Thank You—Community and Volunteers
Four years ago, you entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our village. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together as a community through COVID-19 and a successful migrant response to support a vibrant, growing community that continues to strive to be racially and socioeconomically diverse for all generations. I am honored to have been re-elected to serve you as your Village President for a second term.
I take this responsibility very seriously. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you and share my commitment to listening to diverse perspectives in my service to all of Oak Park. We have remained committed to our values, and it is that commitment that forms the very fabric of who we are and who we continue to strive to be. I am committed to listening to all and bringing our community together for this work.
I am extremely grateful to everyone who worked on my campaign committee and to all those who volunteered in many ways. Special gratitude goes to my campaign manager Sarah Corbin and treasurer Greg Kolar, both of whom have believed in me from the very beginning. Sarah has many talents and shares them generously and with great passion for what she believes in. Sarah is also heavily involved in PFLAG Oak Park Area. Thank you for all you do to better Oak Park Sarah Corbin. Greg serves on the Township, D97, and D200 finance committees. He is a tremendous resource to our community on budgeting practices and fiscal responsibility. I am also blessed to have the ongoing support and mentorship of many former Oak Park Trustees, namely Colette Lueck and Ray Johnson, and colleagues with extensive legislative experience whose ongoing partnership is invaluable. I was grateful to have received endorsements from Senate President Don Harmon, the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Oak Park Firefighters Local 95, Sierra Club, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction, and support from our Realtors Association. Thank you for your support and love and commitment to Oak Park.
Photo by Paul Goyette
I am very grateful to my entire campaign committee and all volunteers in this election cycle. Campaigns have many moving parts that require dedicated volunteers to be successful. Volunteers made financial commitments to support election efforts, hosted events in their homes and businesses, knocked on doors, called neighbors, shared talents to communicate a strong campaign message, canvassed neighborhoods with campaign literature, volunteered in the cold on election day, and wrote letters to the editor.
I am grateful to my close friends and family for supporting me on this journey and to all Oak Parkers for contributing in so many ways to the vibrant, beautiful community that we hold dear. I heard many differing perspectives that I will take to heart moving forward as one community.
It has been an honor to serve with Trustee Lucia Robinson. I would also like to thank Trustee Ravi Parakkat for his additional perspective and contributions to board discussions. His board service is to be commended. Lucia leaves the role of Oak Park Village Trustee, having led the creation of an affordable housing fund and language access policies and practices. I am grateful to her for her service. As Lucia rolls off on May 6th, the Village Board will welcome back Trustee Jim Taglia and newcomer Trustee-elect Jenna Leving Jacobson. Trustee Chibuike Enyia will continue to lead with his heart and love for Oak Park as he has for the last four years. I am looking forward to engaging the entire Board to advance our collective shared goals.
Oak Park has a long history of working to be inclusive of all people. This is hard work, but we have shown over and over again that this is work that our community wants to do. We have remained committed to our values, and it is that commitment that forms the very fabric of who we are and who we continue to strive to be. I am committed to listening to all and bringing our community together for this work.
Photos by Paul Goyette
