Your Civic Involvement

• I served from 1996-1999 with the United States Navy as an intelligence analyst in the Middle East.
• I graduated from Waubonsee Community College (1999) and Illinois State University (2003)
• I helped workers to organize a union at ATMI Precast as a volunteer organizer with Northern Illinois Jobs with Justice (NIJWJ) and provided community support when they were locked out, resulting in better paying jobs and benefits for nearly 100 workers.
• I worked with NIJWJ again in (2014) to defeat an application by K12 Inc.(an 18-district virtual charter school) for operation in the Fox Valley. Virtual learning was later shown during the pandemic to be ineffective for most students.
• I served on the East Aurora School Board from 2015-2019 where I was an early supporter of the historic move to provide busing for students and I worked to find a long-term superintendent after excessive turnover and two years of interim superintendents.
• I became a founding member of Working Families Aurora when the current administration awarded $58 million in public funds to the Hollywood Casino $58M to facilitate their move from downtown to the interstate exchange at Farnsworth and I-88. We organized community members to speak out at city council meetings. Their objections were ignored, so I ran successfully for the position of Alderman-at-Large.
• I worked with Working Families Aurora to get a referendum on the April 1st ballot asking voters whether they favored the adoption of strict campaign finance rules and the capping of political donations at $1,000 for any corporation doing business with the City of Aurora. Alderwoman Patty Smith challenged the referendum, and it was removed from the ballot. Unfortunately we didn't have the resources to defend its inclusion.
• I am presently an active member of the Fox Valley Garden Club. I'm interested in developing a local food economy to help provide fresh, affordable food for our community.
• As Alderman-at-Large I have consistently voted against pay-to-play practices and taxpayer-funded handouts to developers and to the politically-connected who donate to Richard Irvin's campaign.

Why Are You Running?

I'm running for Mayor of Aurora to advance an agenda for the people, which includes better jobs at a living wage, affordable single-family homes, addressing the climate crisis, and a strong administration that communicates openly and listens to residents. Aurora is a great and diverse city, but we need a strategic vision that carves out a future economy in the green/tech space instead of simply trying to be an entertainment destination.
I'm not running against any one individual, but, rather running to do my part to reform a broken political system that works incredibly well for connected and wealthy elites who buy off elected officials at every level of government with campaign contributions, and thereby enjoy preferential treatment on legislative issues. I don't take contributions from corporate PACs or people doing, or seeking to do business with the City of Aurora.

Your Civic Involvement

• Pastoral Council Member at St. Joseph Parish
• PADS Ministry Coordinator (feeding the homeless ministry)
• Family Faith Formation Instructor
• Knight of Columbus
• Adult Religious Classes Instructor
• Youth Basketball Coach
• Executive Director with extensive servant leadership experience
• Active member of various civic organizations
• Rotary Club Member
• Planning and executing food distribution in the Aurora area
• Appointed to the Illinois Task Force on Employment and Economic Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities

Why Are You Running?

I am running for City Council to foster a supportive and inclusive community, ensuring that our moral and ethical values are reflected in local governance. I aim to expand youth programs and family services, providing safe spaces and resources for our young people to grow and thrive. I am committed to creating an informed community where every resident feels empowered and engaged. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Aurora that serves and grows together. I want to make sure all Aurorans feel safe in their city and support local schools so they have the tools and resources necessary to fulfill our shared mission.

Your Civic Involvement

• Rotary Club Member
• RTA Board Member
• AHHCF Board Member

Why Are You Running?

Aurora needs leadership that listens, takes action, and delivers results. My family has been part of this community for over a century, and I grew up here during a time when the city faced real challenges. I've built my career helping small businesses succeed, supporting workers through my union, and working with local nonprofits to strengthen our community. Now, I want to bring that experience to City Hall to make sure the 4th Ward and Aurora continue moving forward.

One of my strengths is bringing people together to get things done. I've worked with business owners, workers, and organizations that don't always see eye to eye, but I know how to find common ground and move toward solutions. That's the kind of leadership we need. As Alderman, I'll focus on driving economic growth by supporting small businesses and ensuring responsible development. I'll work to create safer neighborhoods by investing in youth programs, mental health resources, and community-led initiatives that address the root causes of crime. I'll push for infrastructure improvements, like fixing roads, sidewalks, and public spaces, to enhance our neighborhoods. And I'll advocate for working families, making sure city policies support the people who live and work here.

Aurora is growing, and we need leadership that keeps up. I'm committed to listening to residents, addressing real issues, and making sure our city works for everyone.

Why Are You Running?

