Activist Toolkit

1) Why do you want to serve as Commissioner? What makes you qualified to serve? 

I am first and foremost a resident of Forest Park and I love our village. I ran four years ago  because I believed transparency, respectful responsiveness, and community engagement were  lacking in our local government. We are doing better but there is still work to do. A  government that embraces transparency and is open and honest about procedure enacts  stronger, more inclusive policies. I supported this for the past four years and I remain  committed to these values. This is why I am running for re-election. 

My track record demonstrates my qualifications. For me, serving Forest Park is about the long  term, not just “my term”. I have advocated for and delivered on several successful projects. A  few examples are the Tree Survey and Urban Forest Management Plan and working with staff  to create a fleet management plan and Fleet Replacement Capital Asset Fund. The fund ensures resources are available to aid in the care and timely replacement of the village’s fleet. My focus as commissioner is on transparency and community engagement. I will continue to  advocate for public access to information and process and I will respond respectfully to  questions, concerns, and ideas.

2) How do you make decisions? 

As a commissioner, I have been consistent in my decision-making process. I do my research, I  rely on the professional knowledge of village staff, I listen to fellow council members, and I  welcome ideas and feedback from the community. I consider what each decision means for  Forest Park in the short and long-term. My goal is to be as informed as possible to make  decisions that are in the best interest of Forest Park.

3) What are the three biggest challenges or opportunities facing Forest Park in the next three, five, and ten years and how should elected officials address them over the next four years? 

Every election we talk about the issues facing the village. Many of them are ongoing, like  village finances, pension obligations, revenue generation, flooding and infrastructure needs,  and public safety and inclusion. Without transparency, we fail to effectively meet any challenge.  The Village needs to be open and honest about procedure. I believe the first step for the new  council is to create a strategic plan. We should come together to share ideas, hear from  department heads, and create a plan of action for the next several years. A strategic plan invites the community to participate in the process and helps to focus the efforts of the council  and staff. It provides a stable foundation to help address our biggest challenges and foster  opportunities more effectively and transparently. Identifying and prioritizing initiatives and  strategies, while creating a roadmap to follow, helps ensure we are working together toward  common goals.  

4) How would you approach the budgeting process? 

I want the village to continue to provide residents with quality services, meet pension  obligations, and build a sustainable, economically successful village. 

I approach the budgeting process critically, impartially, and with the future in mind. I support  line-by-line auditing of proposed expenditures. There is little room for non-essential  expenditures. That said, certain investments provide returns that may be difficult to quantify  but are a great benefit to the community. Critical, thoughtful analysis is so important. 

One example is from last year’s budgeting process. The Village received a 50/50 matching  grant to conduct a tree survey, which included an Urban Forest Management Plan. Finances  are tight, so some council members were reluctant to approve the expense. The Village has  wanted to conduct a tree survey for years, but it is expensive. To receive a grant covering half  of the cost was a real win. Director Stella and I understood the importance of this opportunity, so we worked together to identify expenditures that could wait for a year to ensure funds  would be available. Our critical budget evaluation made the survey possible. The completed  survey has been vital to the long-term planning, care, and health of our urban forest.

5) What would you say to voters who are worried about the tax burden? 

Most of us are concerned about our tax obligations and potential increases. The Village  provides exceptional service to residents within tight budget constraints. Increasing costs,  pension obligations, and aging infrastructure are a heavy burden for our small municipality. As a non-home rule community, we must rely on generating revenue as allowed by the State. I support the lobbying efforts of the Illinois Municipal League to protect local revenue. We  continue to ask our representatives to restore the Local Government Distributive Fund from  about 6.5% to its pre-2011 rate of 10%. This directly impacts our local tax burden. That  increase is one step to make sure our share of individual and corporate income tax stays in  Forest Park. This helps ease the burden on the general fund by providing for public safety and  infrastructure needs.

A creative, multi-prong approach is necessary. We should continue to support diversifying our  revenue generating opportunities and evaluate all expenditures critically. Lobby our  representatives to restore the LGDF and support the Municipal Bill of Rights to stop unfunded  mandates. I will continue to advocate to keep more of Forest Park’s dollars here, working to  support Forest Park. 

