Election day is a ways off yet. But filing day is only a few months away. If you know anyone you think would make a good Trustee, now would be the time to start talking to them about running.
In my view, it would be helpful to strive for more of a demographic balance on the Village Board. Specifically, we need a broader swath of Shorewood's economic spectrum represented on the Board. Also desirable as Trustee candidates, in my view, would be renters, senior citizens, residents who live west of Oakland Ave, and young families. While none of these characteristics alone would indicate a qualified candidate, any of them would provide an increased level of diversity to the points of view represented on the Board.
I do not mean to suggest that there is perfect homogeneity of thought on the current Village Board. But adding different perspectives could only be positive in terms of more thorough debate on the issues. For instance, renters will likely have differing opinions on how the Parking Enterprise Fund's budget should be written. Younger families may feel differently about what the Village should look like in 15-20 years. Senior Citizens may feel more strongly about walkability issues, or about additional space for the Senior Resource Center.
Let's start now looking for candidates. Let's have a healthy debate again this year.
