For Northbrook village president: Kathryn Ciesla

There is much change happening in Northbrook right now: Of course, in the largest sense, the village is helping residents and businesses toward a post-pandemic new normal.

But in the local, and equally important way, there is just as much happening: The village has replaced, or is in the process of replacing, three department heads and a village manager. There are major development projects happening, such as the renovation at Northbrook Court, and on the way, at the former Green Acres Golf Course and the village-owned Grainger property. The sitting board recently passed a series of ordinances addressing affordable housing. The village is also finding its way to a post-pandemic new normal. Businesses and residents will still be needing help with that recovery.

There are two candidates running for Northbrook village president: 12-year incumbent trustee Kathryn Ciesla, an attorney, and Eugene "Gene" Marks, village president from 2005-09, is currently self-employed in sales for security equipment manufacturers.

Ciesla, the Northbrook Caucus-slated candidate, speaks of her run for village president as her next step in serving the village. "I think three terms as a trustee is sufficient, and I'm really focused to understand the process, the operations of the village, and work with (current president) Sandy Frum, who's retiring," Ciesla said. "She's been my mentor all 12 years - and just to really get into that position and help us move forward." She's also running to give back to the community and to teach her daughters the importance of stewardship and that it's important to speak up when there's something that needs to change or get done.

Marks, who heads the United4Northbrook ticket, said he's running again because he and his fellow slate members "Don't like the direction that the (current) board is going in. We have experienced leadership, as I was a former village president. We want to show transparency, fiscal responsibility. A lot of these things haven't been followed by this current board."

We like what we've seen from Ciesla on the board - she works cooperatively, something we know would continue in a term as village president. And, in a practical sense, her experience is key for Northbrook when the village is facing change.

While Marks also has experience and has some nice ideas, we think Ciesla is the best fit for village president.

We endorse Kathryn Ciesla.