Election preview: candidates offer their pitch to first time voters

Tomorrow, April 2nd, is the date of the local elections for Alderman, Park Board, School Board, and various other positions throughout DuPage County. Many Seniors here at York are eligible to vote in these elections because they have already turned 18, but the April elections have a history of very low turnout (less than 25%) and a general lack of enthusiasm and awareness among voters, especially those who are in high school. To help to inform first-time voters about the positions being selected, as well as to give candidates an opportunity to pitch their platform, each candidate was sent the same prompt which asked this question:

What do you have to offer to a first time voter?

Here are their responses:

Alderman Election- Ward 1

Mark Sabatino, Ward 1 Candidate, Incumbent

Thank you for your question and for your interest in politics.  What do I have to offer to a first-time voter? Well, I can offer my opinion and some advice.  First-time voters are some of the most important Americans to show up on election day, as they represent the newest voices expressing their political views.  At the local level, political parties are irrelevant to providing good services and a famous saying that supports this position is “there is no Democratic or Republican way to pick up garbage”.  Politicians in non-partisan offices are, in theory more likely to be focused on getting their job done than making the other party look bad, as we often see at the national level. Be an informed voter and select candidates based on their experience and stated platforms without relying on party propaganda or media coverage.   Know the issues at stake, understand the candidates’ vision and how it aligns with how you think government should function. It’s important for any candidate to listen to their constituents and conversely, it’s important for any candidate to know how their constituents feel. Speak up, make a difference and known that the most important right protected for US citizens is undeniably the right to vote. Don’t ever take it for granted.

Elizabeth Ambrogi, Ward 1 Candidate, Challenger

I was born in Poland and moved to Chicago when I was nine years old; democracy is not something I grew up with in my mother-country.  Because of this, I greatly appreciate the political system afforded to me in the United States. At eighteen years old, I was eager to obtain my US citizenship and could not wait to vote.  That privilege I instilled in my daughter, Juliette, who attended Hawthorne, ICHS, and who recently graduated from Elmhurst College. I believe that key to our country being successful are voices of young adults with proactive, creative, and inclusive ideas.

Elmhurst is a beautiful community which I have called home for the past 15 years, but I believe that we lack equal representation from our current city council elected officials.  The city needs to take into consideration the fact that our population is made up of folks from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. My background is diverse and therefore I respect all opinions and understand the importance of working together and listening to feedback from people of different demographics and beliefs.

Elmhurst can do better in preservation and attention to sustainability, which if not addressed will have a negative impact on future generations.  This is one of many areas which I believe is better understood and embraced by a younger generation, as I have learned through the eyes of my daughter.  There is a lot of passion and drive in young, first-time voters, who I have utmost faith and confident will work hard to keep our earth and democracy healthy.

Please vote, always!  But on April 2, vote for Liz Ambrogi for Ward 1 Alderman!

Alderman Election- Ward 4

Noel Talluto- Ward 4 Candidate, Incumbent

It has been my honor to serve ALL people that live in the 4th Ward of Elmhurst for the last four years.  This includes voters of all ages, especially those like you, that may be voting for the first time. I think it is great that you all are taking an active role in your local government and participating in America’s democracy.  As Alderman, I voted yes to Elmhurst’s first Sustainability Plan in 2018. This has led to a new Electricity Aggregation Program in 2019, which delivers 50% wind energy to Elmhurst residents for the same cost as before. I also supported the recent new law that allows Beekeeping in residential areas which was previously only allowed at schools like York High School and Elmhurst College.  Looking ahead, it’s important to continue to promote a safe town and I’ll work hard to ensure the City of Elmhurst and York High School have the best plans in place in case there is ever a need for an emergency response. Thank you for your interest and Please vote!

Mark Anglewicz- Ward 4 Candidate, Challenger

Thank you so much for the question, I’m glad to see interest in politics coming from our high school students.

I offer first time voters, in addition to a unique mix of public and private sector experience, an openness and willingness to listen to all perspectives, even if they are not the same as mine.  I believe in order to make good decisions, one should have as much information as possible, and think through how a decision may affect people in both the short and long term.

Additionally, I believe in strong communication.  In life, relationships only succeed when there is honest, respectful and open communication.  I intend to keep residents informed on what is happening at City Hall, and collaborate on the issues most important to them.  I will encourage resident participation, and will represent them with a “residents first” approach.

