Hello Lake Forest,

I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer in Lake Forest or anywhere else you might have spent time. The Caucus Committee is looking forward to continuing the important and meaningful work we have been selected to do during the 2024-2025 Caucus season.

Lake Forest Day Parade

We enjoyed seeing many of you at the Lake Forest Day parade. A big thank you to new incoming Ward 1 Committee members Tyler Lisenby and Emily Clark Delfino who volunteered and led the organization efforts to represent the Lake Forest Caucus in the parade. Thank you to the Committee members and their families who took the time to walk in the parade and pass out candy to a wonderful turnout of Lake Forest Families.

Summer Update

Our first Caucus Committee Meeting is today, August 20, where we will be interviewing three new Caucus Committee members for back-fill positions resulting from a resignation and elevations to the Executive Committee. We will also be holding our annual training program for all committee members, which focuses on interview best practices and implicit bias training.

Over the summer, the Executive Committee and Committee Members have been planning and preparing for the work in the year ahead. I have established two subcommittees, School Board Search and Ward 3 Alderman Search sub-committee. In addition, I have created an Ad-Hoc Bylaw Committee. Please see additional information and status update below on these subcommittees as well as other updates.

Caucus Calendar 2024-2025

The Calendar is full of meetings this year and September and October will be geared towards preparing to present candidates for elected positions to the Community for approval to include on the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election. Lake Foresters will be voting for Mayor, Wards 1-4 Alderman (depending on the Ward you live in), four D67 School Board seats, and four D115 School Board seats.

On July 12, 2024, the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE) released its Abbreviated Calendar of Dates for the 2025 Consolidated Primary Election and the 2025 Consolidated Election which can be found here.

The calendar takes into account two recent statutes (P.A. 103-0586 and P.A. 103-0600) that modified the petition circulation and filing periods of municipal offices for the Spring 2025 elections. This is nearly a month earlier than previous years and affects the Caucus Committee calendar by accelerating the timeline to interview, vet, and recommend candidates to meet the filing deadline for nominating positions on Nov. 12. Therefore, the Annual Meeting will be held on October 30, 2024 at Gorton from 2pm to 8pm for the community to vote for the Caucus endorsed candidates.

It is important to understand and appreciate that the Caucus Committee will have to meet every Tuesday from Aug 20 through Oct 29 to complete this important work. In addition, the two subcommittees will be meeting as frequently as necessary (often times more than once a week) during this time period to select the finalists to interview with the Caucus Committee for a vote on which candidates to endorse and recommend at the Annual Meeting.

2024-2025 Open Positions

We are seeking qualified Lake Forest residents for the following elected and appointed City Positions:

Elected

• City Council – One Ward 3 Alderman
• D67 School Board – Four
• D115 School Board – Two
• 2025-2026 Caucus Committee – Multiple Across All Wards

Appointed

• Cemetery Commission – One
• Building Review Board – Two
• Plan Commission – One
• Zoning Board of Appeals – One

All community members interested in serving should fill out or update their VPS.

Subcommittee Updates

School Board Search Subcommittee

The school board search subcommittee, led and organized by co-chair Jason Akemann, is comprised of seventeen committee members. Please join me in thanking Jason and the rest of those who are serving on this important subcommittee.

Alderman Search Subcommittee

The Alderman search subcommittee, led and organized by co-chair Cindy Davidson, is comprised of seven committee members. Please join me in thanking Cindy and the rest of those who are serving on this important subcommittee.

All Caucus Committee members were invited to volunteer for the two above subcommittees. A full list of subcommittee volunteers can be found below.

School Board Search

• Joe Oriti – Co-chair
• Jason Akemann – Co-chair
• Regina Etherton
• Dale Taulke
• Armando Guzman
• Janet White
• Desiree Witte
• Peggy Siebert
• Scott Nehls
• Wyn Cain
• Alex Wilcox
• Viktor Brisku
• Bruce Barger
• Reid Gustafson
• Tyler Linsenby
• Mary Kay Brunner
• Gene Cartwright

Ward 3 Alderman Search

• Joe Oriti – Co-chair
• Cindy Davidson – Co-chair
• Dale Taulke
• Peggy Siebert
• Maya Pearcy
• Richard Fisher
• Bert Carstens

Ad-hoc Bylaw Committee Update

The purpose of the ad-hoc committee is to examine the current Bylaws and discuss potential amendments in an attempt to modernize our current Bylaws. My vision for this ad-hoc committee is to engage community members with different perspectives to strengthen credibility and trust in the Lake Forest Caucus so that it may thrive for many years to come.

