and staff. This group of local sustainability oakpark.com/election-guide-2023 experts developed recommendations to

Because of the racial wealth As a village trustee, how do gap, Oak Park’s racial diversity you plan to tackle the growdepends on affordability. In my ing rate of gun violence in previous term, I advocated for and Oak Park? passed the Inclusionary Zoning Gun violence is a national, Ordinance. The funds collected regional and a local problem. under this ordinance have paid for There is no magic answer. the creation of low-income housScholars identify a “crime trianing, and funded programs that gle.” This consists of: 1) a desire address the housing needs of the of a criminal to commit a crime; SIMONE M. most vulnerable. I will continue to 2) a target of the criminal’s deBOUTET focus on housing affordability in sire; and 3) the opportunity for my next term. I also advocated to the crime to be committed. The change zoning laws so that homeVillage should remove the opportunity as much as possible. Individuals owners can create accessory dwelling units should be educated on how to stay safe. A on their property. This provides additional more visible police presence would help housing options.

In my previous term, I voted to keep levy deter crime. Studies show that criminals are more deterred by the risk of being caught increases to a maximum of 3% per year. I will than by the potential consequences. I will continue to do that to manage the tax burprioritize filling vacancies in the police de- den in Oak Park. I will also look for grants to partment with top quality candidates who fund our social goals like the climate plan and examine every expenditure to ensure it efembrace our community policing model. ficiently uses taxpayer funds to accomplish What areas did you find most our goals. compelling about the results of the police department asWhat do you believe is the sessment and what still needs most pressing issue facing to be changed?

Oak Park and how do you inCrime and policing need to be tend to address it? addressed with a comprehensive With four murders in eight strategy. Hiring and police presmonths and reports of shootings ence is only one part of the equabecoming common, community tion. I will prioritize the following: safety is our top priority. Living ■ Collecting and reporting a life free from crime is a human SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE right. It is the duty of the Village impartial policing data to build trust and accountability. to create a safe community for ■ Providing a civilian response all who live here. This requires to non-emergency calls for service to reduce a multi-faceted approach – both short term the use of sworn personnel. This is cost-effecand long term crime deterrence and preventive and it matches the need for service. tion strategies. We have an excellent police ■ Enhancing the role of the Citizen’s Police department, but there is still a lot to do.

Oversight Committee to be more effective acI would like to build a regional intergovcountability partners to the Village board. ernmental and community-based safety col■ Training 911 personnel in how to engage laborative. The goal would be to address the with callers who report a “suspicious person” to root causes of crime, determine which agenensure they are reporting suspicious activity cies are provide services and where the chaland not just a person. lenges lie, with the goal of assisting young ■ Finding a location for and building a new people to make positive life choices and police station. avoid a life of crime.

How will you work with your fellow board members to ensure Oak Park’s affordability and diversity?

The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at:

oakpark.com/election-guide-2023

OAKPARK.COM

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

OAK PARK VILLAGE BOARD (5 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) best possible health outcomes for Oak Park has received the everyone who lives in our village, results of a months-long police while avoiding the creation of dudepartment assessment. What plicative service offerings and staff. areas did you find most comThat said, one area that I really pelling and what still needs to think the OPPHD can have a huge be changed? impact is in the administration of ■ Of the kids (age 18 or less) our eventual non-emergency Call stopped by police from January For Service implementation. That 2015 to June 2020, 97% of them organization should exist outside were Black. That’s a red flag indiCORY WESLEY of the police department and will cator of bias and this needs to be likely have a huge part in answeraddressed immediately. ing mental health calls for service, it may make ■ The OPPD suffers from several technolsense to have this new organization report up ogy issues that would help us solve cases through the OPPHD as it aligns with the misbetter, deploy resources more efficiently, and provide more transparency to the public. This sion of public health and service. work needs to get started as soon as possible.

■ The recommendation of the creation of What can be done to better serve those an alternate Call for Service plan (non-emerwho live in rental units? gency calls) was called out as a priority and Oak Park has rental units that run the gamthe taskforce that we’ve convened is working ut on economics from affordable to ‘luxury.’ on this issue already.

Some of the things that we should do for ■ We have Village Ordinances that have the some economic levels aren’t necessarily pripotential for disparate impact for marginalorities for others. But for everyone, we should ized populations. Those ordinances have yet maintain our focus on making Oak Park a to come back to the Board. We should priorimore affordable village, increase our parking tize their return and modify them to remove and transit options, and increase services to that impact. help mediate tenant/landlord disputes.