With respect to young voters, particularly those who are yet in high school, they represent the future of our community. I believe elected officials, at all levels, should always consider how their decisions will affect the next generation.  I encourage young adults to get involved in the political process, stay informed and don’t be afraid to speak out. We have seen recently the power our youth can wield and how they can affect change, with respect to the Parkland student activists.

The easiest and most impactful way one can create change is to exercise their right to vote.  The process of voting takes your beliefs and puts them to action. In a local election, just a few votes can swing an election one way or another.  I encourage you to read about the candidates, know the issues, and vote. You can learn more about my candidacy by going to my website www.markanglewicz.com.  You may also email me with any questions, I am happy to speak to you.  Thank you for being involved, and don’t forget to vote!

Park Board Election (Vote for 2)

Nora Wernette Baxtrom, Park Board Candidate

I am a first-time candidate who is running to give back to the community that shaped me.  I am a York graduate (Class of 2005), who went to the University of Illinois for my undergraduate education followed by the University of Chicago for a Masters in Business Administration.  As a new candidate, not only will I bring a fresh perspective to the board, but also extensive experience in strategic planning and execution within the energy industry. Parks serve the entire community from toddler swim classes to organized trips for senior citizens.  Oftentimes, I think young adults are overlooked in Park District facilities and programming. If elected, I would advocate for the Park District to construct an indoor sports complex that contains multiple basketball courts and indoor turf fields. With such a facility, I think both formal and intramural young adult sports leagues will have a space within our community to compete and practice.  I also believe that more needs to be done within our parks in regards to sustainability. I want the Park District to work alongside the City of Elmhurst and District 205 to develop a comprehensive long-term sustainability plan with clear milestones related to energy efficiency, clean fuels, reduced synthetic chemicals, and environmentally conscious demolition of older facilities.

Please reach out to me with your ideas, feedback, and questions: [email protected].  Historically, very few people vote in local elections in Elmhurst, especially teenagers, so I appreciate your willingness to change this dynamic and make an impact here in Elmhurst.

Claire Kubiesa, Park Board Candidate

As a counseling and sport psychologist, with my primary patient base being 18-25 year olds, and a millennial (not being too far removed from the young voter days myself), I believe I offer an ear to listen and the ability to be an advocate for this population’s wants and needs, as this is what I do day in and out in my life’s work. Voter turnout, especially for local elections is notoriously low, especially among the younger voters because I believe this population does not think they can make a difference, so what’s the point? I admit, I have been in this very boat. I participated in “Students in Government” at York and yet, still believed whatever I had to say did not make a difference because the people in the elected positions already had their minds made up (or so I thought). To challenge this, I hope to offer easier access and transparency to elected officials as a way to increase the younger voters faith in their ability to make a difference and have a voice. I have volunteered with sports teams at York, and will continue to do so, thereby increasing my availability to the York student population, and if elected, will seek other ways to connect with and understand our younger voters needs and desires.

James Colbert, Park Board Candidate

I have deep concern for the environment, now is the time to act to limit greenhouse gases so people who are now in high school will be able to enjoy a planet without catastrophic damages. Local units of government are  on the front lines and can have a big impact for good or bad based on the decisions that are made at that level. The Elmhurst Park District currently has zero Solar Panels on any of its buildings, it has zero electric car chargers at Courts Plus, Smalley Pool or East End Pool, and fewer than 2% of its acres are pesticide free. I find the current situation of our parks with regards to the environment unacceptable and will do everything in my power to promote positive change for our planet.

School Board Election (Vote for 4)

Karen Stuefen, School Board Candidate, Incumbent

I am the only incumbent running for re-election, and with four seats open out of a seven member board, if re-elected I provide continuity of leadership. Ensuring leadership and operational continuity on the Board will be critical as we begin to execute the $168.5M Master Facility Plan that residents overwhelmingly voted YES in favor of the referendum. With three new board members a certainty, your first time vote for me would keep the majority of an experienced board in place to ensure the referendum is implemented as the community voted. As a board member that initiated the strategic planning eight years ago to the passing of the Master Facility Plan referendum in November, your first time vote for me will help secure crucial experience and historical knowledge. This will provide leadership and operational continuity on the board ensuring smooth transition for implementation success. It’s the first time the D205 community has addressed every building in one referendum. The referendum plan touches every D205 building, enhances future-ready learning at all levels, and includes a manufacturing lab and business incubator for York students.

