The Northbrook Caucus of 2013 has selected candidates to run for open board positions.
The caucus method of slating candidates for vacant board positions has been part of the village’s bylaws since at least the early 1980s, according to Tony Ryan, chairman of the Northbrook Caucus of 2013.
To qualify for a position, a candidate must first be a registered voter and live in Northbrook.
“We try to find people who are willing to volunteer their time and efforts to be part of the process,” said Ryan. “Also, people who have interests in the various boards they serve on. We are trying to find candidates who have had previous experience volunteering their time, whether it be on school boards or whatever.”
A subcommittee of between 10 and 15 registered voters in the village helps pick the slate.
“Once those people have made their recommendations,” said Ryan, “we vote as a full caucus at a town meeting to slate candidates for the ballots. Just because we don’t slate them, doesn’t mean they can’t run independently. It just means they have the Caucus’ recommendation.”
The following candidates have been slated for the coming elections:
Northbrook School District 27: Current board members Helen Melnick, Ed Feld and Jamie Werhane, and first-time candidate Laurie Garber-Amram.
Northbrook School District 28: Current board members Joshua Prober and Anthony Forchetti, and first-time candidates Michael Gilmore and Louis Gross.
Northbrook Park District Board: Current board members Penelope Randel, Michael Shyman and Paul Zima.
Northbrook Library Board: Current board members Carlos Frum, Vera Mayer and Daphna Nierick, who was appointed to a vacant position and is running for the board for the first time.
Northbrook Village Board: Current Village President Sandra Frum, Village Clerk Debra Ford and current Trustees Kathryn Ciesla, Todd Heller and Michael Scolaro.
The election will be held in April.
