Candidate Questions – HP Forward

Candidate – Annette Lidawers’ Response to HP Forward Endorsement Questionnaire

February 14, 2025 (updated February 15, 2025) Published by artistvenu

Question 1: Highland Park Forward believes the council should be made up of a diverse group of individuals representing the different communities and interests of the city’s residents with each bringing a unique set of expertise/skills to the council. Why are you seeking a position on the Council and what unique attributes, experience and skills would enhance your electability and improve the work of the council?

Annette Lidawer: I am running for a second term because I have many projects yet unfinished. Whether it be the ongoing need for economic development or changing the liquor license law, I have been at the front of these battles. I have brought the experience of many elections, many years in various public offices and a deep understanding of our community to bear. I am running to ensure that these priorities and projects come to fruition.

I am not a new candidate, but a proven leader and loud voice of reason on the City Council. I have led initiatives such as the fight to make economic development a priority. But I am not so jaded as to not feel fresh and excited about the City’s prospects. As an attorney, educator, former school board member and president on District 113’s board, I feel uniquely qualified to critically analyze issues before the Council and to share the perspective of sister governments. I have a proven record of electability and add a more well-rounded tone to discussions. I am seeking re-election to bring my voice as a 25-year resident, parent of three and activist, as well as those of my constituents to the City Council.

Question 2: HP Forward believes a community and its leaders must always be considering changes to address shifts in its residents’ wishes and needs, and to keep up with surrounding communities. What improvements and changes would you work for in city government and in the community at large?

Annette Lidawer: We have a very clear mandate at this time in Highland Park: residents are demanding more efficiency, more vibrancy and coherency. Streamlining processes for permitting, improving our ordinances by reviewing old laws which have not been updated will begin this work, but with greater emphasis on the whole community long term.

To address these ideas in a cogent fashion, the most important initiative I want to tackle is the development and implementation of a Master Plan to fully integrate all these ideas. The city had a 10-year Master Plan which expired 15 years ago. As a commissioner on the Plan and Design Commission in 2019, I began asking why we didn’t have a current Master Plan. Today, the City’s workplan includes this crucial project. I pushed to embark on this journey through a new Master Plan to formulate a vision that is complete for Highland Park considering expansion, growth, new initiatives and needs for our residents.

Question 3: HP Forward is dedicated to ensuring a more vibrant and thriving local business community, providing an attractive destination for its residents and visitors and a solid tax base to help reduce tax burdens on homeowners.  How do you believe the city is currently meeting this mission and what would you do differently? Please share any specific plans.

Annette Lidawer: The city has a long way to go to meet the goal of vibrancy and thriving businesses. We are off to a good start, but our newer residents, younger families and lifelong residents were tired of empty storefronts when I ran for my first term in office. My goal was to prioritize economic development. Under my leadership, economic development became a priority for the city and a pillar of our governance. That designation translated into dollars for marketing, incentives programs for storefronts, revitalization of business areas and beautification and initiative programming to attract new restaurants (toward a critical mass) and businesses. I worked closely with sister governments, our advisory groups, boards and commissions and the Chamber of Commerce to ensure coordination and to maximize our efforts.

The last two years have seen a huge shift and a lot of work. We’ve hired staff and changed the focus. We did over six million dollars of infrastructure improvements on Second Street to improve the livability, walkability and sociability of the street through outdoor furniture, bump outs in the sidewalk, new lighting, ballasts and pavers. This general facelift of the area is bolstering the rest of downtown and Highland Park in general. Our business’ success are the city’s success. Their success is tax revenue toward a stronger Highland Park.

I would like to see better use of the Lot as a fully developed park, open space and festival area. We must complete a remembrance space for the community following the 4th of July tragedy. There are two more large restaurant incentives I’d like to see explored. Many businesses need the assistance we can provide with matching grants for façade and other improvements and there are still too many vacancies.

Question 4: HP Forward is also seeking a more open, inclusive, and transparent local government.  To help us understand your views on these important goals, please reply to the following question areas:

a. Explain your understanding of the role of the city council in interacting with the community, the different commissions, and with city staff while setting city policy and operating plans.

Annette Lidawer: As a council member, my role is to develop and oversee policy for the community as well as to ensure the safety of residents, continue with infrastructure improvement, maintain a balanced budget and enhance sustainability and economic development. In that capacity, I seek the advice of residents on an ongoing, daily basis. I am in constant contact with Highland Parkers and other leaders. Frankly, I’m grateful when people reach out with questions and suggestions.