6) What should the Village Commission's role be with respect to economic development and attracting new business to Forest Park? 

Economic development is vital to the success of Forest Park. The council should think about  the big picture, consider market trends and innovation, while keeping in mind long-term, sustainable growth for Forest Park. We must consider how policy, infrastructure, and updates  to village code and zoning are essential to development and investment in our community.  Investing in services and modernizing village processes can create more efficiency and reduce  the burden on staff time. We should continue working with the Chamber of Commerce to  showcase our community, entice businesses, and attract new residents and visitors. Finally, updating our Comprehensive Plan provides a stable foundation for successful economic  development. The council should follow the 2014 comprehensive plan’s recommendation to  create an Economic Development Opportunity Plan. This could include a small-business  resource portal to share opportunities and information in one convenient place. It should also  outline goals, strategies, policies, and actions designed to support existing businesses, while  attracting new commercial ventures and promoting growth. 

7) The Altenheim property and future development alternatives are topics of much discussion in Forest Park. What should the next step in this process be, and what is your ultimate vision for the property?

The Commissioner of Public Property oversees the management of all village owned property.  One main reason I chose this department was to promote an open discussion about the future  of the vacant land. As the last bit of open space in Forest Park, many folks hold passionate views about potential uses and development. I continue to advocate for transparent public  outreach and engagement. I encouraged the same from the mayor, which led to the creation  of the Altenheim Advisory Committee. The committee has been discussing potential uses for  the property and will provide the village council with their recommendations. But I don’t think  it stops there. Any plan has not successfully answered the tough questions yet. A topic that has  so much of the community engaged really needs to see a measured approach from the village. I look forward to an open dialogue with the entire community regarding any recommendations  and the village's next steps. A rushed sale of land to a developer whose interest is simply  maximizing their profits would be a mismanagement of the taxpayers’ 20+ year investment.  There must be a balance between maintaining green space, accountability to the community,  and revenue generation.

8) The debate over video gambling has been resolved through binding referendum, yet there are still significant divisions over the issue. Do you think those divisions can be overcome? If so, how? If not, why not? Would you now seek to repeal the prohibition on video gambling in Forest Park? If so, how? If not, why not? 

The residents of Forest Park voted. They had an opportunity for their voices to be heard. I  believe this is a settled issue. I believe a lot of healing has taken place over the last four +  years. We are moving forward, and our elected officials should encourage that process. 

This council has embraced that forward momentum. We are diversifying village revenue  sources by installing parking meters, approving cannabis sales, and welcoming many new  restaurants along Harlem, Roosevelt, and Madison. We must lift the community up by making  decisions that embrace collaboration and unity. We must continue to identify diverse revenue  potential and create an Economic Development Opportunity Plan that better prepares the  village to welcome new business.

9) How can local governments ensure that Black Lives matter? What actions can and should be taken?

Black Lives Matter. Elected officials must avoid passive neutrality. We cannot be neutral in the  face of injustice. It is our moral obligation to address racism. I am constantly working to  educate myself, and I invite those in our community who have questions to join me on this  journey.  

I am encouraged by the discussions and local engagement that have already begun, but there  is so much work to do. Racial inequality and discrimination are pervasive issues that permeate  far beyond the borders of FP. We can take steps locally to support structural change. The Village should create a Racial Equity Action Plan. This should include diverse  representation from the community, provide a guiding statement and set annual performance  measures, tracking objectives, actions, and achievements. We must strive for consistent, fair,  and impartial treatment of all individuals. Elected officials should embrace the intentional  practice of creating or adjusting policies to eliminate disparities and encourage inclusive  engagement and diverse representation. 

The Village needs to make sure they are actively listening to every voice in our community. We  must support and encourage good work and continually advocate for transformative change.

10) Commissioners are elected “at large”. How will you represent the views of all Forest Parkers?

