2017 Election: Muriel Collison, Northbrook Village Trustee

Name: Muriel Collison

Age: 40

Town of residence: Northbrook

Position sought: Village Trustee

Family: Three children, ages 10, 8 and 4.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: I have for the past 12 years been appointed to represent Kane County in regards to risk management and workplace injuries.

Education: DePauw University-BA, Catholic University Columbus School of Law-JD

Occupation: Principal at Collison Law Offices, Ltd., Personal Injury and Worker's Compensation Attorney, 12 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: Northbrook Plan Commissioner 2013-present

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Many Northbrook Citizens want to see change in the downtown. I love our downtown. I believe it has something that other surrounding villages will never have which is the gorgeous Village Green Park. There are some improvements that can be made while still keeping with the small town character of Northbrook. Bringing density to the downtown is important. I firmly believe if there are more people living downtown, the current businesses will be supported and new businesses will want to come. I would like to scope out properties and think outside of the box to try and solve our parking issue. Our local business owners are a wonderful asset. I will continue to meet with them to come up with ideas to support our existing small businesses and encourage new local business development.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe the three caucus candidates have the experience and personality necessary to be excellent Trustees. We are all diverse in thought yet are able to work well with others even when we disagree. Additionally, the three caucus endorsed candidates have been vetted and have no conflicts or special interests.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I believe the current board has done an excellent job. I look forward to bringing some fresh and unique perspective.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

My additional priorities are continuing to keep the Northbrook financial house in good order, maintaining the level of service the citizens deserve and expect, thinking outside the box for ways to increase revenue without increasing taxes, helping seniors age in place, and continuing to analyze potential developments to make sure they are consistent with the character of Northbrook and the Comprehensive Plan while keeping a keen eye on the potential impact on schools, traffic and neighbors.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

Going door to door and knocking on thousands of doors, I felt very inspired by Northbrook residents. They are intelligent, creative and engaged. I have been given so many ideas and food for thought. If I can get more of the community involved and tap into one of our best resources, which is our engaged citizens, I will feel my term was a success. Together we are better.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

I am a trial attorney, by nature I am a fact driven person. Something I am always working on is trying to express in different ways that I am extremely compassionate and always listening. I am a very honest and direct person and sometimes people take that the wrong way. There have been a few times as a Plan Commissioner that my frankness has been perceived as me being dismissive and that is just not the case.

Why should voters trust you?

I have gained experience and skills through my time as a Plan Commissioner. During my time on the Commission, several large developments have come before me. I have learned a lot about the process for development in Northbrook. I believe in always being prepared. It took me a year of studying and asking a lot of questions of village staff but I feel I have a very good handle on my role as a Plan Commissioner. Part of being a Plan Commissioner is following what the Village Board is doing. I am not afraid to ask questions and seek help when I do not understand something.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

It would not be my place as a Trustee to directly address village employee questions or concerns. We have an excellent, highly skilled Village Manager. I trust that he will bring all necessary issues to the board and the proper attention will be given to any employment issue.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

The Village staff has done an incredible job with our budget. They have been conservative and pro-active. The key is to over estimate expenses and under estimate revenue.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been a sitting Plan Commissioner for four years. I believe my record speaks for itself. I have learned so much about building, zoning and working together on a board during my time on the commission. I believe I am hard working, a problem solver and a bridge builder. Additionally, going through the caucus process and being vetted by my fellow citizens is something I am very proud of. Lastly, I was given the prestigious distinction in 2015 of being one of the top 40 lawyers in Illinois under forty. The reason this award means so much to me is that you are nominated and selected by your colleagues, Judges and arbitrators. These are the people who see me in the courtroom and work with me on a daily basis.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Never explain yourself. Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe it.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have a unique perspective having grown up in Northbrook. I have deep connections to this community (my children are 5th generation Northbrook residents) and a vested interest in Northbrook remaining the absolute best place to live, work and raise a family. I am known in the community and citizens are comfortable coming up to me with their ideas and complaints. I look forward to earning your trust and your vote.

More via Northbrook Caucus campaign website

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