I attend advisory group and commission meetings and speak to the advisors and commissioners on a regular basis. Highland Park has eighteen advisory groups (including boards and commissions). These groups are made up of residents who have requested a volunteer position to serve the community. Their input is firsthand and when coupled with that of staff, whose job it is to research and professionally advise/implement, we have a broad range of information and ideas from which to develop policy.

b. Highland Park Forward began during the recent Liquor License debate. We believe a council member should always do what they believe is right for the community, even if the decision is unpopular. We also believe the community is entitled to an explanation of decisions made by a council member. Please explain your views on the liquor license law and how you reached your decision.

Annette Lidawer: As an attorney and a first generation American, respecting voters and inclusivity, are two of the most basis tenets of government. Hence while my individual views over an issue may be different from others, the protection of those rights is paramount to my decision making.

The liquor license law represents those tenets in my mind. When an archaic law such as the Liquor License law (prohibiting permit holders from serving) is found, it should be corrected. When we failed to do so, we violated the fundamental rights of Highland Parkers.

Former Council member Hoobler held such a license, and every voter knew that. Yet Highland Parkers elected him as the top vote getter in the 2023 election for City Council. What people didn’t know, including elected officials, staff and legal counsel, was that this archaic law prevented him from holding office. We all made mistakes, but instead of correcting them and respecting the will of the voters, the city council, in whose arena to change the law power exists, refused, despite the State of Illinois having corrected this age old mishap, to honor the voters’ wishes.

Additionally, I made my decision to support the change because I listened to the residents. After a year of study and legal briefing, hundreds of emails from residents and 82% of voters stating loudly and clearly through a non binding referendum their preference: we have disregarded their wishes. And we have done so to prevent a segment of the population from running – to our own advantage.

I found the Liquor License law to be an exercise in democracy. It was unifying for our community, but divisive and tone-deaf by our city council.

c. Using the recent conflict over the liquor license laws as an example, what was done correctly by the council and what changes, if any, do you believe are appropriate for the council to consider when dealing with public policy issues going forward?

Annette Lidawer: The democratic process was not correctly used in the Liquor License situation. The process began correctly: The issue was brought to everyone’s attention in a public setting. But after extensive taxpayer dollars were spent on comprehensive legal research, nothing was done. The public was heard via emails, testimony, and public comment at meetings, but they were ignored as the Council was deadlocked and the law did not change.

Then there was petitioning and an advisory referendum. Every possible avenue was tapped for input and hundreds of voices were raised and thousands of votes were cast. It is important to note that in addition to the 302 emails received from the public (of which one was opposed and one advocated for additional study), 2500 resident voters signed a petition in just over a week to get the measure on the ballot this past November. Because November 2024 was a general election, 77% of registered voters turned out to vote and 82% of them wanted the law changed. This measure received the largest consensus of voters in Lake County and the second largest in the State of Illinois. The public was ignored.

Immediately following the November election, I tried to bring the measure for a vote before the city council to respond to the voters’ wishes: change the law. Only Councilmember Tapia supported my request, and the law remains the same.

Public policy is the council’s main business. Hence going forward the Council needs to listen to the overwhelming majority of its constituents’ desires. improving its processes in determining and implementing its reasoning requires safeguarding. The display of activism by our community deserves acknowledgment and the disregard of that process by the Council needs change.

I tried to be that voice of change and will continue to work on this effort as well as others that require raising. Going forward, like a super majority concept, when Highland Park speaks this loudly, the City Council should not only listen but be required to follow the will of its residents. Over 14,000 people (over the age of 18) spoke loudly in a town of 30,000 (inclusive of those under 18 years old), those voices should be heard, respected and action by the City Council should be immediate.

Please also provide a short closing statement as to any other matter that you feel is important for the community to focus on and why you deserve HP Forward’s endorsement. 

Annette Lidawer: I am running for a second term because of my institutional knowledge, need to complete unfinished business and desire to fulfill the requests of our residents. I am seeking HP Forward’s endorsement because my values and goals are very much aligned with those of HP Forward who, as a grassroots voice for Highland Parkers, was and will be instrumental in advocating to the City Council.

Our economic incentives are just beginning to progress. Our updates to infrastructure and beatification are continuing to enhance business and our community. That said, I welcome fresh candidates and new ideas. To further this goal, term limits are a core belief which should be considered to further our growth as a community.

I would be honored to receive your endorsement.