Four years ago, I promised to bring a respectful responsiveness to the village council. I have  remained committed to that pledge. It is an important part of my approach as commissioner  and in my decision-making process. It is about engagement and actively listening to residents. My goal is for residents to feel like they can reach out to their local officials. The community  should feel like part of the process. We don’t know the unique challenges or issues each  resident faces, but by working together, sharing ideas, and concerns, it better informs the  policy-making process.

11) What does transparency in government mean to you? Give one example of an action you would take as Commissioner, or have taken during your time as Commissioner, for those seeking re-election, reflecting your views on this topic. How would you evaluate the Village’s record on transparency?

Transparency is sharing information and being open and honest about procedure. It  encourages compliance with our processes, which reduces the likelihood of corrupt behavior. It  helps ensure the proper allocation of resources, equal opportunities in public and private  sector development, and fairly focuses public policy priorities. 

I have tried to lead by example over the past four years. I worked with staff on an affordable  update to the village website, making it easier to navigate and find information. I also lobbied  to reinstate the Village’s Instagram account and create a Facebook page. This all helps to share  information and reach a broader audience.  

I make a point of explaining my vote or position on issues and agenda items, particularly when  they require context or receive a lot of resident feedback. I also try to work with fellow council  members when I feel the village isn’t being as transparent as it should be. I prefer to work  through issues and concerns together, but occasionally, I have had to speak up publicly. My  allegiance is to Forest Park, and I want the community to trust that their local government is  conducting business in their interest.

12) What are the appropriate limits to a nepotism policy that would prevent the appearance of favoritism while not unduly hindering the ability of local government to work with those who already have an existing relationship with government stakeholders? 

Transparency and being open and honest about procedure are key to providing accountability  and help diminish the appearance of favoritism via nepotism, cronyism, or patronage. Posting  all available positions publicly and creating a systematic hiring process that evaluates  applicants as objectively as possible would help prevent the appearance of favoritism. 

13) What steps will you take, or have you taken, to enhance community engagement with the Village and the Village Commission? What is your view on how local elected officials should communicate with and respond to constituents?

Elected officials should respond respectfully to the community and encourage engagement  and feedback. My approach has led to many wonderful partnerships with the community over  the past four years. 

As commissioner, I worked with staff to create and improve our social media presence. I held a  waste reduction and recycling forum, bringing residents and industry professionals together.  The FP Library hosted a web forum where I shared sustainability efforts of the Village. I started  the now annual Arbor Day celebration in Forest Park. We love that D91 students participate in  the tree planting ceremony. We supported the fundraising efforts of 6th grader, Juliet  Harrington, to improve the dog park. She met her goal and agility toys will be installed this  Spring. I worked with a resident concerned about an area of public property where plants  consistently failed to thrive. This led to identifying a soil issue. We were able to plant items that  were better suited to those conditions. I also launched the village-wide clean-up events. We 

had amazing participation from residents. The recreation board now manages this bi-annual  event. I worked with staff to organize a volunteer meet and greet that brought community  leaders, volunteers, and organizations together. I love working with our community and try to  provide different opportunities for involvement.

14) In what ways have you sought to better know and understand the experiences, concerns, and needs of residents outside your demographic group? 

One of Forest Park’s strengths is our diversity, but all voices are not always heard. My focus  continues to be inviting all community members to the table. Community engagement and  outreach are very important to me. A government that embraces open, honest communication,  and meaningful outreach enacts stronger, more inclusive policies. 

My mission has been to meet the community where they are at by attending events,  volunteering, holding village forums, and being active in the village. This is an ongoing  process; I work to better understand, actively listen to, and partner with all members of our  community. I have engaged with seniors, students, veterans, renters, new and long-time  residents. I advocated for a town hall meeting with our police department in 2020, so policies,  questions and concerns could be addressed. I stood in solidarity with PASO, clergy, other  rights advocates, and community organizations to speak out against intimidation tactics used  against our immigrant population during the 2020 census. For me, it is about building trust and  relationships in our community. My job is to reach out, actively listen, and work to better  educate myself. I hope this makes me an effective, accessible, and supportive leader in our  community.