Originally elected in 2011, I was re-elected again in 2015. I spent the last six years as Secretary of the Board, chairwoman of the Performance Management Committee, and a member on the Finance & Operations Committee. I’ve served as the Legislative Education Network of DuPage County (LEND) representative for eight years, and two terms on the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED) board. I am also a member of the D205 Technology Innovation committee.

I have a B.S. degree in Computer Science with concentration on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Computer Vision. I spent over two decades working for Fortune 500 technology companies; Bell Labs, AT&T, Sprint where I worked with executive teams through organizational transformation so they could better understand and apply technology to their customer enterprise, streamline processes to ensure employees can focus on their areas of expertise, improve culture, and increase success. Your vote ensures this experience remains on the board and we continue to invest in educational opportunities for D205 students.

Christopher Kocinski, School Board Candidate

Thank you for taking the initiative to be informed regarding our local elections on April 2nd, including for D205 School Board.  I believe that first-time voters have a diversified set of issues that they care about — all young people don’t share the same thoughts, and that is a good thing.  If elected to the D205 School Board, there are three key areas of focus to highlight that I believe are important to all voters. First, I believe in a custom educational experience that allows each student to pursue a path that is right for them, their family and their future ambitions — whether it be attending college, learning a trade, becoming an entrepreneur or otherwise.  I believe in providing flexible programs to capture this variety of motivations. Second, I believe that students face an environment of increased pressure today relative to history, and I would look for ways to help ease this responsibly over time. Lastly, I would spend our district’s money wisely and to the maximum benefit of our community, which I think this is important to all voters.  Thank you again for your interest and for being informed.

Stephen Schlesinger, School Board Candidate

Similar to a first time voter, this is my first time running for a public position.  I wish I could say that when I was a student I had the same interest level in what was occurring within the community, specifically at a school board level.  I commend you and your readers for taking an interest at such an early stage. There are so many considerations that go into supporting a candidate as well as judging qualifications.  Elmhurst is fortunate there are numerous candidates with varied backgrounds from which to consider.

This is an important election (insert eye roll here)! It truly is an important election largely due to the foundational elements that are being determined today will impact students well into the future.  These include the building of two schools, security concerns impacting our community/nation, and overall achievement targets that need to be maintained and improved. Regarding all of these topics, goals and objectives need to be set and monitored closely. It is my belief that whoever is elected needs to be capable in having tough conversations, when necessary, to ensure the large referendum is utilized to its fullest and achieves the targets desired by the community.  Anything short is unacceptable.

As a Director within BMO Harris Bank, I work across Canada and the US to oversee and challenge lending practices impacting our customers.  As I provide challenge and oversight, often there is conflict or disagreement between my counterparts or even senior leaders. Conflict resolution is a critical factor I have to demonstrate on a regular basis.  I have managed significant budgets and know the complications associated large scale implementation projects. Armed with a finance background, an understanding of organizational behavior and conflict resolution, I think I am well suited to “ask the right questions” and hold people accountable to deliver on what the community wants.  

One thing I think I offer first time voters is the example to show you don’t have to wait till retirement or be late in your career to run for an important role.  Balancing life, work and community service can be achieved and I hope that my involvement in this process helps spur others that have an interest or capability to consider getting involved.

Elizabeth Hosler, School Board Candidate

Thank for so much for reaching out, it is great to see interest in the election from our students.  Participating in the political process impacts all of our lives, and the reality is not enough people are as engaged as you.  

Your question is a great one.  As you mentioned, young voter turnout is typically very low, and in reality most candidates do not do much outreach to get young people engaged.  I am running for School Board for many reasons, but the main ones will probably resonate with you.

First, I am a lifelong Elmhurst resident.  My husband and I grew up here, we attended D205 schools including York, and love living here.  Because of this, I am invested in our community and schools, and have a unique perspective that many other candidates do not, as I have seen many changes throughout the years in both our schools and our community overall.  I have three children, one at York, and two at Sandburg. Over the past 10 years, I have been actively involved in the PTA and other projects/committees working on issues concerning our schools and want to be able to contribute to making our schools even better as a School Board Member.