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Visit my website at: re-electannette.com

Candidate – Andrés Tapias’ Response to HP Forward Endorsement Questionnaire

February 14, 2025 (updated February 15, 2025) Published by HP Forward

Question 1: Highland Park Forward believes the council should be made up of a diverse group of individuals representing the different communities and interests of the city’s residents with each bringing a unique set of expertise/skills to the council. Why are you seeking a position on the Council and what unique attributes, experience, and skills would enhance your electability and improve the work of the council?

Andrés Tapia: I am a visionary, pragmatic, and inclusive leader. I strive to build a more welcoming and thriving Highland Park.

I am a long-time resident (over 30 years), corporate executive, inclusion and diversity transformation strategist, parent, and community volunteer. Growing up bilingual and bicultural in Peru, attending an international high school in Lima with classmates from around the world, and spending my career in global consultancies focused on diversity, inclusion, and organizational transformation, I have developed into a collaborative and transparent leader with a proven track record of working with others to find win-win solutions and operational efficiencies.

This comprehensive set of experiences enables me to offer Highland Park the fresh perspective we need, characterized by strategic imagination while delivering pragmatic results. I know how to balance the wants and needs of all stakeholders while being guided by the community’s priorities. As a City Councilmember, my role is to collaborate with colleagues and represent the people of Highland Park by responding to new trends, vexing challenges, and unprecedented opportunities, while evaluating current policies and advocating for new ones.

For example, on the Thriving side, when I ran four years ago, I supported the existing priority pillars (Fiscal Stability, Safety, Infrastructure, and Community Vibrancy). However, the critical need for economic development was not prioritized. Therefore, I set out to influence the creation of a new pillar: Economic Development, which we successfully established. With that now as a strategic pillar, our leadership responsibility was to fund it. This enabled us to increase the economic development budget from ~$750K to ~$10M. These funds drove improvements to commercial district infrastructure and economic stimulus, enhancing our downtown with new restaurants and retail that significantly reduced vacancy rates (see answer to Question 3 for details).

On the Welcoming side, as the first-ever Latino elected to City Council, I brought my lived experiences and my professional insights and expertise as a global and national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) practitioner to a broad range of policy decisions to ensure traditionally overlooked groups are seen and included. I also played an influential, catalytic role in forming the Highland Park Disability Inclusion Working Group, encouraged Latino residents and volunteers to be more visible in our community and aspire to leadership roles, and actively supported efforts to protect against antisemitism.

Question 2: HP Forward believes a community and its leaders must always be considering changes to address shifts in its residents’ wishes and needs, and to keep up with surrounding communities. What improvements and changes would you work for in city government and in the community at large?

Andrés Tapia: To be a thriving City, we need more economic development and not let up on our long-standing environmental sustainability efforts.

In Question 3 I provide more detail on economic development, but here I will focus on a strategy that will further differentiate Highland Park from our surrounding communities: branding ourselves—and fully living up to—being The City of the Arts, given how much the arts are part of our City’s DNA. We are home to the world-renowned Ravinia Music Festival, the Port Clinton Art Fair—the largest arts fair in the Midwest—and The Art Center Highland Park, the center of gravity for the arts in the North Shore and Lake County. Art galleries exist across our City, and there are many world-class performers, dancers, comedians, costume makers, and concert talent who live here. Attendance at local cultural events has grown by 25% in the past two years. The arts are not just a source of beauty and inspiration, but also a powerful economic driver, not only through their direct contributions by attracting audiences to our City but also through the spillover effect the arts have on shopping and dining businesses in Highland Park.

Additionally, we can’t let up on our long-standing contributions to environmental sustainability. I have supported initiatives such as expanding solar energy use, enacting a gas-powered leaf blower ban with a three-year transition period, improving energy efficiency in public buildings (45% of city-owned buildings are currently powered by renewable energy sources), supporting the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles across the City fleet, and making composting services available city-wide at very low cost.

Question 3: HP Forward is dedicated to ensuring a more vibrant and thriving local business community, providing an attractive destination for its residents and visitors and a solid tax base to help reduce tax burdens on homeowners. How do you believe the city is currently meeting this mission and what would you do differently? Please share any specific plans.

Andrés Tapia: In the past four years, we’ve made meaningful progress, but there’s more to do to enhance both the daytime and nighttime economies in our commercial districts.

To compete with online retail platforms like Amazon, we need unique and enticing retail experiences that go beyond online shopping. Experiential retail, such as boutique-scale businesses already in Highland Park like The Vault Creative, Pets4Life, Kaleidoscope heART, and K-Solo Vintage, aligns with Highland Park’s strengths. Our niche is boutiques, not national chains. Additionally, we need spaces for young people. Parents planning children’s parties often turn to other suburbs, and teens still lack consistent hangout spaces in their own city.

