Endorsement: Donna Johnson for Libertyville village president

One-term Trustee Matthew Hickey faces a tough challenge going up against the experience of incumbent Libertyville Village President Donna Johnson.

Johnson, a retired corporate attorney, has been on the village board 18 years and is seeking a second 4-year term as president on April 1. Before being first elected to the board in 2007, Johnson headed the village’s plan commission/zoning board of appeals for nine years. She was recruited for the top post by former Village Presdient Terry Weppler when he retired after 12 years in 2021. Johnson then ran unopposed. Now, she’s counting on her familiarity with village government and issues to resonate with voters.

She is the second woman and first person of color to serve as village president in Libertyville. Under her leadership, the village’s finances have remained on solid ground maintaining a balanced annual spending plan and a lower average tax levy than several neighboring communities. On her watch, the village sold the Libertyville Sports Complex allowing it to pay down debt, has implemented a massive stormwater master plan to address flooding in neighborhoods and completed major park improvements projects.

She also has served the community in a variety of other roles, including as a member of the proclaimer ministry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and her family has been rooted in town for nearly a half century.

Hickey, a self-employed urban planning professional, is driven by a desire to give residents a voice in the village’s future and increase government transparency. He campaigns on improving community engagement and communication with residents. 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.

Both candidates share some common goals — improving online public access to meetings, documents and information, managing development while maintaining the village’s small-town atmosphere and charm, and fiscal responsibility.

Hickey is passionate about balancing growth and redevelopment while protecting community character and quality of life. His calls for more collaboration among board members and support for local businesses speak well of his commitment to the community. Whatever happens on Election Day, we hope he continues to stay involved in local government.

However, Johnson’s formidable resume of service cannot be diminished. Her dedication toward the village’s betterment has not waned over the years, and she seeks to keep her job so she can finish projects and programs she started. We think she deserves that chance.

Johnson is endorsed.