Letter: The Northbrook Caucus performed their responsibilities well

I have been an active Northbrook resident for 24 years on various commissions and task forces, and you have elected me three times to be on the board for the last 10 years. I thank you for your confidence.

2020 has been a crazy year with the pandemic and with the politics. Our Village has suffered, as have many of you, with the health crisis, the economic downturn, and the general sowing of distrust in all of our elected officials. I am proud to state that this year's Northbrook Caucus process was run transparently and honestly. The Caucus put out a public call for candidates as well as volunteers for committees to screen the candidates, interview them, deliberate, and make recommendations to the Caucus and then in front of an open meeting. The Northbrook Board subcommittee, led by Barry Nekritz and Jen Saperstein, represented a wide cross section of the village, in geographic location, political leanings, and philosophy. They remained non-partisan and focused on the needs of the community, rather than any other agenda. They asked fair questions, deliberated based on their understandings of our needs as a community, and made their selections with the best interests of Northbrook in mind. In selecting the candidates, the Caucus discussed the Village Board as a whole and how to continue the progress made by the prior boards, while addressing the challenges ahead. These good choices included the selection of Collison, Pepoon, and Ebhomielen for the Trustee openings. Having gone through the process as candidate for Village President myself, I emphasize that the Northbrook Caucus did their job diligently and with due consideration.

Now I am asking you to be diligent in your selection for our next Village Board, set aside current "sowing of distrust" and make your own decision - please know that the Caucus and the selected candidates care very much about what you think - please reach out to the candidates and get to know them as I have. Kathryn has worked diligently to maintain the Village finances, enhance the downtown, and protect the residents from overzealous developers. Recognize the good that Kathryn has done in the community in her tenure as Trustee, and the good that she will do as Village President. I do, and I look forward to continuing our work together.

The Caucus performed their responsibilities well. I believe they selected Kathryn Ciesla as the best candidate to be our next Village President and I endorse their choice without reservation. Please join me in voting for Kathryn and coming together on behalf of our Village.

Sincerely,

Bob Israel, Village Trustee 2011-Present