Highland Park should not just be a daytime destination but a place where people enjoy evenings as well. Although progress is visible, there’s still more work to be done.

To achieve more vibrancy daytime and nighttime economies, I’ve supported and will continue to pursue:

∙ Effective business incentives: Attracting new restaurants (for example, DeNucci’s, Indus, The Barn steakhouse) and supporting expansions (for example, That Little French Guy, Michael’s, others) has boosted vibrancy, increased commercial occupancy, drawn visitors, and generated greater tax revenue.

∙ Downtown revitalization: I advocated and voted for comprehensive upgrades to the Central Business District, including enhanced streetscape, landscape, and lightscape. We tripled the landscaping budget, increased trash collection, added new furniture, approved the use of murals, and supported “streateries” (enclosed outdoor dining spaces).

∙ Streamlined processes: I’ve consistently advocated for simpler, less costly, more empathetic city processes for residents, developers, and businesses.

∙ Liquor license law: I voted to rescind the outdated ordinance prohibiting liquor license holders from running for public office. (See Question 4 for details.)

Question 4: HP Forward is also seeking a more open, inclusive, and transparent local government. To help us understand your views on these important goals, please reply to the following:

a. Explain your understanding of the role of the city council in interacting with the community, the different commissions, and with city staff while setting city policy and operating plans.

Andrés Tapia: The current system of around twenty Advisory Groups and Commissions is a good structure for gathering resident input on City policies and programs. For many topics, it works well but there is some room for improvement. Members of these groups sometimes feel the input process is unclear or wonder if their contributions matter. Real or perceived obstacles must be addressed, as this perception undermines the value of these groups.

Community surveys on city-wide issues are valuable, but these processes can and have become double-edged swords since the results sometimes end up being counterproductive. Overwhelming majorities may support a proposal, but their wishes may not align with the majority of City Council. For example, many people who gave enthusiastic input into what an imaginative and more permanent approach to The Lot as an entertainment venue could look like only to see it voted down completely.

Finally, while there are over a hundred people involved as advisors and commissioners, the makeup of these group members does not reflect proportionately the diversity of residents of Highland Park.

b. Explain your views on the liquor license law and how you reached your decision.

While this has been contentious this past year, the solution was simple. The State of Illinois allows municipalities like ours to rescind the law with a majority vote, which we could have done in early 2024. Since one Councilmember had to recuse themselves from this vote because they were directly affected by the ordinance, we had a tie vote, which meant falling one vote short of a majority. This then trigged a year-long protest by many residents that eroded confidence in City leadership.

This led to a referendum asking the people’s choice about rescinding the ordinance, and this passed with 82% of the vote. But the outcome still did not shift the majority position on the Council, continuing to leave out of City Council someone who had gained the greatest number of votes when he ran. Rescinding the law has always been the logical and democratically right thing to do. No resident in Highland Park who is eligible to vote should be barred from seeking public office and that’s how the people of Highland Park understood the issue. And I agree.

c. Using the recent conflict over liquor license laws as an example, what was done correctly by the council and what changes, if any, do you believe are appropriate for the council to consider when dealing with public policy issues going forward?

Andrés Tapia: Our processes, including public discourse and referendums, are intended to hear the will of the people.

One action that had the potential to be a helpful step was the call by some to study the issue a bit further to ensure we weren’t overlooking anything. This study should have taken no more than a month or two, after which the issue could have been brought back for discussion, debate, and vote.

The issue here is not that we don’t have channels and processes. Rather it was an unwillingness to listen to the people’s will which is the basic premise of a democracy. The will of the people must be respected.

Closing Statement

Please also provide a short closing statement as to any other matter that you feel is important for the community to focus on and why you deserve HP Forward’s endorsement.

Andrés Tapia: For a community to accept one’s invitation to serve them in government is to be entrusted with something of great value that must never be taken for granted. When I first ran for City Council nearly four years ago, I promised to help make Highland Park a more inclusive, thriving, and welcoming community.

Since being elected the first time, nearly every Saturday morning I have done a walkaround checking in on how our existing and new businesses are doing. I have also connected every chance I get with our residents as I come across you all through the daily rhythms of our City. Plus, I’ve invited many visitors to experience Highland Park through our retail, cuisine, arts programs, and community vibrancy.

As I look back on my first term, I am proud of what we have achieved, from advancing economic development to strengthening our sense of community. Today, Highland Park continues to be a city that balances innovation with tradition, ensuring we remain fiscally stable, safe, and environmentally conscious while still pursuing new opportunities for growth.