A few reasons for selecting this ad-hoc committee of community members independent of those currently serving on the Caucus Committee:

• Independence – since we live and breathe the Caucus Committee every day during our terms we focus on the operational demands and challenges that present in any given Caucus year. This might be perceived as a bias or amendments proposed in a vacuum.
• Open and public process – forum for engagement and education of the Caucus and Caucus Committee
• Priority – Not to burden or distract from the focus on the current Caucus Committee schedule based on what needs to be achieved this year while still making progress toward Bylaw amendments.

I have asked Melanie Rummel and Kent Novit to help Regina Etherton (VP) and myself select a group of 6-8 community members to serve on the ad-hoc committee. Others will be chosen to serve on a Focus Group. Many of the details are still to come as the committee will have to agree on timeline, public engagement, process, etc. The most difficult part of this process is to form this ad-hoc committee and the four of us will work together to select qualified volunteers that represent different perspectives in an attempt to gain confidence and trust in the process.

Update – we have received interest from more than 40 community members. Melanie, Regina, Kent, and myself will serve as a nominating committee to recommend volunteers to serve in this endeavor. I will then garner support from the current Executive Committee and Caucus Committee to support these individuals for service. Ultimately, the Caucus Committee will have to present the product that is presented to the Community for a 2/3 majority vote and I want to ensure the Caucus Committee is informed along the way so that it can support this endeavor.

Finance and Fundraising

The Caucus Committee currently has approximately $26,000 in cash. The operating budget for this year includes approximately $26,500 in expenses categorized below:

• $7,000 Rental space at Gorton for Caucus Committee meetings, subcommittee meetings, public meetings for Open Call, Annual, Spring, and any interim public meetings if necessary
• $6,000 Caucus Connection mailing – these are the annual postcards sent each year for the Community to vote on incoming Caucus Committee members
• $6,000 Software/Website expense – Cost to maintain IT costs for the Caucus Committee which includes, website and e-mail communication platforms
• $3,000 Printing expense primarily for voting ballots at Caucus public meetings as well as other advertising posters, bulletins, etc.
• $2,000 Insurance Expense for Directors & Officers and General Liability policies
• $2,500 in Miscellaneous expenses

Note – the above does not include expenses in the event of a contested election. They also don’t include any expenses for a change in operating procedures. For example, if the Bylaws Committee proposes changes that would include new operating expenses like online voting, additional meetings, etc. those changes would have to be weighed with the ability to financial sustain such efforts.

Campaign finance law requires we disclose contributions and expenses to the State Board of Elections quarterly and those financial disclosures are available to the public at Illinois State Board of Elections.

Support the Caucus!

Funding for the Caucus Committee solely relies on contributions. Please consider sending contributions via check made out to Lake Forest Caucus at 736 N. Western Ave, Suite 256 Lake Forest, IL 60045.

You can also make contributions through our website (Paypal fee applies).

In Closing

The Caucus Committee loves to hear from you regardless of whether it is good, bad, or ugly. Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Good luck to all the families with children starting school.

Sincerely,

Joe Oriti

President, Lake Forest Caucus

Pursuant to Section 5.01 of the Bylaws, the Caucus President, Joe Oriti, has created an Ad hoc Bylaws Committee that will be comprised of independent community members. Melanie Rummel and Kent Novit will serve as the Co-Chairs and will recommend appointments to this Committee. This Ad hoc Committee will be comprised of 8-10 volunteer community members.

In addition, a Focus Group will be created that will meet throughout the process as necessary to provide input to the Ad hoc Committee which will also be comprised of volunteer community members.

If you are interested in serving on either, please email Melanie Rummel and Kent Novit at adhoc@lakeforestcaucus.com by August 20, 2024.

The Caucus Committee has commenced its search for candidates for Lake Forest City Council. The election on April 1, 2025 will include four positions, one for each Ward. The deadline to submit candidate petitions to appear on the April 1, 2025 ballot will be the end of November. The Lake Forest Caucus will present its candidates to the community at its Annual Meeting in early November.

