Uncategorized – HP Forward

Highland Park Forward Endorses Jon Center for Highland Park City Council

January 28, 2025 (updated January 28, 2025) Published by HP Forward

Highland Park, IL — Highland Park Forward, a grassroots organization dedicated to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and vibrant community growth, proudly announces its endorsement of Jon Center for the two-year seat on the Highland Park City Council vacated by former Councilmember Jeff Hoobler.

Jon Center, a lifelong Highland Park resident, has demonstrated the qualities and experience necessary to bring fresh energy and expertise to the Council. As a CPA and seasoned CFO/COO, Jon’s strong business acumen and fiscal leadership address a critical need for strategic oversight and accountability on the current City Council and presents a strong contrast between him and his opponents.

“Jon’s commitment to Highland Park’s success, his deep roots in the community and his enthusiasm for the challenge stood out during our endorsement process,” said Irwin Bernstein, Co-Chair of Highland Park Forward. “His professional expertise and vision for revitalizing Highland Park’s business districts reflect the leadership our city needs to thrive.”

In addition to his qualifications, Jon’s campaign has gained significant traction, supported by a robust campaign committee and the financial resources necessary for success. His focus on modernizing government operations, supporting local businesses, and fostering inclusivity aligns closely with Highland Park Forward’s mission. “Jon’s vision and dedication to our community are inspiring,” Bernstein added. “We believe he will play a pivotal role in shaping Highland Park’s future, and we are proud to support his campaign.”

Jon Center expressed gratitude for the endorsement, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive HP Forward’s endorsement. I share their commitment to creating a transparent and inclusive government that listens to residents and takes decisive action. Together, we can ensure Highland Park remains a vibrant and thriving community for generations to come.”

For more information about Jon Center’s campaign for Highland Park City Council, please visit www.jc4hp2025.com.

Candidate Questions for HP City Council

January 17, 2025 (updated January 28, 2025) Published by HP Forward

January 19, 2025

HP Forward recently sent questionnaires to the April City Council election candidates who have agreed to participate in our interview and endorsement program. It is our intention to review the answers received and then conduct short interviews. The interviews will be conducted by Irwin Bernstein, Chris Falcon, and Faye Rosenberg. Written answers received will be published on the HP Forward website.

The note asked for the following:

Please provide short answers to the following questions and be prepared to discuss the following topics. The questions and your replies will be posted on the HPForward.org website for the entire community to see.

The note asked for the following:

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

5. 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.

These questions are designed to clarify your positions for us and for the community. We will not engage you in a debate. To further our understanding, we may ask follow-up questions to your answers during our interviews.

Thank you for your interest in serving our community!

Grassroots Grant Program to Support Political Newcomers Running for Highland Park City Council

January 1, 2025 (updated January 29, 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 strategic 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:

Highland Park registered voter who has not previously held a local government position.
Committed to inclusion, community-driven government, and advancing efforts to build a vibrant community.
Developed campaign platform and plan for engaging with the Highland Park electorate.
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 are two candidates running for remainder of Jeff Hoobler’s term. Both of these candidates have met the three criteria and HP Forward is excited to announce Grassroot Grants to both candidates:

*James Lynch was running for the 4-year term – James M. Lynch (Since withdrawn from the race despite meeting criteria)

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 Openness and Transparency

Forward for Businesses

Forward for a Vibrant Community

Forward for Inclusive Government