In seeking re-election, I bring both the experience of having delivered on many of my promises made in my first campaign, and the vision to continue building on our City’s strong foundation. We have much to be proud of, but we still have more people to include, more storefronts to fill, more businesses to retain — all while making sure we continue to be a City that works.
The best is yet to come!

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Visit my website at: re-electandres4citycouncil.com

Candidate – Kevin Cullathers’ Response to HP Forward Endorsement Questionnaire

February 14, 2025 (updated February 15, 2025) Published by HP Forward

Question 1: Highland Park Forward believes the council should be made up of a diverse group of individuals representing the different communities and interests of the city’s residents with each bringing a unique set of expertise/skills to the council. Why are you seeking a position on the Council and what unique attributes, experience and skills would enhance your electability and improve the work of the council?

Kevin Cullather: I am running for Highland Park City Council because democracy requires citizens to step up. Incumbents should not go uncontested, and diverse groups should be represented. My wife and I chose to raise our children in Highland Park because of its walkable and active downtown, welcoming atmosphere, and socioeconomic diversity. I became involved in city government because of my commitment to serve the community and make Highland Park even better.

As the map shows, currently, six of seven members of City Council live east of St. John’s Avenue and south of Highland Park High School. I have lived on Green Bay Road and currently live in the Chantilly development. Geographic diversity on the Council is important. When issues affecting neighborhoods in the northern and western areas of Highland Park come before the Council, these residents often feel unrepresented. This has been evident in the discussions regarding the Solo Cup factory site, the University Avenue proposal, and the 1535 Park Ave West lot. If elected, I am committed to working with other Councilmembers to study ways to ensure these neighborhoods are represented on City Council and each of the city’s commissions, boards, and advisory groups.

Although I was not raised in Highland Park, my wife, children and I have come to call it home. I love how this community has come together in both times of sadness and times of great joy— how neighbors truly care for one another. Having lived in other jurisdictions and worked with municipal governments from across the nation, I would bring to the Council life experiences and ideas from outside of Highland Park.

Throughout my career, graduate education, and volunteer activities, I have encouraged civil discourse in discussing public policy issues and community interactions. In July 2024, I testified to this matter, which can be seen in the video linked here: Highland Park City Council meeting.

Question 2. HP Forward believes a community and its leaders must always be considering changes to address shifts in its residents’ wishes and needs, and to keep up with surrounding communities. What improvements and changes would you work for in city government and in the community at large?

Kevin Cullather: The city and Council should engage residents and business owners in charting HP’s future. To do so, I am proposing that the city use the process of updating its 25-year old Comprehensive Plan to map out its future while also engaging residents and business owners. For background, since the Comprehensive Plan was adopted, many changes have occurred. For example,

• The old movie theater has been replaced with an office building/retail/restaurant space

• The Saks has been replaced with an apartment building

• The Albion complex has been built by the water tower

• More condominium buildings surround the central business district and in the “step- down” zone

• New multiuse buildings have been built in the Ravinia District

• A golf course has been converted into a nature preserve

• The Toys-R-Us and Petco have shuttered

• Lincoln School has been demolished

These are simply a reflection of a changing community. We know there will be more development in the coming years as the Solo Cup site is developed and District 112 finalizes its school renovations and sells off properties it no longer uses. In addition, the neighboring village of Northbrook is planning the redevelopment of Northbrook Court, and Highland Park needs to identify the potential impact this will have on our residents and businesses.

The city needs to use the planning process not only to gather public input but also to educate its residents about what can be built on specific parcels. By proactively engaging its residents, the city can avoid much of the heated discussions and pushback it received regarding widening Green Bay Road sidewalks on University Avenue, development of 1535 Park Avenue West, and a truck depot at the Solo Cup site.

As the former Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, one question we always asked was “have you spoken to your neighbors?” The city and other governmental organizations should do the same. As a Councilmember, I will commit to having regular hours when the residents and business owners can meet with me and discuss their concerns or visions for Highland Park.

While serving on the Zoning Board, I witnessed many changes in the residential neighborhoods over past eight years. These changes may not be as noticeable to most residents. As Chair, I asked staff to look at the variances granted and to identify trends citywide as well as within each zoning district. Because the zoning laws were created after many homes were built, entire neighborhoods are deemed “non-conforming.” As part of the revision to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, I believe using these data would make the community more welcoming and inviting to homeowners who are looking to modernize our older housing stock to current standards or expectations.

