Endorsement of Northbrook Caucus Slate: Letter

Written by and submitted on behalf of Stephanie Zwilling.

It is my pleasure to write this letter in support and endorsement of Kathryn Ciesla, Muriel Collison and Sandra Frum for Northbrook Village Trustees and Village President, respectively. I am both a Northbrook resident and a recent petitioner before the trustees, representing Providence Farm. Providence is a recently approved recovery home and gardens for 18-30 year old North Shore men who have completed treatment for substance use disorders.

Back in June when I originally approached the trustees about Providence, Ms. Ciesla was particularly moved by the spirit of this project. I have learned more about Ms. Ciesla as I have participated more actively in village politics, and I have been impressed by her straightforwardness, commitment to service-driven community, and willingness to stand up for that which compels her. Fortunately for Providence, Ms. Ciesla is clearly compelled by the spirit of inclusive community, and she is a strong and consensus-building advocate.

During the emotionally charged Plan Commission hearings, Ms. Collison remained level and inquisitive. She made great efforts to understand neighborhood concerns and requests, all the while maintaining a fundamental support in the idea of community-supported recovery. Ultimately, Ms. Collison took great initiative in visiting the proposed site and crafting solutions that both addressed neighbor concerns, and paved the way for Providence Farm. Because of Muriel’s efforts, the Village of Northbrook will be a leader in implementing a cutting-edge, community-based recovery movement. The extra time Ms. Collison put forth in both vetting Providence, the proposed site and recommended solutions demonstrates creativity, open-mindedness, compromise and compassion.

Providence was a controversial project, and activated significant fear and emotion throughout its multiple hearings. I was grateful for the skillful manner in which Ms. Frum managed the public comments, insisted on respectful discourse, and led the trustees through a solution-focused response. I have never before put much thought into local politics, but my experience as a petitioner with Providence has illustrated to me the importance of a strong, capable leader. Northbrook is fortunate to have such a professional and thoughtful leader in Ms. Frum.

It is of great value to our community to elect trustees who will conduct village matters with professionalism, conscientiousness and leadership. Please join me in voting April 4 (or in early voting March 20-April 3) for Kathryn Ciesla, Muriel Collison and Sandra Frum.

Warmly,

Stephanie Zwilling, LCSW