Position for which you are a candidate: Dundee Township Trustee

I am running for Dundee Township Trustee because I believe in contributing to my community. Last fall, a neighbor suggested I run, but I was undecided until I learned that the Dundee Township 708 Mental Health Board is at risk of being undermined by far-right members of the township board. Because I am a future mental health practitioner, that was the deciding factor. In an ideal world, neighbors should care for each other. This is what the Mental Health Board is meant to do. It is a young board approved by voters in 2020, but it has been an uphill battle due to lawsuits filed to prevent its creation. The voters spoke, but the lawsuits represented an attempt to thwart the will of the people. That is unacceptable.

As I dug deeper into Township issues, I have learned that more advocacy is also needed for the responsible stewardship of our Open Space program, Ride-in-Kane (a vital transportation service for older adults and people with disabilities), nutrition assistance, and more.

Maybe it is cliché to say that I want to make a difference, but it is the truth. I have always wanted to have a positive impact on the community where I live. Dundee Township is my home, and its people are my neighbors. If elected, I will represent them with the integrity they deserve.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I have been a stay-at-home parent (SAHP) for two decades. Many people are dismissive of SAHPs because they often do not have career experience. However, SAHPs have a lot to offer. I have three children, two of whom have disabilities, and have spent years advocating for my children. Although I earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, I was unable to work due to high childcare costs. This did not mean leaving my critical thinking skills behind.

Over the years since our oldest was born, I have found time to acquire a great many life skills and learn about how systems work. During the 2015 Illinois budget crisis, I went to Springfield and spoke with legislators about human needs not being met while state payments were not being made. I spent several years on an HOA board and three years on the board at my church. These experiences taught me how the process works and how to more efficiently collaborate with other people.

In 2023, I began work on my master’s of clinical mental health counseling through Northwestern University. When I graduate in 2026, I will practice locally. As a trustee, I will bring my critical thinking skills, board experience, and passion for mental and community health to the township board.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

If elected, my highest priorities will be:

• Transparency – Despite recent improvements in making board meeting recordings available to the public, there is much room for improvement.
• The Mental Health Board – I will support its growth and appropriate funding. Two township trustees recently discussed a drastic reduction of funds for the 2025 fiscal year. Fortunately, the funding was not reduced. This move was part of an ongoing attempt to undermine a program that has met with strong voter approval.
• The Open Space Program – The township is responsible for over 1000 acres of natural areas. It is mostly volunteer-driven but requires funding for upkeep and improvements. Besides protecting ecosystems, these areas are accessible to the public. In addition, our Open Space Program adds to property values by offering recreational areas to residents.
• Fiscal Responsibility – I will work to ensure yearly budgets are balanced while meeting the township’s needs.

I bring a strong sense of ethics while being able to work with others. If elected, I promise to represent residents of Dundee Township with the integrity they deserve.

I will participate in the candidate meet & greet: