Elizabeth Davies: 2025 candidate for Grayslake mayor

Bio

Office Sought: Grayslake mayor

City: Grayslake

Age: 44

Occupation: High school math teacher

Previous offices held: Grayslake Village Trustee since 2014

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?

Grayslake is more than just a place to live — it’s a true community. This village has given so much to my family, and I am eager to continue to give back in a meaningful way. Serving on the village board for 10 years has been an honor, and I want to continue building on our strengths to ensure a thriving town for all.

What drives me most is improving our quality of life. That means maintaining fiscal responsibility, investing in infrastructure, supporting our businesses, and enhancing our community. From walking trails and green spaces to vibrant events and holiday lights, I believe in the small details that make a big difference.

I know this town, not just as a board member, but as an active volunteer, advocate, neighbor, mom, and taxpayer. I bring the experience, vision, and passion to keep Grayslake strong. I will work tirelessly to protect what makes our village special while driving us toward an even stronger future.

What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?

With the world changing rapidly, good leadership isn’t just about strategic planning, it’s about strategic preparedness. Grayslake has spent years analyzing potential challenges and proactively addressing them. Through thoughtful planning and sound financial management, we’ve built a resilient community ready to withstand future uncertainties.

The biggest issue we’ll face is likely one we don’t yet know. Whether it’s a disaster, economic downturn, or unforeseen crisis, our 15-year financial plan ensures we anticipate and manage risks rather than react in crisis mode. By maintaining a debt-free status and budgeting only 85% of unpredictable revenue, we have the flexibility and resources to meet challenges head-on.

Beyond finances, Grayslake prioritizes infrastructure resilience. We’ve invested in backup wells and generators, an over-sized salt dome, and resiliency in our stormwater system.

As a longtime village board member, I’ve been deeply involved in these initiatives. My experience, leadership, and commitment to preparedness will ensure Grayslake remains safe, stable, and thriving now and in the future.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

If I were grading Grayslake’s finances, I’d give us an A+, and that’s not just because I’m a math teacher. Our village is one of the most financially sound in the state, thanks to years of disciplined planning, innovative operating techniques, and smart investment.

Over the past decade, I have helped pass 10 balanced budgets and maintain our debt-free status. This has allowed us to invest in both critical infrastructure and community enhancements that make Grayslake special. We have prioritized road resurfacing, water system reliability, and public safety while also improving parks, trails, and downtown spaces.

This balanced approach must continue. Infrastructure is essential, but so are the projects that strengthen our sense of community.

If elected, I will uphold this careful balance, ensuring we invest in both the essentials and the extras that make Grayslake special. In the end, good financial management is not just about numbers — it’s about strengthening our community and making Grayslake an even better place to call home.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

As a village, we don’t put imperative projects on the back burner. Instead, we use a multiyear capital project plan to manage larger infrastructure investments that may take years to complete or require additional funding beyond our yearly budget.

Our pay-as-you-go approach and debt-free status ensure more dollars reach our community for these important projects. This strategy keeps us financially sound while steadily improving Grayslake. Infrastructure and quality of life go hand in hand, and our long-term planning ensures we can accomplish our community goals despite outside forces.

The most important infrastructure project outside of village control that should be addressed is the Route 120 traffic corridor, including the 83 and 120 railroad crossing. These state-run roads create congestion and delays that impact Grayslake daily.

The village, in cooperation with area towns, has developed affordable, impactful solutions through our 120 Belvidere Road Corridor Plan. The state should advance these solutions, ensuring they qualify for state and federal funding.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

My leadership style is characterized by research, collaboration, and growth.

First, I do my homework. I approach every issue with an open mind, always seeking to learn more so I can make informed decisions. Whether it’s financial planning, infrastructure, or community initiatives, a deep understanding leads to the best solutions.

Second, I believe the best ideas emerge in a collaborative environment. True leadership is not about having the best ideas, but creating a space where the best ideas can be shared. That applies not just to the village board, but the entire community. Progress comes from listening, engaging, and working together.

Lastly, as an educator, I believe in a growth mindset. Grayslake is an amazing town, but great communities never stop improving. If we don’t do something, maybe we just don’t do it yet. With vision, leadership, and action, we can push Grayslake forward in meaningful ways while honoring what makes it special.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

One way to better Grayslake is by continuing our success in enhancing natural spaces. We have seen the positive impact of Gelatin Park, and the new Nature Trail. Now we can focus on improving Mill Creek. This project can ensure its drainage capacity while adding walking trails, overlooks, and features that beautify our community.

By investing in Mill Creek, we create spaces that connect people to nature, encourage community interaction, and improve overall property values. Thoughtful enhancements to our natural areas make Grayslake more resilient, walkable, sustainable, and inviting. These types of improvements strengthen our town’s identity and quality of life.

Focusing on Mill Creek would be a chance to blend environmental responsibility with our continued tradition of making smart, lasting investments in our shared spaces.