As we move further away We should recognize that a lot from the height of COVID-19, of our rental units exist on the what role do you believe the borders of Oak Park and create Oak Park Public Health Deprograms and outreach to create partment will serve in the fua better experience that’s more ture? similar to the community that First, I think OPDPH, under exists in our single-family home Dr. Chapple-McGruder, did a neighborhoods. To increase our commendable job of protect- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE racial and economic diversity, we ing the village during the pan- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE should increase the availability of demic, under the most difficult affordable units, both naturally occircumstances one can imagcurring and intentionally created. ine for that job.

And for those who have chosen to live in I’m also mindful of the fact that OPDPH is downtown Oak Park, we should continue to just one of many resources our residents draw invest in creating a vibrant Oak Park that has on. For example, Oak Park ran vaccination clin- a pronounced and welcoming sense of place, ics throughout the pandemic, which were ex- an atmosphere that encourages community, tremely valuable to parents, seniors, and other and a village that is diverse in the experiences members of our community, but still a lot of that it offers so that everyone, no matter the our residents were vaccinated at area drug living arrangements that they chose, can feel stores. welcome and enjoy their time here.

While I’m open to discussing OPDPH’s role, my priority is to ensure that we’re marshaling The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: all of the resources we have available, public oakpark.com/election-guide-2023 and private, village and county, to provide the

27

Sawa’s Old Warsaw Sawa’s Old Come Celebrate early from Warsaw Authentic Polish-American Smorgasbord 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Restaurant • Lounge • Banquets • Dine In • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com DAY S ’ E N I ALENT ET

SPECIAL! FF ULENT B T S A • Broasted cod fish every day, all day!

BREAKF

V

 Texas Style French Toast  Apple wood Bacon  Scrambled Eggs  Potato Pancakes  Kiszka (Polish Sausage)  Sliced Ham  Pork Sausage Links  Apple Crepes  Apricot Crepes  Blueberry Crepes  Cheese Crepes  Fresh Fruit  Raisin Bread  English Muffins

• Tuesday - Saturday 11am-8pm • Buffet open with all the fixings!

• Best salad bar in the area!

• Carved Beef and Ham (Dinner only) • $16 all day, Tuesday Wednesday Thursday • $16Mary Lunch Friday and Saturday, Bloody Dinner Friday and Saturday or $24 Mimosa only $6

Reserve your space now!

All that plus Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Milk or Coffee...

Parties of 6 or more Adults will have 15% Gratuity added to check

For only $9 per person!

Polish Tacos second Tuesday of Lunch ~ Noodles ‘n Ham Dinner ~ BBQ Pork Ribs 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

4 p.m. to 9 p.m. the month 5-8pm! $9 per person $13 per person

9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview • 708.343.9040 Smorgasbord • Lounge • Banquets • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview, IL

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Now safely moving Now safely moving new residents our new residents totoour Nowsmall, safely moving wooded campus. small, woodedtocampus. new residents our small, wooded campus.

A safe && A safe smart choice. smart A safe &choice.

smart choice.

Choosing a community you Choosing a community you can trust never been can trust has has never been more more difficult. important.

Choosing a community you Our community has an can has never been Ourtrust community has an impeccable record of safety more difficult. impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis

during and andthe weCOVID-19 will stop at crisis nothing Our community has an to make we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. impeccable record of safety sure it continues. during the COVID-19 crisis We would be honored for your family to be part of and we will stop at nothing We would be honoredours. for your to maketosure it continues. family be part of ours.

Immediate availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House

We would be honored for your 99% OUR CALEDONIA family to OF be part of ours.

STAFF IS VACCINATED

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 447-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546

Limited availability!

28

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

OAKPARK.COM

OAK PARK VILLAGE BOARD (5 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) In what areas do you believe owners from across Oak Park, the current village board has it has become evident that the been successful and in what arVillage needs to create a small eas has it been less successful? business concierge–someone The current and previous who assists small business ownboards have laid the groundwork ers navigate the permitting and towards making great strides licensing processes, connects on sustainability and equity, but them with grant opportunities we must elect Trustees who are relevant to them, and advocates ready to take that action further. for small businesses within the BRIAN STRAW Village. In addition, the Village Climate Ready Oak Park (Oak Park’s Climate Action Plan) and and the Oak Park Economic the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative Development Corporation can join forces to (C4) represent a comprehensive, long-range, determine whether there might be opporregional approach to the ongoing climate tunities to partner on providing low-interest crisis which, if fully implemented, will make loans to small businesses that, when paired Oak Park a leader in sustainability. Similarly, with professional services available in the the Village’s new Chief Diversity, Equity, and community, could support continued growth Inclusion Officer, Dr. Danielle Walker, has the and prosperity. expertise and systematic approach to ensure that the Village will be a leader on equity isWhat do you believe is the most presssues in the years to come—so long as Village ing issue facing Oak Park and how do you Trustees consider her expertise in their deci- intend to address it? sion-making process.