My decision to run for Alderman is rooted in a deep love for Aurora, the city that has been my home for over four decades. This community has shaped me, supported me, and now, I feel called to give back in a meaningful way. Life has taught me valuable lessons, some through joy and others through profound loss. Losing my daughter to bone cancer was a turning point that reshaped my perspective on what truly matters. It deepened my understanding of the importance of compassion and community support. My work in the oncology field has further reinforced these values, showing me how empathy and care can make a real difference in people's lives.
These experiences have instilled in me a genuine desire to serve our community. Safety and government transparency are at the forefront of my concerns. I want to address speeding near schools and senior communities with community-led solutions. I also believe in making the local government more accessible and responsive, ensuring residents feel heard and informed. My approach is collaborative and community-driven. I believe the best decisions come from listening to those they impact most. I'm committed to turning conversations into action, ensuring Ward 7 residents shape the decisions that affect them.

Your Civic Involvement

• HOA Board member and secretary (for Ashton Pointe Condo Association) for 5 years
• Current HOA Board member for Cambridge at Countryside and Treasurer
• Board member for LibraryCreate a non profit that works on mission to increase literacy in the developing world
• Volunteer at Hesed house & feed my starving kids
• Actively involved with Aurora and Napervile Indian communities

Why Are You Running?

With 25 years of experience in the tech industry and management, Ram is dedicated to modernizing libraries, expanding mentorship opportunities, and ensuring they remain valuable and connected spaces for learning and growth. As a LibraryCreate board member and current HOA treasurer, he brings leadership, fresh ideas, and innovation to the table.

LEARN – A Five-Star Vision for Aurora Public Library ⭐ L – Light the Lamp of Knowledge ⭐ E – Embrace Cultures and Communities ⭐ A – Advocate for Accessibility and Innovation ⭐ R – Reinvent Learning Spaces ⭐ N – Nurture Future Generations

Your Civic Involvement

• Aurora Airport Advisory Board (2023-Present)
• Attends City Council Meetings 1-2 times a month
• Served as Student Body President in my undergraduate student career at an institution with 18,000 students

Why Are You Running?

Born and raised in Aurora, I was an early language learner- I want to advocate for more outreach to our diverse communities. Being an incumbent, I have developed a passion to give back to my community by providing responsible, honest and dedicated leadership on the board. My goals are as follows: 1. Supporting Innovation and Resource Accessibility 2. Expand Learning and Engagement Opportunities within our libraries- for all walks of life. 3. Focus on renovations, investments in technology and our future generations.

Your Civic Involvement

• Aurora Public Library District Trustee (2023-present)
• Mayor of Aurora's Sustainability Advisory Board (2022-2023)
• St. Charles Singers Treasurer and Board of Director (2017-2023)
• Kane County Election Judge (2014-2022)
• Carillon Homeowner's Association Landscaping Committee Chair (2014-2017)

Why Are You Running?

As an incumbent, I want to continue to use my business and leadership skills to shape library policies and provide fiscal oversight. I want the library to attract Aurorans of all ages, ethnicities, and interests, and I want to see the Eola and West Branches renovated to address the growing demand. My goal is to help APLD evolve its collection, programs, and services to be the 21 st century library Aurora residents deserve, and to be their first destination for learning, fun, and community services.

Your Civic Involvement

• Batavia Chamber of Commerce Board Secretary (2017-2023)
• Batavia Women in Business Committee Member (2017-present)
• HC Storm Elementary School PTO Board Secretary (2021-2023)
• Volunteering with family at area organizations, including Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Friends of the Fox River, Fermilab Prairie Project, Feed My Starving Children

Why Are You Running?

I'm running for Batavia Park District Commissioner to ensure high-quality, accessible programs for all ages, inspired by my three children's experiences with park district athletics, afterschool care through Kids Club, family dances, wagon rides, and summer days at the Quarry. Additionally, as Director of Philanthropy at Covenant Living at the Holmstad, I understand the importance of enriching programming for older adults and believe in fostering opportunities that build community across generations. I'm also committed to responsible land stewardship, advocating for a balance between city growth and the preservation of green spaces that connect us to nature, our prairie heritage, and our fellow community members.

Your Civic Involvement

• Founder of Aurora.vote
• Coach for Boys Baseball of Aurora
• Election Judge & Zone Manager for Kane County Elections
• Organizer of West Park Neighbors' National Night Out

Why Are You Running?

I am a proud Auroran, a graduate of Illinois public schools, and the husband to a dedicated West Aurora teacher. I am running for the West Aurora School District 129 School Board to support responsible spending and foster the community's vision for our schools. Every student in the district deserves fair opportunities and quality education. Every employee of the district deserves fair compensation and quality career development. Every taxpayer in the district deserves fair government representation and quality output of public schools. That's a lot to balance, but it would be my honor to serve on the SD129 Board of Education and work towards continuing to find balance that ensures the needs of the students, employees, and taxpayers are met.

Self-Profile

has not responded

Your Civic Involvement

I have volunteered with various organizations throughout my life. I was an AmeriCorp member, stayed on with the organization as a freelancer after my corps year to continue serving communities throughout the US. My family always valued civic engagement, we volunteered with organizations that ranged from delivering meals to elderly to renovating open spaces for community use. My husband and I believe in service. He is a combat veteran and graduate of West Point who now serves as an Assist. State's Attorney in Kane County. We are members of Holy Cross Catholic Church. We moved here for family, believing a strong family unit is the best gift - to each other and the community. Living in Batavia for a year, I know this is one of the best places in the United States to raise a family. I really want everyone here to feel that.

