Blog – HP Forward

HP Forward Announces its Grassroots Grant Program to Support Political Newcomers

December 15, 2024 (updated January 28, 2025) Published by HP Forward

Highland Park, IL — December 9, 2024 — HP Forward, a community organization committed to a vibrant Highland Park and transparent government, is proud to announce the launch of a new grant program called The Grassroots Grant. The grant is designed to build a new generation of leaders dedicated to promoting civic engagement and furthering HP Forward’s goals by supporting political newcomers running for elected government positions in our community. This initiative aims to empower diverse voices, encourage local participation, and build a more representative local government.

“Highland Park thrives on the strength of its community,” said Irwin Bernstein, CoChair. “Our Grassroots Grant Program will help empower candidates to build their campaigns and grow the grassroots support needed for a successful campaign. We believe this initiative will help to level the financial playing field and cultivate leaders representing the breadth and diversity of Highland Park.”

About the Grassroots Grant Program

The Grassroots Grant Program offers financial assistance and strategi.c resources to political newcomers seeking election to a government position in Highland Park. Each selected recipient will receive seed money – this year, $1,000 per candidate, to help cover initial campaign costs such as state filings, marketing materials and outreach efforts.

Eligibility and Application Process

The program is open to individuals meeting the following criteria:

1. Highland Park registered voter who has not previously held a local government position.
2. Committed to inclusion, community-driven government, and advancing efforts to build a vibrant community.
3. Developed campaign platform and plan for engaging with the Highland Park electorate.
4. Listed HP Forward or another local initiative to receive any remaining assets if their own election committee were to dissolve.

First Grassroots Grant Recipients

This year there is one qualified candidate running for the 4-year term and two qualified candidates running for remainder of Jeff Hoobler’s seat. All three of these candidates have met the three criteria and HP Forward is excited to announce Grassroot Grants to all 3 candidates:

James Lynch is running for the 4-year term – James M. Lynch
Jon Center is running for the 2-year term – Jon Center
Kevin Cullather is running for the 2-year term – Kevin Cullather

Encouraging New Voices in Local Government HP Forward is committed to reducing barriers to entry for local candidates and fostering a government that reflects the community it serves to level the playing field between career politicians and citizens who would like to serve. This initiative aligns with the PAC’s mission to promote democracy, encourage grassroots involvement, and support candidates who prioritize transparency, accountability, vibrancy, and inclusivity.

About HP Forward

HP Forward is a nonpartisan political action committee dedicated to increasing civic engagement and fostering leadership at the local level. Through targeted grants, advocacy, and community initiatives, HP Forward hopes to inspire change and build a stronger, more representative Highland Park community. HP Forward is dedicated to electing leaders who champion four key objectives:

Forward for Businesses
Forward for a Vibrant Community
Forward for Inclusive Government
Forward for Openness and Transparency

Irwin Bernstein
Co-Chair
60035info@gmail.com
(847) 274-2950
HPforward.org

HP Forward Interviews

December 15, 2024 (updated January 28, 2025) Published by HP Forward

Running for Highland Park City Council

HP Forward is excited to announce the candidates for the April 2025 Highland Park city council election who have agreed to participate in its interview and endorsement process. These six are:

Candidates for new 4-year terms:

Barisa Bruckman

Annette Lidawer

James Lynch

Andrés Tapia

Candidates to complete Jeff Hoobler’s remaining term:

Jon Center

Kevin Cullather

Kim Stone, a City Council Member since 2013 who is running for

Jeff Hoobler’s vacated seat, and her 4th term, did not respond.

Highland Park residents have a unique opportunity to impact the direction of our city by electing a new majority in the city council. A majority that may not always vote together but all committed to a vision for Highland Park that includes fresh ideas, vibrancy, and responsive government. The upcoming April 1 City Council election, with four of the seven city council seats available (three four-year terms and one seat filling the vacancy from the resignation of Jeff Hoobler), is pivotal to realize this vision!