It is impossible and disingenuous to look There are at least two issues where Oak at any single issue in isolation. Instead, we Park must act with more urgency: (1) mak- have to acknowledge that each of the ising our streets and sidewalks safer for bik- sues we face as a community are interreing, walking, and public transit lated and need to be faced with and (2) helping small businesses a focus on equity, sustainability, thrive in Oak Park. and safety. Moreover, Oak Park The Village Board must priorineeds to be proactive in buildtize making our streets safe for ing the Village we want for the everyone living, working, and next 50 years instead of simply playing in Oak Park–whether responding to the problems in biking, walking, driving, or using front of us today. public transportation. We have For example, we can look at seen tremendous ideas pro- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE the issue of public safety–which posed by community organizing ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE encompasses a wide range of groups (like Bike Walk Oak Park), issues including gun violence but the Village Board has yet to and other violent crime, transoperationalize any of these into a clear vision portation safety, and environmental issues. for transportation safety in Oak Park. The VilGun violence and other violent crime is a lage Board must act. significant and complex issue which requires Small businesses in Oak Park have had to a nuanced and intentional response. We need navigate the pandemic, staffing shortages, to deal with staffing issues in the Oak Park Poand rampant inflation over the past three lice Department; take a regional approach years. The Village has a history of providing to addressing root causes of violent crime; significant incentives to larger businesses and address gun violence as a public health and developments, but not offering the same issue–as I discussed at length in response to kinds of support to small businesses. Oak Park prior questions. must work to ease the process of opening a new business in Oak Park and helping existThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: ing businesses in Oak Park thrive. oakpark.com/election-guide-2023 In my conversations with small business

How would you define the very difficult to rein in spending-- but it’s possible. Shifting roles and responsibilities of a from levies in the 6-9% range village trustee? down to 3% (and in 2023 it’s First and foremost, a Village 0%) was not easy. It required Trustee is a fiduciary, elected to both the cooperation of my make decisions on behalf of the colleagues as well as the buy-in people of Oak Park. Making defrom Village staff to get it done. cisions is challenging because The fact that trustees have the each Oak Parker has a different authority to tax residents and experience, needs, wants, and JAMES TAGLIA dramatically impact their perpolitical beliefs. It is crucial that sonal finances is a responsiwe trustees listen intently to as many voices and perspectives as possible, bility I don’t take lightly. During this year’s even seeking out voices that are missing budget discussions, I felt we should have from the conversation so that our decisions reviewed expenditures more thoroughly because we ended up spending several are inclusive and efficacious. million dollars more than last year. As fiduWhat areas did you find most compel- ciaries of resident funds, trustees need to ling about the results of the police depart- treat public funds with as much care and ment assessment and what still needs to caution as they do their own. My goal as trustee is to increase affordability in our vilbe changed?

It was generally understood that our po- lage so that those that want to live here can lice station was a high priority and needed afford to stay here. I’ve made progress over to be addressed as it does not contribute the past 4 years despite the pandemic and to efficient or effective operations. Also, how it impacted our collective finances. I our records management system and our always keep affordability at the forefront computer-aided dispatch systems have of decision-making at all levels, and I hope I have an opportunity to confunctional challenges. I was tinue making progress over the somewhat surprised by the lack next 4 years. of consistency and clarity in Affordable housing has also establishing formal plans/probeen one of the most imporcesses for training, recruitment tant issues in Oak Park for as as well as coaching, and menlong as I can remember. Oak toring; those issues will need to Park’s socio-economic diversity be addressed too. I support the relies on the village taking an recommendations for eliminating ordinances that create a dis- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE active role in maintaining acparate impact on marginalized ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE cess to affordable housing in the village. One of my biggest populations as well as pretext achievements was enacting stops, which can lead to biasedour Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. The based contacts. ordinance covers a significant footprint in How will you work with your fellow the village and makes new developments board members to ensure Oak Park’s af- either provide a percentage of the building’s units at an affordable price or provide fordability and diversity?

Maintaining Oak Park’s affordability is a a significant monetary contribution to the challenge, but necessary to maintain our Village’s Housing Trust, which in turn funds diversity. Having a stable property tax levy affordable housing initiatives. Since its inplan has been a strong policy I have been ception just a few years ago, the IZO has trumpeting for several years. In 2017 when raised well in excess of $3M. I took office, I set out to be tough on taxes.

