The RB Landmark sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Landmark’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Political experience
I have volunteered with local, congressional and presidential campaigns, working on everything from press to canvassing. This is my first time running for an elected position
Community experience
Co-founder of Go Green Brookfield; longtime volunteer at Meet the Creek (fish tank displays); and I am a member of the Brookfield Native Plants Group.
How do you view the library’s role as a “third space” in Brookfield? What can it do better in that regard?
Libraries play an irreplaceable role in American communities, and Brookfield’s library has done a remarkable job becoming a welcoming third space, serving as a hub of learning and community connection. And it does all of this without requiring that you enter a credit card number for a monthly subscription charge! Our library’s offerings are extensive – from early learning story times to events on financial planning, to meet-the-author events. Our library serves everyone from new parents, people stretching their budgets, to book club devotees. As a library trustee, I’ll work with library leadership to ensure programs continue catering to our growing and diverse population and that we engage Brookfielders from The Circle to Hollywood and all the way to 47th Street.
What is your favorite library initiative or service? How do you make use of the library?
The library is an essential resource for my family. Now teens, my children have spent countless hours there studying, playing games, and learning how to edit podcasts. I’ve donated to the seed library (which is amazing) and attended several of the more than 1,000 events held there annually. I recently presented there at native plants group event. In 2024, nearly a quarter-million items were checked out of the library, but it is so much more. As a trustee I’ll work to ensure the library serves the whole community. Whether you’re a young person thinking about college or a new parent with small children; whether you’re mid-career and retirement planning, or have retired and are looking to get involved, the library can offer a lifetime of learning and connection.
How would you respond to a growing book ban movement?
Illinois Public Act 103-0100 is very clear in disallowing book bans at public libraries in Illinois. It is important that libraries remain impartial sources of information as cornerstones of our society. In an age of raised rhetoric and breakdowns in civil discourse, it is essential that library staff receive ongoing resources, training, and tools – including board support – to ensure library patrons understand both the law and the library’s commitment to serving all members of our community.
What is the biggest challenge facing the library?
With four open seats on the library board, this election will determine the board’s majority. The biggest question facing the library is up to Brookfield voters to decide. It is important that the board includes trustees who have seen the growth of our library firsthand, and who understand the importance of the 21st century library as a hub of community. As we face questions about state and federal finances, it is also important that the board maintain an approach that ensures we balance programing, while maintaining our fantastic building. I have called Brookfield home for 20 years and can bridge the voices of recent village residents and those of longtime Brookfielders who remember the two previous library buildings, and who know how lucky we are to have the library we have today.
How does the library balance development and expansion with conserving tax dollars?
Brookfield is thriving with organizations that are doing great things and that use the library to host meetings and events. This brings great value to the entire community. The outgoing board has delivered a first-in-class facility with tremendous resources, while greatly expanding offerings and resources within the building. Continuing to grow programming through partnerships will allow us to get the most out of our tax dollars. Additionally, it is hard to believe, but next year our library building will already be celebrating its fifth year. Having a board that keeps the building bustling through the second half of its first decade will be key.