LOCAL VOICES: 'We are all striving toward a common goal' in Glenview

As incoming Village President, I intend to honor Glenview's tradition of thoughtful, independent leadership, while improving our outreach to and collaboration with residents. In a community of nearly 50,000 people, diversity of opinion is not only expected, but encouraged. We will invariably see some things differently, but fundamentally we are all striving toward the common goal of making our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. The process, then, of how to accept different ideas and engage with one another is of critical importance. This means leaders cannot hold preconceived notions or bring specific agendas to any public discussion. In short, everyone needs to be heard, acknowledged, and know that their viewpoints are understood.

Unite Glenview has always supported that mission by bringing together a large group of residents who have served on various elected boards, commissions, and civic organizations and who are committed to giving back to Glenview. They conduct interviews of interested candidates and, prior to an election, residents who are interested in serving on the Village Board are encouraged - through an open and public recruitment process that includes press releases and social media posts - to present to this group. Importantly, candidates also sit for a probing Q&A session that requires a depth of knowledge on a diverse range of topics related to Glenview. In this manner, the community benefits from a wide variety of perspectives and experience while continually breathing new life into our civic leadership.

This year, in addition to my nomination, three newcomers emerged through that thorough interview process: Gina DeBoni, Tim Doron and Adam Sidoti. These candidates did not self-appoint, but were willing to undergo, at an early stage, constructive dialogue with this independent and nonpartisan resident group. There were no prerequisites or requirements to agree with any tenet or position; in fact, they were selected based on their ability to demonstrate independent viewpoints and, when they felt it was necessary, disagree constructively.

As a result, if they are elected, the Glenview Village Board will continue to be comprised of an apolitical group of resident volunteers who want to get involved for the right reasons. The Unite Glenview Party will not support single-issue candidates or partisan candidates who bring their national political affiliations into the Glenview Board room. Our candidates will focus solely on what they believe is best for all of Glenview.

I am proud to serve with this group, but there is more we can - and must - do. We must recognize that residents expect more of their elected officials and, importantly, in an era of increased politicization and polarization we must commit to "turning the temperature down." That begins and ends with civic leaders who have the professional backgrounds, depth of experience, wisdom, and judgment to actively engage with the community in a responsible and respectful manner. This commitment also provides a balanced view and an approach that is not vulnerable to populist whims simply to gain votes or support.

Against this backdrop, under my leadership as Village President I pledge that the Village Board will do more to actively engage with our residents in an open and transparent manner. We will conduct workshops and regular gatherings on issues that are important to the community. We will work to find new and different ways to stay in touch with our neighbors to continue our collective efforts to make Glenview the best it can be. It is a new and exciting moment for our municipal governance; we will have turned over the entire board of trustees in two years' time and we will be ready to build on past successes while adding new ideas, perspectives, and experience, all in service of improving the way our residents communicate and engage with the Board.

I remain thankful for the robust discussions and input from residents, business owners, civic groups, and service organizations across our community, as that engagement is essential to getting us to the best possible solutions for Glenview going forward.