I was told by so many people that in order The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. to stabilize taxes, services had to be cut. The full unedited responses can be found online at: What I learned in the process was that it’s oakpark.com/election-guide-2023

OAKPARK.COM

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

OPRF HIGH SCHOOL D200 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) require voter approval because What should be the timethey are intended for schools to do frame for deciding the scope emergency work before a referenand financing for OPRFHS’s dum can be held — like if a boiler Project 2? Should the current breaks. board make these critical deciBuilding a new pool-gym that sions prior to the April election has been prescribed for five years or should a newly constituted is not an emergency, and the only board have this responsibility? reason no-vote bonds are being My biggest concern with the discussed is so that D200 can bycurrent Project 2 is that the cost BRIAN SOUDER pass voters. It may not be illegal, is so high that it will prevent us but it certainly is unethical. Aren’t from making meaningful, muchneeded improvements to other aspects of we in year 12 of pool discussions because of the building for a generation. So far, there has contentious and dubious tactics by the school been no board discussion of any trade-offs it over that time?

Project 2 supporters and the administration will require, nor how any of the funding scenarios might affect the future financial posi- will tell us the current plan is the only way to meet the needs of our students, it’s legitimate tion of the district.

If we are trading Project 2 pool-gyms for because it was created by a group with commuch-needed investments in academics, mu- munity members and th4y will tell us it will sic, the heavily-utilized fieldhouse, special ed, have little to no tax impact. Sounds like they vocational ed, wrestling, gymnastics—things have a strong story to tell, so passage should prescribed by the IMAGINE group—for 10, 20 be a slam dunk. Let them make their case and or more years, this requires not only a robust let voters decide.

Some have mentioned there is a cost savboard discussion, but a community one. ings by using no-vote bonds inI know how badly some folks stead of vote bonds. An expert want to start digging a new pool, I talked to said that gap can be but I don’t see how you approve minimized by more creative reflikely the largest single public inerendum bond structuring than vestment in Oak Park and River what was presented by the conForest history with so little discussultant, which I think is being insion or engagement on its ramivestigated by the Community Fifications. This needs more than a nance Committee. Even if it does few 20-minute board meeting distake a little longer or cost a bit cussions in the next two months.

SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE more, what will be the cost to the If there is any debt compo- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE relationship with the community by intentionally bypassing them? nent included in financing Project 2, should taxpayer have the Are you in favor of returning sworn Oak opportunity to vote on this issue via a refPark and River Forest police officers to the erendum?

As I said before, this is likely the largest single OPRFHS campus? If so, what would be the public expense in our two villages’ history and best way of doing this?

Quite simply, no. While I’m confident our lowill determine how much can be invested in academic, arts and other athletics spaces for cal officers are capable, ethical and sensitive, a generation. So, absolutely, voters must have studies show little to no benefit, and often tertheir say. Full stop. Plus in the 2020 advisory rible costs. Let’s keep trusting Principal Parker referendum, Oak Park voters overwhelming and her work on school culture, evolving the voted that projects more than $5 million need restorative justice program and taking great care of the school’s civilian safety and security to go to referendum.

Besides, this should not even be a choice. In team.

Illinois, referendum bonds are for facility buildThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print. ing, and the DSEB bonds the administration The full unedited responses can be found online at: and others have been pushing for Project 2 oakpark.com/election-guide-2023 are intended for EMERGENCIES. They do not

Helping children thrive and families flourish.

They need you.

We need you.

Learn more about becoming a foster parent: Tuesday, April 11, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Join us for a virtual foster parent session Saturday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Join us for an in-person open house REGISTER USING THE QR CODE OR ONLINE AT WWW.HEPHZIBAHHOME.ORG

Support the arts in Forest Park.

Our programs include: • Summer Stoop Sessions – enjoy local musicians on front porches • Garage Galleries – visit artists showing in garages throughout Forest Park • Tellers’ Nights – hear experienced Tellers’ personal stories • Makers’ Markets – see local

artists and artisans show & sell • Writing Contest – Use your voice in written word • 48-Hour Film Festival – teams film and edit a short film in 48-hours • Forest Park Theatre – experience Shakespeare in the park

Visit www.forestparkarts.org to join us today!