15) Much is made of how long one has lived in Forest Park as a marker of legitimacy in its local government. This can serve to delegitimize the large number of people who have recently moved here, especially those who are renting. How will you work to get the perspectives of and involvement from newly arrived Forest Parkers and especially renters in the village? 

It is important to not discount newer residents and renters. The new residents I’ve met over the  years were all so excited to be in Forest Park. Four years ago, I started chatting with a couple.  They said they were new to Forest Park and were renting nearby, so I invited them to a local  event. They were excited to engage with their community. A few years later, they bought a  house and remain very involved, serving on a village board and volunteering for local  organizations. I just met a couple who recently moved here, and they mentioned how  accessible their local government feels. Shortly after my husband and I moved to Forest Park, a long-time resident invited us to take part in a local initiative. That engagement ultimately led to  my run for commissioner. When we as neighbors are open and inclusive, continued  involvement often happens naturally. 

The Village has improved online outreach and increased the frequency of its newsletter. The  village administrator meets regularly with all taxing bodies to share information. We reach  more people by increasing and diversifying how we share information. Officials need to be  open and receptive to engagement from the community. Those who feel valued and included  are more likely to continue to show up.

16) What are your thoughts on the appropriate limits on candidates/officeholders weighing in on the actions of a different taxing body? 

Forest Park is a small, engaged community. We care about our schools, library, village services,  and park district. I believe elected officials should work with all taxing bodies. We strengthen  our communities by supporting each other through partnerships, celebrating positive  community engagement, and sharing information. 

Sometimes issues arise within a taxing body that impact the shared values of a community. In  those moments, it is important that community leaders speak up. We may be candidates or  officeholders, but we are also residents. We have an interest in our community on many levels  and should be free to express our concerns in a respectful way. For instance, I stood in solidarity with the Proviso Teachers’ Union during their negotiations and subsequent strike in  2022. I understand how passionate folks are about our schools and the impact they have on  our community. Candidates and office holders should advocate for and embody the values we  hope to see from our elected officials. 

17) What do you see as the best role for Forest Park’s Commissions, especially the Diversity Commission? What challenges do you anticipate with regard to equity and inclusion in the Village, and how will you approach them? 

Commissions are a vital tool for bringing a wider representation of our community together to  better inform council policy and decision making. They bring a new lens and diverse  perspectives to issues facing our community. Boards and commissions work when they reflect  the community they serve. As commissioners, we must provide what they need to feel  supported, valued, and have a full understanding of their roles. I want to ensure they feel  empowered as partners to enact positive change. Dedicated volunteers, supported by the  council and staff, help fill in gaps of knowledge, share personal experience, and professional  expertise, which helps to build the village we all want to see. 

18) The Village Council has an arguably mixed record on climate action. For example, they have voted against pursuing a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District grant that would capture stormwater yet voted to bring in electric car-charging stations. How would you act to ensure policy reflected climate change locally, including residents impacted by water/sewer backup into homes? 

Sustainability is at the forefront of every decision I make. I supported both the permeable  paver lot and electric vehicle charging stations. There is no “one perfect solution” for  addressing environmental challenges or meeting goals. We must embrace an approach that  views all policy decisions through a sustainability lens. Every small step moves us along the  path toward a more sustainable Forest Park. I pledge to keep sustainability as a guiding  principle.

19. Please list the three largest donors to your campaign by dollar amount contributed.

Mark Boroughf: $500 
Paul Price: $365 
Steve and Gloria Backman: $300

20. For those who are currently serving as Commissioner: What vote are you most proud of,  and what vote do you most regret? Why?  

I am most proud of the vote accepting the Morton Arboretum grant to perform a tree survey of  all village owned trees. This grant was a real win for the village and our trees. The survey and  management plan have been invaluable to the long-term planning and care of our urban  forest. It identified trees that were a priority for care, which helps the village better use every  dollar of our limited budget. It also found that 51% of our trees are Maples, which is far too  high. The Village can now work to better diversify the trees they plant, creating a healthier  ecosystem. This work today is truly a commitment to the future. 

I am proud of my vote in favor of the proposed permeable paver lot across from village hall,  but I regret that it did not have full council support and was not approved.