The Aldermen Search Sub-committee is now accepting Volunteer Profile Sheet (VPS) for Ward 3 candidates who are interested in serving on City Council. The Sub-committee will conduct interviews of VPS submissions in August and September and select two finalists for the 43-member Caucus Committee to vote on and present as a candidate for the Community to vote on at the Annual Meeting.

We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to create or update your VPS as soon as possible but no later than August 21, 2024.

Candidates must meet certain qualifications. You can view those qualifications, along with key details on the role and responsibilities of an Alderperson, here.

We strive to identify and recommend individuals whose talents, interests and experience will best serve the constituents. If you have questions about the process or what it entails to be an alderman, please visit LakeForestCaucus.com or contact us here.

Below is a summary of the current positions up for election on April 1, 2025 and the current status of the process for each position:

Ward 1
Aldermen Pete Clemens: Incumbent, currently serving his 1-year fill-in term. He has expressed interest in serving another term and per tradition will appear before the full Caucus Committee for re-endorsement vote.

Ward 2
Alderman John Powers: Incumbent, currently serving his first term. He has expressed interest in serving another term and, per tradition, will appear before the full Caucus Committee for re-endorsement vote.

Ward 3
Alderman Ara Goshgarian: Serving final term. The Caucus Committee is seeking a new candidate for recommendation.

Ward 4
Alderman Richard Walther: Incumbent, currently serving his first term. He has expressed interest in serving another term and, per tradition, will appear before the full Caucus Committee for re-endorsement vote.

The Caucus Committee has commenced its search for District 67 and District 115 School Board Candidates. The election on April 1, 2025 will include four positions for D67 and four positions for D115. The deadline to submit candidate petitions to appear on the April 1, 2025 ballot will be the end of November. The Lake Forest Caucus will present its candidates to the community at its Annual Meeting in early November.

The School Board Search Sub-committee is now accepting Volunteer Profile Sheet (VPS) for candidates who are interested in serving on either School Board. The Sub-committee will conduct interviews as VPS submissions are received throughout the summer and into September and select candidates for the 43-member Caucus Committee to vote on and present as candidates for the Community to vote on at the Annual Meeting.

We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to create or update your VPS as soon as possible but no later than August 21, 2024.

Candidates must meet certain qualifications. You can view those qualifications, along with key details on the role and responsibilities of school board member, here.

We strive to identify and recommend individuals whose talents, interests and experience will best serve the school districts’ constituents. If you have questions about the process or what it entails to be a school board member, please visit LakeForestCaucus.com or contact us here.

Below is a summary of the current positions up for election on April 1, 2025 and the current status of the process for each position:

D115

• Dr. John Venson – Potential Incumbent for 2nd Term.
• Ms. Anne Geraghty Helms – Recently appointed to fulfill Dr. Marcus Schabacker remaining one-year term and is a Potential Incumbent as she has been a Lake Forest Caucus endorsed candidate for her service on D67 board.
• Ms. Sally Davis – Currently serving her 2nd year term and is a Vote Lake Bluff* endorsed candidate.
• Mr. David Burns – Potential Incumbent for 2nd Term and is a Vote Lake Bluff* endorsed candidate.

*Vote Lake Bluff endorsed candidates are Lake Bluff residents and are not recruited, interviewed, and vetted by the Lake Forest Caucus. It is has been a long standing tradition for two of the seven D115 Board seats to be filled by Lake Bluff residents.

D67

• Mrs. Emily M. Bernahl – Currently serving 1st term and will not be seeking reelection. We thank Mrs. Bernahl for her dedication and service to the D67 District.
• Mr. Carl Kirar – Currently serving 1st term and will not be seeking reelection. We thank Mr. Kirar for his dedication and service to the D67 District.
• Mrs. Shyama Parikh Chauhan – Recently appointed to fulfill Ms. Anne Geraghty Helms remaining one-year term and will be included in the process as a new candidate.
• Mr. Gregory Adamo – Recently appointed to fulfill Mrs. Alice LeVert remaining one-year term and will be included in the process as a new candidate.

Why are we having another election for the Caucus Officers?

The Caucus must have leadership. Caucus Executive Committee recommends and presents the eligible, best qualified, and willing candidates for the Officer slate to Caucus Members for election each year to lead the Caucus.

What is the role of Caucus Officers?

