The following 2023 Consolidated Election Candidates, in contested races, were invited to participate in LWVEA "Meet the Candidates" events to be recorded and shared online during February and March 2023. Current event dates are: Elgin City Mayor and Council - February 28th, 6:00 PM at the Gail Borden Library, Elgin ECC and U-46 Boards - March 2, 6:00 PM at the Gail Borden Library, Elgin East Dundee Village Trustees - March 7th, 7:00 PM at the East Dundee Police Department Gilberts Village Trustees - March 9, 7:00 PM at the Gilberts Eagles Club (cancelled) District 300 School Board - [...]

  Name: Tish S. Powell Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin City Council   Why are you seeking this position? I am committed to ensuring that Elgin remains a great place to live, work, play, do business and raise a family.  During my 12 years serving on the Elgin City Council, I have actively supported policies to maintain a safe, affordable and thriving community with a high quality of life, excellent city services and a sustainable future.  I am running for my 4th term on the Elgin City Council because I believe that Elgin is a good community [...]

  Name: Laura Bedolla Position for which you are a candidate: Gail Borden Library Board   Why are you seeking this position? As a first generation daughter of Mexican immigrants, the library was a home away from home for my family and I. The library served as a place where all were welcomed to learn and have fun regardless of socioeconomic status, level of education, or career. The Gail Borden Public Library has always served an important and central role in my life as a safe haven. It was the place where I practiced my reading as I learned to [...]

  Name: Jean Bednar Position for which you are a candidate: Gail Borden Library Board   Why are you seeking this position? I am running for reelection so I can continue to serve our first-class library through board leadership and oversight, and be a voice in ensuring that GBPL continues to bring services of ALL kinds to its district patrons, as well as promoting literacy and a sense of community. Especially in times like these, leadership at the board level is important so that ALL people are served respectfully by their library, and information of ALL kinds is shared equitably [...]