This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

"Recovering Legislator" Karen May Shares Picks for April Election

In Chicago, they say, "Vote early and vote often." Here in Highland Park, I just ask you to vote early. -- Karen May

April, 2013 Election Endorsements

With so many important decisions to be made in the April 9 election, I wanted to share some thoughts and perspectives about the candidates and ballot initiatives in my home town of Highland Park.  Early voting began on Monday, March 25 and I have already cast my vote.  Have you?

1.  I support the District 113 referendum for improvements to the high schools.  I realize the importance of investing in the future and nothing is more important than education and our youth.  I want to make sure coming generations of students have a healthy, high performing learning environment.  Read more below.

Find out what's happening in Highland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. For City Council, I enthusiastically support Alyssa Knobel, Dan Kaufman and Kim Stone.  Read more below.

3. For Moraine Township I support the Democratic slate.  They are running uncontested, but let’s give them a vote of confidence.

Find out what's happening in Highland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

4. For Park Board I will be voting for Cal Bernstein.

5. For 113 school board Annette Lidawer

6. For 112 school board Jane Mordini

7. For College of Lake County Board, I am supporting Jeanne Duray.

(This is not all the candidates, but these are the ones I know and/or who have contacted me about an endorsement.)

 

Vote YES on Dist 113 high school referendum

As many of you know, I have always been adamant about providing a strong public education for our children, which is one of the reasons why I will be voting YES for District 113 referendum. 

As your former State Representative and a parent of two children who graduated from Highland Park High School, I am very aware of the needs at both Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools. Even though my kids are already out of the school system, I realize the importance of investing in the future.  I want to make sure coming generations of students have a healthy, high-performing learning environment.

While education is top notch in our area, the facilities at both schools are in need of significant repairs, upgrades, and in some cases replacements. I believe strongly in providing safety and sustainability and

District 113 referendum aims to do just that. I was impressed by the community involvement in the development of this current plan. Around 100 community members volunteered their time to study the needs of the high schools and set priorities. The District also enlisted the help of six local residents to sit on a Steering Committee and oversee the architect’s master planning. The majority of Steering Committee members were architects and developers who spent an endless amount of time making sure this plan was in the best interests of our high schools and the entire community. 

I was particularly pleased to see that this plan not only improves high school facilities for generations to come but also increases District 113’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Some of the mechanical equipment at Highland Park High School is old and wastes precious natural resources such as water. By replacing the District’s oldest and poorest mechanical equipment we will stop wasting money on electricity and repairs and invest in efficient and sustainable infrastructure for the future.

This referendum is an investment for our students, an investment in our community, and an investment that will help attract new families to the area. I join current and former elected officials such as Mayor  Nancy Rotering, Rep. Scott Drury, Susan Garrett, Dan Pierce and Lauren Beth Gash in officially endorsing the Township High School District 113 referendum. Many of us who don't currently have children in the schools realize it is the right thing to do.

 

Alyssa Knobel for City Council

I enthusiastically support Alyssa Knobel for Highland Park City Council.  Alyssa is a dynamo who has the commitment, drive and enthusiasm necessary to be successful as a council member. With her experience, she will be a wonderful addition to energize our council and help move our city forward.

I was fortunate to have Alyssa on my office staff where I saw first-hand how effective and efficient she can be in getting things done.  She proved to be an excellent strategist with a vision for improving the lives of the residents in our community and the skills and creativity to make it a reality. She is responsive to citizens, works on many issues simultaneously and accomplishes a great deal in a short amount of time. 

Alyssa's has already touched the lives of many through more than a decade of professional and volunteer work in Highland Park and I am pleased that she is dedicated to serve us further on the city council.

Alyssa is passionate about our city, well versed about its issues, has proven communication and diplomacy skills and is committed to working as part of a team serving our community. I urge you to join me in electing such a highly qualified candidate to our City Council on April 9.

 

I am supporting Dan Kaufman, who has been diligent and thoughtful in serving us on the city council with great integrity.  I see him at many community events, being accessible to citizens.

Kim Stone has my vote because I admire her passion for the environment, children and health care issues.  I worked with her in Springfield on environmental issues, and she has command of the issues facing our community, understands how lead on public policy and shares my priorities for our city.

You may agree or disagree with me, but please vote and take part in the governmental process.  Thanks for reading

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?