I want to be Oak Park’s village clerk. My experience and passion for public service, and my commitment to take the mystery out of what goes on at village hall are what drive me in this pursuit.
I don’t think any 10-year-old dreams about growing up to be village clerk, but what I’ve accomplished in my adult life tells me this is where I need to be. I’m proud to be endorsed by the VMA and running beside trustees Peter Barber and Glenn Brewer. As I’ve come to know them, their knowledge and experience have been inspiring.
I’m experienced: 30 years in the nonprofit sector, large and small organizations, helping to raise millions for Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS services, homelessness and hunger, and, locally, on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and people with developmental disabilities. My work includes grant writing, special events, volunteer recruitment, board governance, strategic planning, and budgeting.
I’m connected: 9 years as business association liaison for the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation. I worked closely with the North Avenue and Roosevelt Road business associations, helping to jump-start the Roosevelt Road redevelopment project in 2003. I also worked with staff and elected officials in Oak Park, Berwyn and Cicero. I maintain many of my relationships with the business community and village staff, and currently serve as vice president of the North Avenue Business Association.
I’m involved: A homeowner here for nearly 20 years, married, and with a son who’s a sophomore at OPRF, former room parent and Mann Mom, former member of Julian’s CAST Council, networked into the concerns of taxpaying, homeowning, busy parents.
This paper has repeatedly referred to the village clerk’s “diminished role.” I understand that some of the changes made in recent years make sense in an effort to streamline processes within village hall, but I believe the role of the clerk remains vital for the day-to-day operation of our village government. Records management, elections, the importance of recording and preserving the official actions of our legislative body cannot be overstated.
According to the Municipal League of Illinois’ “Duties of the Municipal Clerk,” the revised Statutes of Illinois show that there are over a hundred items or notations under the heading “City Clerk or Municipal Clerk.” These functions include not only keeping a record of the proceedings of the governing body, but myriad tasks that can only be carried out by a village clerk, as they are statutory duties.
I believe that keeping the clerk an elected position allows for specific job skills and experience, and makes the clerk accountable to the village board and, ultimately, our citizens.
I’m connected to our community. In my capacity as village clerk, I plan to enhance the official role and be available to connect you to our elected officials, village staff, and our community at large.
A vote for Barber, Brewer and Malinski is a vote that experience matters.