Question 3. HP Forward is dedicated to ensuring a more vibrant and thriving local business community, providing an attractive destination for its residents and visitors and a solid tax base to help reduce tax burdens on homeowners. How do you believe the city is currently meeting this mission and what would you do differently? Please share any specific plans.

Kevin Cullather: Highland Park needs to be more proactive in mapping its future and how vacant lots and buildings would be developed in the future. As part of the updating its comprehensive plan, the city needs to catalog these properties and their attributes and work with the owners and community to determine the best potential uses for these resources. I will advocate for a city that:

• Engages with its residents and businesses in mapping our future.
• Supports both for-profit and non-profit organizations in Highland Park to fulfill their mission and serve the community.

• Works with and listens to existing business owners about services they need or how the city can help them attract new customers or businesses to our community.

• Identifies why some storefronts remain vacant for long periods of time and works with the landlords as well as other policymakers to address the underlying reasons.

• Helps property owners identify federal, state, or philanthropic grants or loans that could help bring existing buildings up to current standards for entrepreneurial tenants.

• Examines its policies and processes to determine whether they dissuade entrepreneurs from doing business in Highland Park.

• Reimagines “THE LOT” to create a destination spot for residents and visitors in the Central Business District.

• Identifies events and hosts events that attract residents and non-residents alike to Highland Park, such as a First Night celebration, a non-profit expo, and family friendly events.

• Installs permanent electronic signage (instead of the temporary one currently used) near the fire station on Central to promote upcoming events as drivers enter Highland Park off the highway.

• Works with residents, property owners, business owners, developers and other interested stakeholders to reimagine the Briarcreek Business District, including the Solo Cup site and the 1616 Deerfield Road property (Toys R Us and PETCO building) as well as the former memory care facility on Richfield Avenue.

• Supports local businesses by working with District 113, Moraine Township, the College of Lake County, and other organizations to ensure that the local workforce meets the needs of the employers.

Highland Park needs to be more proactive in adopting policies or programs that help our local businesses. We know that events at The LOT bring business and tax revenue from non-residents who traveled to Highland Park for these events. Similarly, on two trips to the winter farmers market, I have spoken with shoppers from nearby communities. For example, During the pandemic, I encouraged the city to work with the Park District to set up picnic tables throughout the business districts. While not adopted here in Highland Park, this was a model used in other communities to support their local businesses.

Question 4. HP Forward is also seeking a more open, inclusive, and transparent local government. To help us understand your views on these important goals please reply to the following:

a. Explain your understanding of the role of the city council in interacting with the community, the different commissions, and with city staff while setting city policy and operating plans.

Kevin Cullather: Since moving to Highland Park, I have served on the Bird Friendly Task Force and the Zoning Board of Appeals. In each role, I have regularly met with members of City Council, staff, residents, and their representatives. The ZBA, which I chaired for 3 of my 8 years on the Board, is a quasi-judicial body that hears from property owners seeking zoning variances and the removal of heritage trees. As a body, we worked most closely with the City’s Planning staff as well as the City Forester. Our direct interaction with the City Council was primarily through the Council liaison. It is not the ZBA’s role to set policy, but rather to interpret and apply those policies to individual cases. In some instances, under the city’s Compere Referral process, the ZBA does make recommendations to the City Council for final determination. In these instances, I believe the council needs to hold the applicant to the same standard for a variance as does the ZBA or the Plan and Design Commission.

Each of the commissions, boards and advisory groups is made up of members of the community, with a liaison from City Council, and a professional from the appropriate city department. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Each body has its own area of jurisdiction and, with the exception of the ZBA, may make policy recommendations to the City Council. I appreciate that the Council has begun scheduling briefings from the commission chairs to hear about the latest issues. I would work with the mayor to ensure that all regions of Highland Park are represented on these bodies so that diverse perspectives are heard. I would also ask the Council to re-examine policies that prohibit certain individuals from serving our community due to their professional background (e.g., architects).

As a resident, I have testified before both City Council and the Plan and Design Commission regarding issues affecting the city at large and specific developments. On at least one occasion, I urged the council to adopt higher energy efficiency requirements when a developer requested a height variance. These variances created greater cubic space that needed to be heated and cooled. I have also attended meetings regarding proposals affecting Green Bay Road, the former Solo Cup site, the proposed sidewalks on University Avenue, and the development of the property at 1535 Park Avenue West. In each instance, I have witnessed residents who were frustrated and believed City Council was not listening to them. I believe much of this frustration can be eased through better communication from the city.

Kevin Cullather: This question is a simple matter of preserving and protecting American democracy. In my opinion, the votes of 2780 Highland Parkers were stolen.

