Endorsement of Davis Schneiderman: Letter

The following letter was written and submitted by Ed Brill.

I am writing today to share my endorsement of Davis Schneiderman for Highland Park City Council in the April, 2017 election.

I first met Davis Schneiderman online in 2010, while I was writing for TribLocal and then Highland Park Patch. Schneiderman had a strong interest in local issues, and my first observation was his clarity. Indeed his tenure at Lake Forest College demonstrates strength as a communicator, leader and organizer.

But it is Davis’s passion for Highland Park that prompts me to write this letter. I saw first-hand how he helped change the thinking in his neighborhood in favor of the Rosewood Beach improvements. He has invested tirelessly in the District 112 reconfiguration issues – as an independent voice of reason, but also one not afraid to question assumptions and point out flaws.

Character counts in Highland Park and from my discussions with Davis, I find that he possesses those traits that all of us want in representative government. He takes time to listen, and sees dissent as an opportunity to educate. In a recent meeting, we talked about children with special needs, and he shared stories from Temple Grandin’s recent visit to Lake Forest College.

In talking with family and neighbors, some are concerned that Davis is a one-issue candidate, perhaps only focused on the issues with District 112. What I have found through our interactions is that Davis actually has a breadth and depth about city government, activities, and quality of life that seems unique among the candidates for the open Council seat.

My observations of his main challenger, Adam Stolberg, don’t rise to the same level. Stolberg’s website does not list his position on any contemporary Highland Park issues. Further, Mr. Stolberg is running on a platform that asserts his business experience as his primary qualification. I decided to peruse the Yelp reviews of Advantage Management and the complaints to the Better Business Bureau to gather independent assessment of Stolberg’s leadership and found more than three dozen negative reports in just the last two years. A representative quote:

“Avoid dealing with this poor excuse of a company at all costs. Although the word ‘management’ is their title, I assure you, their business practices hardly reflect any modicum of actual management.”

I believe both Stolberg and Schneiderman genuinely love Highland Park and respect those who support each candidate. However, I would like our next Councilman to have clear positions on the issues, a passion for community, and a reputation for responsiveness. As such, I encourage you to vote for Davis Schneiderman on April 4.

Sincerely,

Ed Brill

Note: Letters to the editor are solely the opinion of their authors and do not constitute endorsements by Patch.