HP Forward’s goal is to foster a government that is transparent, responsive, and aligned with the community’s vision for a vibrant future. To achieve our goals, we will seek to elect leaders championing four key objectives:

Forward for Businesses, Forward for a Vibrant Community, Forward for Inclusive Government, and Forward for Openness and Transparency.

We will be sending questions to each candidate and publishing all the answers received. HP Forward also looks forward to discussing these candidates’ campaigns, how they stand on issues important to HP Forward, and how they plan to engage with the community in early January.

For more information about HP Forward, please contact:

Irwin Bernstein, Co-Chair
info@hpforward.org
www.hpforward.org

Post Referendum:

December 15, 2024 (updated January 28, 2025) Published by HP Forward

Moving Highland Park Forward

The recent referendum revealed a stark divide between the Highland Park community and its current leadership. The refusal of the mayor and her council allies to address the overwhelming 82% voter mandate is just one example of a larger issue: a city government that is out of touch with the desires of its residents. Highland Park Forward (HP Forward) is committed to bridging this gap and fostering a government that is transparent, responsive, and aligned with the community’s vision for a vibrant future.

Now, our focus shifts to the future.

The upcoming April 1 City Council election is pivotal. With four seats up for election (three four-year terms and one two-year term), Highland Park residents have a unique opportunity to elect leaders who share their vision. Achieving our objectives requires fresh, independent leaders: four “Yes” votes on the council—making this election critical to ensuring the progress our community deserves.

HP Forward is dedicated to electing leaders who champion four key objectives: Forward for Businesses, Forward for a Vibrant Community, Forward for Inclusive Government, and Forward for Openness and Transparency.

Forward for Businesses

It took two election cycles (2021 and 2023) to get a pro-business majority that could initiate and pass adding Business Development as a fifth priority pillar to the City’s key objectives and, therefore, budget.

This priority pillar paved the way for:

Business development matching grants meant to attract 2-3 higher-end restaurants. The fantastic DeNucci’s is the first one up and running.
Mid-tier incentives to help existing restaurants extend and expand their offerings. Over half a dozen have applied for and received these.
Higher value and more broadly applicable outdoor façade improvement grants that several businesses have applied for and received.
Boosting the physical and aesthetic appeal of downtown Highland Park through improved infrastructure, new furniture, enhanced landscaping, repaving, and more frequent trash pickup.
Second Street’s makeover.

However, recent events threaten this momentum. The removal of Jeff Hoobler—2023’s top vote-getter—from the council, and the refusal to resolve the liquor license issue, disregards the will of voters and jeopardizes the progress we’ve made.

We must continue to push for:

Changing the liquor license law to respect the voters’ mandate.
Streamlining business interactions with the city using technology, removing needless regulations, and reducing unnecessary red tape.
Strengthening collaboration between city leadership and local businesses.
Strategically filling empty storefronts with innovative and dynamic businesses.

Forward for a Vibrant Community

Highland Park is more than a collection of businesses and homes; it’s a community. Vibrancy requires thoughtful investment in cultural initiatives, public spaces, and events that bring people together and expand our reach. We need leadership that prioritizes these efforts and listens to the community’s ideas for a thriving city life.

Forward for Inclusive Government

A government that ignores the will of 82% of its voters is not inclusive – it’s dismissive. HP Forward will strive for a government that welcomes diverse perspectives, represents all residents, and fosters collaboration. Leadership should reflect the community it serves, prioritizing inclusivity over personal
agendas.

Forward for Openness and Transparency

Transparency is the foundation of trust. The refusal of the council to provide explanations for its inaction on the referendum is emblematic of a larger problem: a lack of accountability. We need leaders who commit to open communication, public dialogue, and clear decision-making processes.
The April 1 election is our chance to set a new course for Highland Park. Together, we can build a government that truly represents the voices of its citizens and a community we can all be proud of.