Evanston Experience Matters. Elect Lori Keenan For Mayor

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My name is Lori Keenan, and I’m running for Mayor of Evanston.

Our family has lived in Evanston for 22 years and my husband, Peter, and I have raised our three children here. I strongly believe in listening and responding to the people of Evanston, especially about your concerns about our community. It’s what I’ve always done as a member of the community, and now I’d like to carry that mission forward as Mayor.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the honor of speaking with neighbors, business owners and families. In a unique city like ours, our challenges are multileveled, and I share your concerns.

I believe a strong leader needs two things to be a true community member: open ears and an open mind. Over the years, I’ve seen how the people’s voice has been silenced. At Public Comment during City Council meetings, or on our Commissions and Boards, the people of Evanston have been consistently disregarded, or worse, marginalized. I know we can do better.

As an Evanston-based small business owner and a project management specialist, I’ve used my professional skills for decades as a community member and a volunteer to build consensus and support across all wards on citywide initiatives.

We’ve had some sizable grassroots wins along the way. For example: we saved the branch libraries and advocated for a west side branch 10 years ago to ensure all Evanstonians have access to this important resource. I’ve supported 5th Ward residents who opposed environmental racism when a pumping station was placed in their ward, and have helped connect players and move the conversation forward in support of a 5th Ward school because I believe every child should be able to attend a neighborhood school.

As a Founding Board Member of the Dajae Coleman Foundation, I helped to uplift and support our youth and provide scholarships to Black students in the wake of a tragic incident due to gun violence. I’ve worn countless community volunteer hats, but am also a working parent with bills to pay and increasing concerns about our community’s livability.

As a small business owner myself, I have helped launch several local Evanston businesses, and I’m concerned our downtown isn’t thriving as it should. I question the decisions that have already begun to decimate the character and charm of our downtown, with little upside potential to the residents or businesses that have made personal and professional investments here. I’m encouraged that numerous business owners support my campaign.

I love Evanston. I have the true Evanston experience for getting big things done in town, and genuinely thrive on talking with people who also care deeply about our community. I am committed to showing up, and speaking up, on behalf of the people, as I have done for the past two decades. I’ve always believed a principled, responsible government has to be responsive and accountable to the people who elected them.

This is my vision for Evanston.

I hope you’ll join me.

Lori

Paid for by Friends of Lori Keenan.

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