Incumbent emphasizes experience while challenger in Libertyville mayoral race says more collaboration is needed

The campaign slogans of the two candidates running for mayor in Libertyville summarize what they’re offering voters with the incumbent running on experience and the challenger calling for more community engagement.

For incumbent Mayor Donna Johnson, who has been on the village board 18 years and is seeking a second 4-year term, the message is “Leadership you know.”

Challenger Matthew Hickey, a village trustee, contends more community engagement and communication is needed in local government. His slogan is “Libertyville Together.”

A retired corporate attorney, Johnson cited her experience in professional, elected and community roles, including as an active member of the proclaimer ministry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and nearly half-century family history in Libertyville, as key to the position.

“I’ve learned over the years a great deal about how this community operates,” she said. “I think I've grown in my experience of leadership and knowledge and I think I've taken these skills forward to help improve the community.”

Johnson headed the village’s plan commission/zoning board of appeals for nine years before being elected trustee in 2007. Former Mayor Terry Weppler recruited her for the post when he retired after 12 years in 2021 and she ran unopposed.

She is the second woman and first person of color to serve as mayor in Libertyville, which has a Black population of 1.4%, U.S. Census data show. Johnson said she wants to finish projects and programs she started and this will be her last term if reelected.

Rather than seek a second term as trustee, Hickey opted to challenge Johnson. He is a longtime community volunteer and stay-at-home parent with 26 years experience in urban planning, community development and commercial real estate finance.

Hickey says he has worked throughout the Midwest to create housing, revitalize community spaces and support local businesses.

“I'm running because I think Libertyville needs leadership that’s more transparent, listens, is more collaborative and is solutions oriented,” he said.

Hickey said he seeks to build a “truly responsive” government that gives residents a voice in shaping the future.

Hickey suggests recording and streaming all commission meetings so residents can see how decisions are made and become more informed and involved. Presently, only village board meetings are recorded.

Johnson said improving online public access to meetings, documents and information is a common goal. However, transparency requires a need to balance what’s conveyed to the public with legal mandates, she said.

Both agree fiscal responsibility and managing development while maintaining the village’s small-town atmosphere and charm are important considerations.

Johnson said she is receptive to meet with developers and others with an interest in the village and listens to what business owners and residents want in the community so the message is consistent.

Hickey says instead of making case-by-case exceptions, the village needs to create clear, consistent policies that support responsible, well-planned development.