Why it’s time to bring independent voices to the Skokie Village Board

By Brian Novak, Independent Candidate for Skokie Trustee

Over the past several weeks I have outlined why I’m running as an independent for Skokie Trustee, what distinguishes me as a candidate, as well as a roadmap for our community to rededicate itself to the motto “Village of Vision.”  

My blogs on public safety, economic development, fiscal responsibility and schools outline the fresh thinking that I will bring to the Village Board and why I am asking for your support when you vote on April 9 (early voting begins March 25 at Village Hall). 

From my honest discussion about our local taxes and TIF districts, to the reality of the emerging violent crime situation that our current leaders pretend doesn’t exist, I have addressed issues I know concern many residents – and offered concrete ideas that address those concerns.  

For over 50 years our village has been run by one party, the Skokie Caucus Party.  As a result of this one-party system, the line between village government and this political party has been blurred.  The end result of the one-party system in Skokie – unlike the political systems in many other local communities that have more than a single party running the government – is that Skokie voters have had little choice in choosing the leadership that runs the village.

Instead of meaningful dialog, thoughtful debate and an election where issues are discussed, residents have had a political party with unlimited power and no checks or balances.  Throughout this campaign I have spoken with many of you who know and understand that the job of our trustees is to lead and to speak freely on matters of public interest, not beholden to party politics.  You also understand that the many great features we enjoy in our community, including fiscal management and municipal service delivery, are the result of village management and not the elected trustees. 

When village leaders propose a train stop in the parking lot at Niles North, a haphazard landlord tenant ordinance and have the arrogance to suggest a skateboard park with tax dollars before having a conversation with residents, we need to pause and ask, who’s mining the store?  And where is the dialog?

I am a proven community leader who knows that we need to articulate a clear vision that will benefit and inspire our community for generations to come. That this can and must happen by introducing and implementing new ideas and fresh perspectives that will enable us to build on Skokie’s many strengths, while finding new directions for what we can and will do better.  That ultimately the responsibility of our village leaders to give all of its citizens a voice starts now with electing independent candidates to the Village Board.

The election is Tuesday, April 9, and polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Early voting starts Monday, March 25.  There are six open trustee positions - you can vote for any six candidates.  

Please make sure you choose at least one independent candidate – and if you choose only one independent, vote Brian Novak (#21) to lead our community and be your voice.  Please join me at Panera (on Golf/Skokie Blvd) Saturday, March 23 at 10am and visit my website www.novakforskokie.com.