Why I'm Running for Skokie Trustee

What do you want Skokie’s future to be like?

In the long process of getting on April’s ballot for Skokie Trustee, I’ve asked variations of this question to hundreds of Skokie residents. As a high-school teacher, I’m drawn to broad, open-ended reflections that invite critical thinking. For many, this question is quite challenging; 2020’s crises have made the future feel more uncertain than ever. For others, this question is oddly simple; we’ve become more attuned to the common good, and grown in solidarity with each other through these difficult times.

I’ve long been a future-oriented person, curious about ways to promote systemic change for the benefit of all. When I think of Skokie’s future, I long for the flourishing of everything I already love about this place – its diversity, nature, schools, religious life, and treasures. I’ve only lived here 5 years, but Skokie has helped me settle down and get rooted in ways I never expected. I’ll always owe a debt of gratitude to this beautiful community and will live here indefinitely.

I only decided to run for Skokie’s Board of Trustees when I realized Skokie was sadly bound for another uncontested election. Our local political monopoly – the Skokie Caucus Party – has had control over the entire Board for 60 years and is accustomed to running unopposed. Though Skokie is one of the most diverse communities in all America, it’s quite common for our elected positions to go uncontested. The more I’ve learned about Skokie’s political dormancy, the more I’ve realized we’re missing out. Without contested elections, local engagement is stifled, candidates don’t have to make goals, voter turnout stays low, and residents get apathetic. Only 8% of voters participated in Skokie’s last municipal elections, so we’re overdue an awakening.

Contested elections are great opportunities to engage social-justice issues that should be discerned together. As an independent candidate for Skokie Trustee, I am going to focus on three issues that need special consideration – sustainability, housing, and democracy. Here’s why: without a long-term vision of stewardship for this land and its inhabitants, we will increasingly suffer the consequences of climate change and insecurity. Without housing protections for renters and lower-income families, Skokie could become unwelcoming and alienate its most vulnerable residents. And without some major democratic reforms, the obstacles to political engagement and representation will hinder all efforts for systemic change.

Sustainability. Most people I meet are completely unaware that 2021 is a critical year for environmental sustainability in Skokie. We have a double task: complete the Village’s 2016-2021 Sustainability Plan, and craft a new, bolder Plan for 2022-2027 and beyond. We started our Sustainability Plan with a fantastic framework – to reduce the Village’s energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and more – but many of the plan’s goals are still unmet. Instead, our Trustees are approving massive, energy-intensive, corporate constructions like the Hilton Hotel project on Oakton, without consideration of the environmental cost. We have to flip our priorities in 2021 and value long-term sustainability goals over short-term profits.

Housing. Less than 20% of Skokie housing is “affordable,” and lower-income families are increasingly priced-out of town altogether. Given Skokie’s long history as an historic refuge for marginalized communities, we must protect housing as a basic human right. Because of Covid and the resulting economic crisis, many Skokie families are experiencing housing insecurity. We need to prevent evictions, protect renters, make Skokie housing more fair and affordable, and stop subsidizing luxury developments like the 8000 North project underway downtown. If “Skokie welcomes everyone,” we must be mindful of the economic inequities that prevent the less-affluent from living here.

Democracy. No one wants Skokie to be a one-party town for another 60 years. It’s long overdue that Skokie shift to nonpartisan elections, meaning all candidates run independently without political parties. I want to break through the partisan barrier the Skokie Caucus Party uses to limit participatory democracy, and serve as an active, independent policymaker and collaborator. Particularly during Covid, the Board of Trustees has become listless and less accountable, and needs to be revitalized with fresh perspectives. To speed the process, consider voting against all political parties until the Village transitions to nonpartisan elections.

In the coming months before Skokie’s April election, I’m going to make a public case for our future, one that emphasizes sustainability, housing, democracy, and equity work of all kinds. By contesting the Skokie Caucus Party, I am inviting them to participate in this public dialogue about policy. I’m starting a conversation that otherwise wouldn’t be had, and invite you to do the same.

Feel very free to contact me. I’m the lone, independent candidate for our Board of Trustees, and value people over political parties. I want to ask you about Skokie’s future, and listen. I’m ready to dialogue with you, your neighborhood, your organization, your congregation, and anyone you care about. Message me through email (jamesforskokie@gmail.com), my website (jamesforskokie.com), and Facebook if you want to connect.

What will 2021 bring? This is the year we “build back better,” to quote our new President. After the difficulties of 2020, we long for renewal. If elected, I will be honored to serve as a Trustee. If not, I will be honored to serve as a resident. Skokie is a special place and I’m proud to call it my home.