29

30

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

OAKPARK.COM

OPRF HIGH SCHOOL D200 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS)

Dreams begin here

1146 Chicago Ave, Oak Park www.demaira-dance.com 708.386.1833 • Call to enroll

CALL FOR YOUR FREE EVALUATION TODAY! CONTACT JACK JOHANNESSON: (312) 588-6953 � (630) 440-4332

or go to: www.windfree.us

be clear: that risk falls disproporWhat should be the timetionately on one group, young frame for deciding the scope Black men. Except in the case of an and financing for OPRFHS’s emergency/active shooter situaProject 2? Should the current tion, I am strongly opposed to the board make these critical decipresence of weapons inside the sions prior to the April election high school. Therefore I would be or should a newly constituted opposed to sworn police officers board have this responsibility? patrolling the halls of OPRF. There appears to be unanimity among the current seven board How do you believe the members, and at least three of TIM BRANDHORST school district will know, and the four candidates agree: Project 2 should be approved. The current board over what timeframe, that the restructurhas been clear in its intention to resolve this ing of the Freshman Curriculum is working?

This is a potentially transformative initiative issue during the current school year; approving Project 2 and settling on the appropriate that cannot be allowed to fail. I support the funding strategy have been part of the board’s goals: to maintain academic excellence, and to goals since September, and the Board and ad- make sure that every student has true access ministration have moved steadily in that direc- to that excellence. It will be among the board’s tion this entire school year. So, whatever the and administration’s highest priorities in the outcome of the April election, it’s clear that the coming years. I would be committed to demanding as much data as possible; to sharing project will move forward.

There is increasingly widespread community that data with the community as transparently consensus that Project 2 is a necessary solution as possible; with providing necessary supports, to the longstanding risks and unacceptable as well as supporting shifts in strategy dictated conditions in OPRFHS’s physical education by the data; and to evaluating the initiative with candor and integrity. I am comlearning spaces. That consensus mitted to ensuring this equity initiais due in large part to the tours tive is successful–which will surely OPRFHS has conducted over the require close, careful attention over past year; as hundreds of parthe next four years (and more) and ents and community members agile response to key indicators. have seen the current condiWe should track closely all postions, most agree that it’s long sible data, and try to identify every past time to solve these facilities early lesson we can glean from the problems.

The set of solutions in Proj- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE data as it appears throughout the ect 2 were derived from the ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE school year. The administration would be well-served to publish the Imagine OPRF process–a commost important criteria we expect munity-led, transparent, needsbased process conducted in 2017-2018 to to use to evaluate progress–even those criteassess the entire campus and prioritize facili- ria for which we will not have actionable data ties needs, and a process worthy of the com- until future years (such as AP test results from the current freshman class). This will help the munity’s trust. entire community understand the incremental Are you in favor of returning sworn Oak progress being made, as well as to continue Park and River Forest police officers to the to set expectations around the very long-time OPRFHS campus? If so, what would be the horizon this initiative anticipates. For the short term, though, the job is to be alert to every best way of doing this?

I genuinely appreciate the overture of OP- possible story the early data tells us, and to PD’s Chief Johnson, and her representation consider whether additional or different supthat sworn officers will act as “visitors in the ports or approaches are indicated. building.” But, whether in the possession of a The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. teacher, an administrator, or a sworn police ofThe full unedited responses can be found online at: ficer, the risk of having a loaded weapon inside oakpark.com/election-guide-2023 the high school is simply too great. And let’s

OAKPARK.COM

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

31

OPRF HIGH SCHOOL D200 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) What should be the timethe best way of doing this? frame for deciding the scope I am not in favor of this. Instead, and financing for OPRFHS’s I believe that we need to invest in Project 2? Should the current a greater capacity to serve the soboard make these critical decicial, emotional, and mental health sions prior to the April election needs of our students. or should a newly constituted board have this responsibility?

How do you believe the school From what I understand, it district will know, and over what is anticipated that the current timeframe, that the restructurJONATHAN board will be making this deciing of the Freshman Curriculum LIVINGSTON sion prior to the newly-elected is working? board members assuming office.

We should start to see what is Assuming this holds true, this is the right call. working by looking at grades and test results No one has been more intimately, empathi- by the end of the first year, but a commitment cally and critically involved in the Project 2 to meaningfully assessing all significant curcommunity-wide process than riculum changes should involve the current OPRFHS board. As consistently gathering feedback such, I trust that they will act with from teachers, students, staff and integrity in making the right deciparents. sion here.

What is your assessment of OPRFHS’ shift from a more traIf there is any debt compoditional punitive disciplinary nent included in financing Projapproach to a more restorative ect 2, should taxpayer have the approach? Do you believe that opportunity to vote on this isit is working?

SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE sue via a referendum?