Why Are You Running?

My neighbors and friends asked me to. My background is in business. I've worked as a filmmaker for the last 15 years. I started 3 successful companies, and have consulted for many others. I know how to allocate funds, understand the needs of departments, and work with a diverse team to support the "whole operation". My goal is not as a disruptor, but to work with the current board members to best serve the day to day operations and most importantly the taxpayers. I am focused on the safety of our next generation of citizens, providing transparent communication between citizens and the board. The citizens in Batavia have expressed their concerns on various topics, and I will make sure those are heard and all issues - especially those directly affecting children - are addressed.

Your Civic Involvement

• Elected to the Indian Prairie School Board since 2017, President since 2021
• Alive Center Advisory Board Director
• Animal Therapy volunteer at Edward Hospital and in schools
• League of Women Voters member - focused on voter initiatives
• Substitute teacher in 204 to support shortages
• Former Director Indian Prairie Educational Foundation
• Former Chair Naperville sister Cities Commission
• Former Board Secretary Hawthorn Credit Union

Why Are You Running?

I want to make sure students attending 204 schools today have the same amazing experience my children received. We need to make sure students have the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential. This means challenging them academically, supporting them emotionally, and embracing them in our schools.

Your Civic Involvement

• For the past five years we have served our surrounding school districts in Kane and Kendall County with our trowels in education efforts. We created a unique approach with a mobile booth that gives students firsthand experience of different trades in the industry. Our volunteers, with Katie highlight different educational paths such as licensing exams, certification courses, and trade schools.
• We share the importance of establishing a LinkedIn profile, earning prevailing wages why students continue their education, and how to advocate for testing accommodations for neurodiverse students entering the workforce.
• Our community efforts have served close to 2,000 volunteer hours over the last five years bridging gaps that still go overlooked. Skilled gap deficits are affecting multiple industries such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and financial services. School Board or no School board our efforts will continue as this next generation needs to have a common ground of equity and assets like the generations before.

Why Are You Running?

After five years of speaking with students, staff, and educators. I realized that it is time for our industry to step in to bring innovation, networking, solutions, and lay down the foundation for a new path. The success of our school district is critical to the success of our students in the workforce.

Your Civic Involvement

• Served on the Finance and Facilities Committee beginning in 2017 and then transferred to and currently serve in the Superintendent's Advisory Group.
• Member of Moms and More since 2012 and have served in a variety of positions including treasurer and resale chair.
• Member, Section Leader, and current Board Member of the Aurora Legion Band since 2017.

Why Are You Running?

After spending several years learning about the district's finances and watching all of the cuts that had to be made for several years, I hope to continue the previous boards work in keeping the budget moving in the right direction. With looming cuts to education at the federal and state level, the district needs to prioritize being good stewards of the funding we have while providing the best educational experience for all students. As the parent of a child with special needs, I believe our special education program has been neglected for many years and needs an overhaul. This process has started under the current administration, and I would like to see it come to fruition while providing input as a special needs parent.

Your Civic Involvement

• Volunteer with Oswego Youth Tackle Football teams
• Missions Trips volunteer through different ministries
• Volunteer for Wayside Cross Ministries
• School Volunteer with SD308
• Help local neighbors with shoveling and lawn mowing
• Attend community events and support local businesses
• Regular voter and have helped with local campaigns
• Give regular donations to different organizations

Why Are You Running?

I am running for SD308 School Board because after leaving my 20+ years in a professional business career to stay home with my children, I began working for myself and obtained my substitute teaching license with ISBE. I worked in SD308 as a substitute teacher in both general education and special education and really developed a love for education. I want to see all children succeed and see being a school board member as an opportunity to have a positive impact on children. I homeschooled during the pandemic and also taught my kindergarten-aged son to read, and absolutely loved seeing a child who could not read begin reading. It was truly a remarkable experience. I want to take this passion to the board and do my part as a responsible parent, teacher and citizen.

Your Civic Involvement

• Commissioner, Warrenville Plan Commission
• Member, Citizens Advisory Committee to the School Board

Why Are You Running?

I am running to serve my community to the best of my abilities, given my background, skills, and expertise. I am also running to represent a voice for Warrenville within the greater district.

Your Civic Involvement

• Scoutmaster (past)
• Church board member (current)
• Rotary program chair since 2015 (current)
• Chamber of Commerce committee member (past)

Why Are You Running?

With some 500 elected public board meetings under my belt, I understand the difference between governance and administration. I have been involved as a volunteer in various roles at several of our schools, and have served on numerous boards, committees, and senior officer positions with local and international professional and civic organizations. I offer a steady hand for a highly regarded school district.