Six people want to serve as Glen Ellyn village trustees, and five more are running for library board seats. Residents will hear all 11 make their case and then vote at the Civic Betterment Committee's town meeting on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The candidates who receive the most votes at the town meeting will have their names placed on petitions for the spring election, according to the Civic Betterment Committee's candidate page. The CBC, a nonpartisan group founded in 1931, describes its process as "neighbors nominating neighbors." Its nominating committee interviews applicants and slates candidates for the town meeting, where any qualified Glen Ellyn voter can cast a ballot.

Village Trustee candidates

Robert Bessler said he would prioritize fiscal responsibility and transparent decision-making, pledging to keep "toxic politics out of our Village."

Kelli Christiansen pointed to infrastructure costs, business district revitalization and revenue growth as the board's top challenges. She said trustees should follow the village's guiding documents, including the 2023 Comprehensive Plan and the 2026 Five-Year Strategic Plan.

Robert Duncan said his goal is to continue working with fellow board members and village staff. He cited financial stewardship and business development as priorities.

Donna Jean Simon, who described herself as a current board member and 40-year south-side resident, said she draws on her consulting and small-business background. "Sometimes that means finding a third way between two options in an attempt to reach consensus," she said in her candidate statement.

Stephen Thompson named the streetscape, train station and tunnel, the Village Links Master Plan and new commercial developments as capital projects needing careful planning.

Christy Truitt said she wants to preserve Glen Ellyn as a multi-generational community while supporting economic development and fiscal responsibility.

Library Trustee candidates

Emily Henkels said she brings two decades of experience building community organizations and would focus on equitable library resources for all residents.

Laine Pehta said the Glen Ellyn Public Library should be championed as a community hub, not merely a place to borrow books.

Shawn Ryan said library literacy and information services are critical, especially for residents who struggle with resources.

Andrew Savikas, who cited more than 20 years in the publishing industry, said he wants to continue serving Glen Ellyn by ensuring affordable access to information, education and entertainment.

Karen Shea pledged fiscal responsibility while sustaining programs residents value. She said her management consulting background would help the library serve all ages.

How the town meeting works

The stakes are real. At the CBC's town meeting on Nov. 2, 2024, about 150 people attended at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center and 1,447 total ballots were cast across three voting locations, including early voting at the library, according to CBC meeting minutes. Candidates gave two-minute speeches before voting began.

Under CBC bylaws, the committee caps individual donations at $1,000 per year. Details on the Oct. 24 meeting time and location are available on the Civic Betterment Committee's website.