I am thrilled to see that OPRFHS ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Taxpayers should always have is embracing restorative practice the opportunity to vote via referto inform its disciplinary orienendum if a significant debt component should tation. I am a huge advocate for integrating emerge in the financing of any public project. restorative practice not just when it comes to discipline, but also as a means of improving Are you in favor of returning sworn police culture and communication at all levels of the officers to OPRFHS? If so, what would be school.

Do you want to keep your public officials accountable?

What should be the timetrying to serve. This would have frame for deciding the to begin with the voices of the scope and financing for students, faculty, and administraOPRFHS’s Project 2? Should tion to articulate the why of such the current board make a move. I don’t think the board these critical decisions prishould make such a decision unior to the April election or laterally. should a newly constituted board have this responsibilHow do you believe the ity? school district will know, and I am comfortable that both GRAHAM BRISBEN over what timeframe, that the scope and financing plan be restructuring of the Freshman decided by the existing board. Those cur- Curriculum is working? rent members have all been steeped in the The honors-for-all strategy is an iterative issues for at least two years. process that will take time to evolve. Having said that, my assumption is that the If there is any debt component in- first point of meaningful data would likely cluded in financing Project come after the conclusion of 2, should taxpayer have the the first full academic year of opportunity to vote on this the strategy’s implementation, issue via a referendum? and in the form of grades.

Philosophically, I believe that the best practice for the fundWhat is your assessment ing of long-term infrastructure of OPRFHS’ shift from a more projects is the use of capital traditional punitive disciplinreferendum bonds. ary approach to a more restorative approach? Do you SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE Are you in favor of returnbelieve that it is working?

ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE ing sworn police officers to I would not want to see a OPRFHS? If so, what would return to “traditional punitive” be the best way of doing this? approaches to discipline, which historically We first have to ask the question of what have consisted of out-of-school suspenpurpose or objective the return of school sions that do not constructively address the resource officer(s) to OPRFHS would be needs and issues of at-risk youth.

Support Community Journalism.

Buy a subscription to:

Call 708.524.8300

32

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

OAKPARK.COM

RIVER FOREST D90 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS)

Sign up today!

Do you support District 90 social pressures in early adolesadopting all-day kindergarcence. Regardless of the filters ten and, if so, why? and monitoring, children find Yes, I am in support of adoptthemselves involved in viewing ing the all-day kindergarten and participating in activities in River Forest’s elementary that rob their childhood causing schools. My strongest arguincreased mental health conment: generational evolution. cerns.

River Forest has evolved from School is an institution at 10 years ago, where it was a which instruction is given in a CALVIN DAVIS particular discipline. Why do town of nannies and grandparents, to a place where involved schools exist? Schools exist to working parents want to see increased help children learn and grow into producstudent growth and student interactions. tive adults. School provides a structured All-day kindergarten would provide the environment in which students can exface-to-face interactions and actual learn- plore their interests and develop skills that ing that children lost during the pandem- will be useful in their future lives. School ic. All-day kindergarten in River Forest is is now also a safe space for children to un“building a better boat.” pack their thoughts and feelings about the world around them. School ensures that What do you believe will be the great- children are mentally and developmenest challenges if expanded kindergar- tally ready for the real world by providing ten is approved? Costs, finding ade- lessons which will benefit them later into quate staff, facilities? adulthood.

The greatest challenge is preparing for Over the past five years, District 90 has the unknown. We can never truly prepare added school social workers, psycholofor the number of students who might gists, and school nurses to the staff at all enroll in all-day kindergarthree schools. District 90 is also ten classes. If there is a drataking advantage of local nonmatic increase in enrollment, for-profit programs as well as although cost and facilities Township Youth Services to prohave been analyzed, the bigvide various resources for the gest cost would be construcchildren in District 90. tion and facility additions.

Given the nationwide teacher In the radical transformashortages, staffing is always tion in teaching caused by COdifficult. However, River Forest SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE VID-19, what did District 90 and Oak Park are destination ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE learn or invent that should be districts, and we are hopeful retained in teaching? that excellent staff will conI think the new learning has tinue to be acquired. paved a way for students to interact more with each other in District 90. Likewise, stuDo you believe that our children, espe- dents can really engage with the content cially by middle school, are dealing with in ways that fit their unique learning styles. more concerns over mental health than Teachers in District 90 are creating differin the past? What is the public school ent learning pathways which they can system’s role in providing mental health monitor in their small groups and through services and resources to children and digital feedback provided to children. families? How is District 90 performing?