In the 2023 election, Jeff Hoobler received the highest number of votes, despite efforts by the mayor and others to defeat him. Based on the election results from the Lake County Clerk’s office, Mr. Hoobler won votes cast (1) in-person through Early Voting, (2) in-person on election day, (3) by mail-in and counted on election day, and (4) by mail-in and received within 2 weeks after election day. By forcing his resignation, the mayor and others were subverting democracy and the votes of 2780 of their constituents.

The city’s attorney, city manager, or chair of the city’s Municipal Officers Electoral Board should have been aware of the code that disallows Councilmembers from holding a liquor license before the election. The issue of a council member being issued a liquor license arose when his brewery’s license came up for renewal. When this issue was raised, I provided City Council with the document signed by the city manager certifying the candidates to be on the Highland Park ballot. Unfortunately, despite evidence otherwise, the city refused to take responsibility.

I have taught courses on board governance for municipal boards and believe that any conflicts of interest can be avoided through simple recusal on issues related in the council member’s business or competitors. Other communities have rescinded similar provisions, had liquor license holders serve on city council or as mayor, and have managed any potential conflicts of interest.

Kevin Cullather: When the provision of the City Code was unearthed, it was appropriate for the Council to raise their concerns and discuss the problem in public. It was also appropriate for Mr. Hoobler to recuse himself during the discussions.

Unfortunately, two camps quickly coalesced among the remaining Councilmembers. Members Lidawer, Ross, and Tapia voted to change the code and uphold the will of the voters. Conversely, Mayor Rotering and Members Blumberg and Stone voted against updating the code for apparent personal reasons. After the general election in which 82% of the voters voiced their opinion to change the code, Members Lidawer and Tapia were unable to get a third member to join them to bring the issue up for a vote. Mayor Rotering incorrectly stated it had been voted on twice before and said it would be on the Council’s 2025 work plan after the April election. I believe a more appropriate course of action would have been for the Council to address this issue immediately after the November 2024 election rather than postponing its deliberations to mid-2025.

Mostly, it is disappointing that the issue became about an individual member of City Council rather than about the policy issue at hand. As the city moves forward with this issue, economic development grants and other activities, it needs to ensure that its decisions are based on what is best for the community and not whether the applicant is a friend or foe of a particular decisionmaker.

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Candidate – Jon Centers’ Response to HP Forward Endorsement Questionnaire

February 14, 2025 (updated February 15, 2025) Published by HP Forward

Question 1: Why are you seeking a position on the Council and what unique attributes, experience and skills would enhance your electability and improve the work of the council?

Jon Center: As a lifelong Highland Parker, I am passionate about our city and share the vision of making it the premier destination on the North Shore. I value its rich history, natural beauty, and traditions while recognizing the need for thoughtful development and forward-thinking leadership.

I bring critical financial expertise as a CPA and leadership experience as a CFO/COO skills currently missing from the Council. I am seeking a position because I see an opportunity to enhance fiscal accountability, improve oversight, and implement best practices to uphold high standards, ensuring Highland Park remains a city of which we can all be proud of.

As a 40-year-old resident, husband, and father of two, I represent an underrepresented demographic on the Council. I have built a strong and committed network that represents the future of Highland Park and one that has expressed immense enthusiasm for the candidacy of a peer. I am energized to bring the voice of family-aged residents to the table and contribute to building a more vibrant, thriving community.

Question 2: What improvements and changes would you work for in city government and in the community at large?

JonCenter: I aim to bring meaningful improvements to city government by applying my private-sector expertise in identifying inefficiencies, strengthening financial oversight, and driving innovative solutions. Over my career, I have collaborated with global organizations to streamline operations, enhance accountability, and implement best practices—experience that directly translates to optimizing government processes and delivering impactful results for Highland Park.

A thriving local economy is vital to our city’s future. I will focus on creating a more business-friendly environment by modernizing outdated policies, fostering partnerships with the private sector, and supporting small businesses. These efforts will expand the tax base, alleviate the financial burden on homeowners, and revitalize business districts to ensure Highland Park remains competitive with neighboring communities.

Transparency, sound fiscal oversight, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars are critical priorities. My financial background positions me to enhance accountability and ensure decisions are guided by data and best practices, helping to build a more efficient and resilient city government.

Question 3: How do you believe the city is currently meeting the mission of a vibrant and thriving local business community, and what would you do differently?

