With Ann, there are no surprises—just proven leadership, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to service. She is a well-known and highly respected figure in Skokie, dedicating countless hours to our community. Few among us volunteer as tirelessly as she does. Ann serves on multiple boards, including our local college board, public service organizations such as the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and the Skokie Foundation, as well as fine arts boards. Her dedication speaks volumes about her passion for making a difference.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ann both personally and professionally. As a mother, she’s caring and engaged; as a friend, she’s welcoming and supportive—you’d be lucky to have her in your book club or as your next-door neighbor. If you’ve met Ann, you already know how approachable and compassionate she is. Ann embodies intelligence, integrity, hard work, and open-minded leadership. I had the honor of serving as a Skokie Village Trustee for eight years, during which I witnessed firsthand the respect Ann commands among her colleagues, including Mayor Van Dusen and many others. Her professionalism, insight, and dedication to the village have earned her admiration from leaders past and present. Those who have worked closely with Ann—such as former Police Chief Tony Scarpelli, former Village Manager Al Rigoni, and former Corporation Counsel Herb Dubrow—have publicly endorsed her, not because they have to, but because they truly believe in her leadership. Now outside the constraints of village government, they can speak freely—and they do so in full support of Ann.
It is no secret that even some of her opponent’s most ardent supporters respect Ann, with a few even encouraging her to run for this very office. Not once has her character, experience, or competence been meaningfully challenged. Instead, we see an onslaught of mailers, yard signs, and massive campaign spending aimed against her—a clear indication that her opponents recognize what we already know: Ann is a force to be reckoned with. Ann is the straight-shooting, hardworking leader we need—someone who puts the community first and whose record of service, integrity, and results speaks for itself. Candidates like her are rare. By every measure, she is the best choice. I wholeheartedly endorse Ann and urge you to support her in this election. There is no other choice.
Ilonka Ulrich
Skokie Citizen
Former Village Trustee