Yes, there are more concerns. Why? Because children have access to phones The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. and social media at birth. Access to social The full unedited responses can be found online at: media has created exposure to increased oakpark.com/election-guide-2023

OAKPARK.COM

sponsored by

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

33

RIVER FOREST D90 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) Do you support District 90 ing with more concerns adopting all-day kindergarover mental health than in ten and, if so, why? the past? What is the pubYes, I believe it is important lic school system’s role in for River Forest to offer fullproviding mental health day kindergarten. I do not services and resources to feel the scholastic programchildren and families? How ing in the current half-day is District 90 performing? model is adequate.

I believe we are all still reFrom my discussions with covering from COVID-19 and JOE CORTESE parents and teachers, one of the recovery may continue the major drawbacks of the for years. In addition to COcurrent half-day model is that families are VID, other considerations such as social required to supplement the half-day pro- media usage are having a negative imgram with a number of additional scholas- pact on our children’s mental health tic programs available nearby. Therefore, overall. It does seem children today are when children arrive in first grade, they facing more mental health challenges come in at different competency levels than in the past. with different educational backgrounds, Public schools can play a role in adgiven the different programs they attend dressing children’s mental health conin addition to half-day kindergarten. In cerns but I do not believe we should rely other cases, children come to first grade solely on the school system. Communiwith no additional schooling other than cation is an important aspect. I believe the half-day program which may leave teachers, given the amount of time they them at a disadvantage. First grade teachspend with our children, can help identify ers are required, then, to spend an inordiwhen a student may be disproportionatenate amount of time bringing students ly suff ering from mental health issues. To that are behind up-to-speed the extent parents, teachers, and harmonizing the various and administrators can comeducational backgrounds of municate more frequently students. This time and effort and effectively on this issue, could be better utilized diwe should be able to idenrectly on learning curriculum if students arrived with more tify children that require addisimilar educational backtional mental health support grounds and experiences. and, from there, families can Offering full-day kindergarwork with schools and other ten is important from an over- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE outside providers to get kids all community standpoint as ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE the help they need. well. I have personally heard I also believe transparency from families that have decidand communication is critical in dealing ed not to move to River Forest and decid- with children’s mental health issues. I do ed instead to move to Oak Park and other not think the school system should atnearby neighborhoods simply because tempt to deal with specific mental health they do offer full-day kindergarten. So, concerns without involving parents and by not offering full-day kindergarten, we guardians. I believe we will be most efare putting ourselves at a disadvantage fective in identifying and dealing with relative to other nearby neighborhoods in terms of attracting new families. If not mental health issues, if parents, teachers, addressed, this could impact property and district administrators work together.

values negatively over time.

Do you believe that our children, especially by middle school, are deal-

The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at:

oakpark.com/election-guide-2023

What do you believe will these efforts. Families should be the greatest challenges realize that they have a part if expanded kindergarten is to play in recovery and should approved? Cost, finding adbe ever more attentive to equate staff, facilities? finding ways to support this.

I don’t see staffing availabilMany already are--through ity nor facilities as the issue. private tutoring, library offerWe have proven we can hire ings and ratcheted-up parent great teachers – and we do engagement in homework, for have enough facilities to ac- KRISTINE MACKEY example. Finally, one of the commodate full-day kindergreatest factors in increased garten, albeit with some relearning is “time-on-task.” configuration. Cost will be the challenge. Now especially -- we should protect the It will require some additional one-time full school day and school year. While the costs as current buildings undergo some state has guidelines on “Days That Count limited re-tooling. There may be an addi- for Attendance” to meet their minimum tional annual cost if district offices move requirements, District 90 should have as and lease off-site office space (if that op- our guidepost in this time of recovery tion is implemented). But the relevant preserving time-on-task. COVID dug a cost of this change is additional teach- hole that was no one’s fault, and we must ers. These additional ongoing opera- climb out of it together. I believe we will tional costs, as a portion of the district’s be able to accomplish this together -budget, should represent approximately with grace and aplomb.