Second, I strongly believe that improving communication is critical to being a successful School Board member, and this is an area in which I feel I have a lot to offer.  I was PTA President at both Sandburg and Edison, and an important part of those roles was to work closely with students, teachers and parents as we developed good programs and gave feedback to the School leadership to drive positive change.  I found that simply talking to different stakeholders allowed me to better understand the “big picture”. This understanding helped me to ensure the decisions we made were the best for everyone at our school. Being a Board Member is similar in that one of the main roles is decision making.  I feel strongly that if you deeply understand an issue from multiple angles, good decision-making will follow. The opinion of the students in our district (especially high school) should be an important factor to understand as we consider how to improve our schools. One good example is the recently passed referendum, which will involve significant design changes to our schools.  To be sure, we should listen to students as we consider designs, as they will be the primary users of the new facilities.

Finally, I can offer my time and commitment to the role.  Volunteering is my passion and I consider it my full time job, along with raising my children.  I feel strongly that if you commit to something, you need to put the work in to ensure you can contribute and make a difference.  As mentioned above, I feel that in order to be a good member, you have to put in the time and effort to talk to a lot of people, which is a big time commitment, but necessary to do the job right.

I am happy to answer any other questions you have, and you can visit my website if you are interested in more information.  Thank you again for your interest in the election, and please encourage your classmates to get out and vote!

Gordon Snyder, School Board Candidate

This outcome of the April 2 election for school board is important because those elected will oversee the $168.5 million in funds generated from the recent referendum to address very specific needs in the district. First time voters have an opportunity to choose board leadership that will guide investments in the construction of two new schools (Lincoln and Field) and upgrades to all other school in a fairly short time span, while also overseeing regular district operations.  I want to offer my extensive construction management experience to the board to ensure we create safe, modern and flexible learning environments that meet the needs of our community for the long term. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Iowa (where I also played trombone in the marching band – go Hawkeyes!) and now oversee large-scale construction roadway projects for an international firm. Many of York’s first-time voters may know me from my many coaching gigs for Eagles football, Y-ball, Elmhurst Lacrosse, Knights basketball, Elmhurst Baseball and Electric Baseball. I’ve also been an active volunteer for the PTAs at my sons’ schools and involved in District 205 committees. It’s an exciting time to live in Elmhurst and I want to make sure graduates of York can continue to take pride in the schools from which they graduated. To learn more about my priorities, please visit gordon205.org.

Courtenae Trautmann, School Board Candidate

I am a passionate leader who will continue to step up to represent our community. Having served in federal law enforcement for 26 years and retiring in 2017 from the FBI, one of my highest priorities will be school safety. I am proud to have served as co-chair on the volunteer committee to pass the referendum and will ensure the goals of this critical capital project are developed and met as promised. I am currently on the District 205 Safety and Security Committee and I have been encouraged in my various volunteer PTA roles to see stronger and more consistent communication between the District 205 community, the Board and Administration.

I believe D205 is doing a great job preparing students for the next stage of their lives, yet there is always room to reflect and improve. I am so optimistic about the future of all students graduating from York. I am excited and motivated about all of the curriculum changes that offer every student the opportunity to explore both traditional and non-traditional opportunities that life offers after high school.  Learning does not look the same today as when we attended school. Our students learn and process information differently and we have to embrace that.

Programs at York High School, like the new Blended Learning Curriculum and the Business Incubator, give students the exposure to so much more than generations before them.  Programs through the Industrial Tech curriculum, including Career Internships, Invite to Teach, and Med Career provide students real life exposure to career paths they can take directly from YHS. And the SkillsUSA program is an exciting and innovative program that connects our students directly to future career opportunities in the automotive industry.

Even at the middle school level, students are exposed to so many different programs through their Acceleration period that opens their eyes to career paths that they may not have considered beforehand.

Not every graduating student at York is going to continue on to a traditional 4 year collegiate program.  It is our responsibility to provide the academic excellence and opportunity for all of our students. I’m so proud of our district for recognizing this and exposing our students to so many possibilities to explore different career opportunities, experience real-life problem solving situations, and realize the connection between the core subject area curriculum and how it can be applied to a variety of careers

I want to join the school board now to ensure we continue to build and strengthen the great bridge that has been created to better unify our community. You can continue to count on me to make decisions in the best interest of our children and our community as a whole.

Vince Spaeth, Elizabeth White, Paul DeMichele, and Bojana Carey did not respond when contacted.

Remember to vote tomorrow and to make an informed decision that takes into account these responses as well as further research. Local positions have a direct impact on the lives of Elmhurst residents- let’s make it so you have a say in who is elected to these critical positions. Please exercise your right to vote!