Jon Center: Highland Park has recently made encouraging progress, but there is still significant potential to unlock in both Ravinia and the downtown area. With its beautiful infrastructure and rich history, our city is uniquely positioned to become a premier destination on the North Shore. Achieving this requires a bold, collaborative strategy involving property owners, restaurateurs, real estate brokers, and prospective tenants to revitalize our business districts with diverse retailers, restaurants, and lifestyle brands.

To foster a thriving business community, we must embrace innovative public-private partnerships and carefully designed incentives that drive economic growth while delivering long-term returns. As a CPA and real estate CFO/COO, I bring expertise in financial planning, strategic execution, and operational oversight to ensure these initiatives are both impactful and sustainable.

While focusing on economic growth, we must also honor Highland Park’s unique character and traditions, creating vibrant spaces that reflect our city’s values. A thriving local economy will expand the tax base, ease the financial burden on homeowners, and strengthen our sense of community, making Highland Park a place we’re all proud to call home.

Question 4: Explain your understanding of the role of the city council in interacting with the community, commissions, and city staff while setting city policy and operating plans.

Jon Center: The city council’s role is to serve as a bridge between the community and city government, ensuring that residents’ voices are heard while providing strategic oversight for city policies and plans. This involves collaborating with commissions to gather expert input, working closely with city staff to implement policies efficiently, and maintaining open channels of communication with the public.

I believe early engagement with community members on proposed projects and developments is essential. By conducting upfront diligence and gathering feedback early, the Council can avoid incurring unnecessary costs at the expense of taxpayers and ensure decisions are informed and reflective of community priorities.

I am deeply grateful for the countless volunteers who serve on our commissions and bring their expertise to the table. Their dedication and hard work play a critical role in ensuring that decisions are made thoughtfully and with appropriate consideration. The contributions of these residents help ensure that Highland Park continues to benefit from a broad range of perspectives and insights, making our community stronger and more vibrant.

I would also like to assess the structure and completeness of our commissions to ensure that they are meeting the city’s needs. For example, should the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group revert from an advisory group into a decision-making commission that actively supports business growth? Additionally, I believe Highland Park would benefit from establishing a finance committee, which I would be eager to champion to enhance fiscal oversight and planning.

Question 5: Please explain your views on the liquor license law and how you reached your decision.

Jon Center: I believe the current liquor license law is outdated and should have been repealed, following the example of the significant majority of other jurisdictions. While it is crucial for Councilmembers to perform due diligence on decisions like this, that diligence has already been completed. With 82% support to repeal – one of the most supported referendum in the entire state of Illinois- there is no justification for further delays.

As a representative of the community, my personal opinion should take a back seat to the will of the people, and the message they delivered could not have been clearer. Highland Park deserves leaders who listen, act transparently, and put the community’s interests above politics. That’s what I stand for, and that’s why I’m running.

Question 6: Using the recent conflict over the liquor license laws as an example, what was done correctly by the council and what changes, if any, do you believe are appropriate for the council to consider when dealing with public policy issues going forward?

Jon Center: The recent conflict over the liquor license laws underscores the need to respect historical precedent while embracing change when the community’s voice is overwhelmingly clear. While the Council’s initial consideration was appropriate, the lack of timely action after 82% of voters supported repeal raises concerns about transparency and responsiveness.

Moving forward, the Council must prioritize open dialogue and transparency. Controversial issues should be addressed through public discussions and meaningful community engagement, fostering trust and mutual respect. Addressing potential conflicts of interest through proper recusal is equally essential to ensure decisions reflect the will of the people, not personal agendas.

Highland Park deserves leadership that listens, acts decisively, and puts the public’s interests first. This situation serves as a clear reminder of the need for stronger communication and accountability in governance.

Closing Statement

Jon Center: Highland Park is a city with immense potential, rich history, and vibrant traditions. I am running for City Council to bring fresh leadership, critical financial expertise, and a forward-thinking approach to ensure our community thrives. With a deep commitment to transparency, fiscal accountability, and inclusiveness, I aim to foster a more business friendly environment, expand our tax base, and reduce the financial burden on residents—all while honoring the unique character of our city.

As a lifelong Highland Parker, husband, and father, I understand the importance of creating a city that serves all generations. I will champion thoughtful policies, open dialogue, and innovative solutions to enhance economic growth, revitalize our business districts, and strengthen community trust. Highland Park deserves leaders who listen, act decisively, and put the public’s interests first. I am ready to work tirelessly to make Highland Park the premier city on the North Shore—one we are all proud to call home.

I humbly seek HP Forward’s endorsement and look forward to the opportunity to serve our city with integrity and purpose.

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