10% additional personnel expenditures – so most achievable. There Do you believe that our are a number of ways that children, especially by midthis amount could be covdle school, are dealing with ered, and meeting the cost more concerns over menchallenge will require extal health than in the past? ploring all of those mechaWhat is the public school nisms carefully and perhaps system’s role in providing with some cost reduction as mental health services and part of the equation. resources to children and SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE families? How is District 90 ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE What do you consider performing? as District 90’s greatest The need for wraparound challenges in addressing learning loss mental health for all students – those during the pandemic and the social with specific long-term and/or situimpact of remote learning for, at least, ational needs, and those for whom we some students? want to preserve and promote mental There has been learning loss, undoubt- health wellness—has increased over the edly. Making up for lost time will require last many years, including the COVID work on the part of families and the years. District 90 and families have colschool district. We should monitor aca- laborated well to identify needs and to demic progress and be open about the increase resources, as well as to provide data that we receive. Teachers and coun- additional training for frontline teachers. selors are already identifying individuals’ I think District 90 has done very well on needs as a result of learning loss. They are this front. already communicating with families and coaching families in order to maximize The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. recovery. The teachers and counselors The full unedited responses can be found online at: should be applauded, and supported in oakpark.com/election-guide-2023

34

Wednesday Journal, March 15, 2023

sponsored by

What’s Your Property Worth?

Contact Me For A FREE Valuation!

Selling, Buying Or Leasing - Let Me Put My 25+ Years Of Real Estate Experience To Work For You!

Ken Van Santen | Realtor

708.975.0210 ken.vansanten@bairdwarner.com www.kenvansanten.bairdwarner.com Residential - Multi-Family - Commercial

Frick Kids Art Classes Kids Love Art!!!!

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want your kids to learn about art. Maybe you want them to get something more. Or maybe they just want to be creative and have fun! Whatever the reason, Frick Kids Art Classes are where its happening!

Nurture your child’s imagination while learning about artists, color, design and more.

Group, semi-private and private lessons available at your home, business or at the Frick Art Studio in Oak Park for Pre-K through 6th graders.

Summer 2023 Art Camps Pre-K - 2nd Grade Wonder Art Workshop 3rd - 6th Grade Science and the Arts 2nd - 6th Grade Mix it Up Art Experience

frickkidsart.com • 630-215-9789 Growing Community Media

We’ve got YOU covered.

a non-profit newsroom

Donate today at

OAKPARK.COM

RIVER FOREST D90 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) Do you support District 90 on literacy at the end of kinderadopting all-day kindergargarten. Compared to half-day ten and, if so, why? kindergarten, Dr. Gibbs found Yes. I made a public comthat full-day kindergarten had ment at a school board meeta positive impact large enough ing in favor of full-day kinderto be cost-effective. In 2017, in a garten in 2015. I’m glad that separate study, Dr. Gibbs found the school board is seriously that the benefits of full-day kinconsidering this option. dergarten persist through sevYoung learners need more enth grade for English language ERIC ISENBERG arts and through eighth grade time in school to keep pace with the Illinois Learning Stanfor math. dards, which build on the common core standards for English language arts and Do you believe that our children, esmath. As Lori Suzuki, Lincoln School kin- pecially by middle school, are dealing dergarten teacher, explained during her with more concerns over mental health comment at the school board meeting on than in the past? What is the public February 7, “expectations have changed.” school system’s role in providing menMs. Suzuki went on to point out that the tal health services and resources to half-day program is fast-paced, and that children and families? How is District it can be challenging to meet the needs 90 performing? of all students, especially those who have Yes, I believe that today’s children are pull-out interventions during the day. In dealing with more mental health issues addition, she noted that children need than in the past. While Roosevelt Middle more time for creative play to interact School is far more dynamic today than with each other. when I was a student there in the 1980s, with, for example, more clubs, more acWhat do you believe will tivities, and more sports to be the greatest challenges engage students, at the same if expanded kindergarten is time today’s students have enapproved? Cost, finding addured both the social isolation equate staff, facilities? of the pandemic and the unreExpanding to full-day kinlenting scrutiny of the smartdergarten will double the phone. Bullying existed then number of kindergarten as it does now, but it was not teachers, and we need to be supercharged by technology. honest about the fact that the SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE So, in the 2022 Illinois Youth additional funding needed for ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Survey for Roosevelt School, a salaries—already the largest fifth of eighth graders report cost for a school district—will that in the past year they drank be the most significant long-term cost. At alcohol, about a quarter report being the February 7 board meeting, the princi- bullied, and a quarter report being depals of Lincoln and Willard schools laid out pressed. Because mental health issues can plans for creating the necessary classroom interfere with learning, schools should alspace, and District 90 has historically been leviate problems that students experience able to attract talented teachers to fill va- at school. District 90 has a strong core of cancies. social workers who have helped many stuOverall, the benefit of full-day kinder- dents, but they are stretched thin by the garten likely outweighs the additional demands placed on them. cost. A 2014 study by Dr. Chloe Gibbs used a randomized controlled trial—the gold The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: standard for education research—to meaoakpark.com/election-guide-2023 sure the benefits of full-day kindergarten