David Neuman for City Clerk

Oak Forest is a city rooted in excellence. Our schools are top notch and only getting better. We have athletic clubs and community groups that are strong and supportive of our children and families. We are blessed to have beautiful forest preserves within walking distance while being a short train ride from downtown Chicago. Oak Forest is a city I am proud to be a resident of and recently have been proud to serve as City Clerk.

After Scott Burkhardt's retirement, I was brought in to bring a fresh perspective to the role of Oak Forest City Clerk. In my professional life, this is something that I have done for SOS Children's Villages Illinois as well as Prevent Child Abuse America. At both non-profits, I came either with a team or by myself to create and improve the Development policies each non-profit had so they could best serve our nation's children. With a couple months in the Clerk's Office, I've come to the decision to run for Oak Forest City Clerk in the 2017 Municipal Election.

It may be the volunteer spirit that's instilled in me, but when I see there is a need to further improve things in an organization or community I always ask, "what can I do to help?" In 2013, I had this revelation when I had noticed that Oak Forest High School was the only school in District 228 that did not have an alumni association. The school that helped make me who I am today needed an organization that was rooted in giving back to students through connections in our alumni network. With the help of Thomas Kneifel and Andy Isenhart, the Oak Forest High School Alumni Association was born and continues to serve students each year with its scholarship program. That same spirit has led me to action as the Oak Forest City Clerk.

I intend to continue to reform and modernize our record keeping and how we record meetings. I will ensure that there is openness and transparency in my work for all residents. I will also bring new approaches and perspective to how things are handled at City Hall. As your elected City Clerk, I will bring innovative community-focused leadership to Oak Forest.