Endorsement of Northbrook Caucus Slate: Letter

Written and submitted by Bob Israel.

Serving on the Board of Trustees for the Village of Northbrook has been one of the most challenging, educational, and rewarding experiences of my life - this I know, and I wouldn't trade the last six years for anything. I also know that it was the prior 12 years participating on various commissions and committees that prepared and tempered me for this job. Having said all that, and having worked with President Frum and Trustee Ciesla on the Village Board, with Muriel Collison on the Plan Commission, and with Jason Han on the Community Relations Commission, I can say that these four people have demonstrated their commitment to this community, as well as their abilities to introduce and effectively communicate diverse perspectives and ideas which address our collective challenges. I need to add here that I am an engineer; my education provided me with a lot of background on how to build roads and bridges, but not much training on how to advocate for a cause, negotiate between people, to debate and communicate specific points, to build consensus, or to be the devil's advocate for the opposing side. Kathryn, Muriel, and Jason are good neighbors, committed community members, and very different people with their own individual opinions. All that, plus they are lawyers who are committed to serving their community! Over time, I have come to respect their viewpoints as well as their abilities to advocate in ways that will ensure that Northbrook continues to be a wonderful place to live and do business. I value their opinions and believe the community to be a better place for them having shared them.

Based on my personal knowledge of the candidates, I enthusiastically add my strong endorsement and support of Sandy Frum, Kathryn Ciesla, Muriel Collison, and Jason Han for the Village Board.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Northbrook Caucus for their commitment in reviewing all of the applicants, seeking out new voices, and participating, on our behalf, to select the most qualified and committed candidates to represent us on the ballot. I ask that all of you, my friends and neighbors, get out and participate in the elections and cast your vote for your community - Northbrook Village Hall is open for early voting March 20 to April 3, Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and at your polling place on April 4, 2017.

-Bob Israel