Why I Am Running for Trustee

As we enter the final days of the campaign for Glenview Trustee, I took some time to look back and see what inspired me to run. For me, it comes back to a desire to give back to an area that has given me so much.

I first moved to the area as an 11 year old, over 40 years ago. I returned to Glenview in 2002 with a family of my own because we wanted to live in the kind of community that Glenview offers. Glenview is vibrant and evolving with great educational facilities and terrific neighborhoods. It is a fantastic place to live and grow and raise a family.

Glenview is a place that has given me so much that I was compelled to give back. I began with some smaller community organizations, then ran for and won a seat on the District 30 School Board. My time in District 30 cannot be described as anything other than a success. My time there has included three successful teacher contract negotiations, years of budget surpluses, full retirement of our outstanding debt, a AAA bond rating, and the construction of a new Maple School which was approved via community referendum by a 3-1 margin. It is this experience that led to the decision to run for Trustee. This is simply an extension of my willingness to serve the public.

I look to bring this experience to the Village Board. Financial integrity and protection of our AAA bond rating is at the forefront. Our low taxes are a reflection of sound village management and enticing for new residents and investors. Smart, forward thinking development will attract new retail and commercial projects. But this will only happen if business owners see village leadership as smart, experienced and helpful partners in their projects.

I am honored to be slated with two terrific individuals, Mary Cooper and current trustee Mike Jenny. Together, we are committed to the same goals. Under our stewardship, it will continue to evolve with fresh ideas that we will bring to the table. We are honored that our experience and expertise has been recognized such that we have received endorsements from the Glenview Journal (https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/journal-endorsement-jenny-gitles-cooper-for-glenview-village-board/), from Jill Brickman, Northfield Township Supervisor (https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glenview/ct-gla-letter-consolidated-election-tl-0321-story.html) and from Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton (https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/britton-backs-citizens-for-glenview/). We pledge to serve and support these endorsements by providing independent, collaborative, and thoughtful leadership of our community.

I ask for your vote on April 2nd to help elect Mary, Mike and me to work for all of Glenview.