Caucus Officers provide the administrative leadership to the Caucus Committee so it can fulfill its mission to serve the residents of Lake Forest by identifying, vetting, and recommending the best qualified volunteers to serve on boards and commissions and elected positions in Lake Forest municipal government without bias or agenda. Officers, like other Caucus Committee Members, have only one vote during Caucus Committee meetings.

Who is the proposed slate?

• Joe Oriti, President
• Regina Etherton, Vice President
• Dale Tauke, Secretary
• Fred Brewer, Treasurer
• Jennifer McGregor, Fundraising
• Mark Pickett, External Communications
• Armando Guzman, Internal Communications

Why are these the most qualified Officer candidates?

Five of the six Caucus Committee Officers eligible for President per the Bylaws do not want to serve in that role. This leaves one eligible member – Joe Oriti – to serve as President. Joe is also, in the judgment of the Caucus Committee, the best qualified to serve as President. All Officer candidates have demonstrated the skills (leadership, problem solving, project management, finance, technical, marketing, communication, collaboration, teamwork, etc.), experience, dedication, and willingness to serve.

Why should you vote for these Officer candidates?

Officer recommendations are merit based, just like the process the Caucus Committee uses to recommend volunteers for appointment to Lake Forest municipal government board, commission and elected positions. These are the eligible, best qualified, and willing Caucus Committee members to do the work.

Why isn’t there a vote for each Officer candidate individually?

A strong Officer team is optimally constructed by considering the skills and abilities of candidate members together, not individually, and selecting members who will make the team stronger by utilizing their collective strengths. The Caucus Committee has the deepest insight and clearest perspective into this to determine who is eligible, qualified, and importantly willing to serve as the next Caucus Officers, to ensure that the duties of the Caucus Committee are fulfilled on behalf of all Lake Forest residents.

Were other Caucus Committee members considered for Officers?

Yes. Some of the Caucus Committee members who would be eligible for non-President Officer positions have chosen not to take on this significant responsibility, for varying reasons. Some are fairly new to the Caucus Committee and don’t yet have the requisite experience. Others, who have not demonstrated the requisite skills to execute the responsibilities of Officers, would not be good candidates to take on the more demanding responsibilities of an Officer.

Why are most of the Officer candidates from Ward 4?

Officer recommendations are merit based, not geographic based. Where one lives in Lake Forest has no bearing on an individual’s ability to do the work required of Officers – to lead, create strategy, communicate, market, fundraise, maintain websites and technical systems, etc. The Caucus Committee does not make decisions – or take action – based on biases influenced by the geographic location of Officer – or any Caucus Committee member – housing.

Why are the Officer candidates largely unchanged from the previous slate?

These are the eligible, best qualified, and willing Caucus Committee members to lead the Caucus and do the work. They have the time to do the work. Only one person is eligible – and willing – to be President. Joe Oriti is also, in the judgment of the Caucus Committee, the best qualified to serve as President. This is the leadership team that has the skills and experience to help him fulfill the Caucus mission.

Why should you come out and vote to support the Caucus and these candidates?

To help sustain the wonderful quality of life we have in Lake Forest. The Caucus for over 90 years has helped make Lake Forest great by identifying, vetting, and recommending the best qualified volunteers to serve on boards and commissions and elected positions in Lake Forest municipal government without bias or agenda. The Caucus keeps partisanship out of Lake Forest municipal government.

• Joe Oriti, President
• Regina Etherton, Vice President
• Dale Tauke, Secretary
• Fred Brewer, Treasurer
• Jennifer McGregor, Fundraising
• Mark Pickett, External Communications
• Armando Guzman, Internal Communications

Only one current Caucus Committee member who is eligible to be President in 2024-25 per Caucus Bylaws is willing to serve. This person – Joe Oriti – is also the most qualified. The other Officers all have the requisite skills, experience, and willingness to effectively execute their roles.

Over the last five years, the Caucus Committee has recommended over a hundred volunteers who capably served (and are capably serving) Lake Forest. All our candidates for elected positions have been decisively elected, and re-elected, by Lake Forest residents. The hard work of these volunteers has helped make Lake Forest the best run city in Illinois with extraordinary resident satisfaction as confirmed by a recent city survey. This tremendous success is achieved by effective Caucus leadership, and the contributions from 43 elected Caucus Committee members.

The Caucus Officer team is committed to lead the Caucus Committee forward to do the work which has served Lake Forest well for over 90 years: recruit, interview, and recommend highly qualified Lake Forest residents to serve, without personal agenda, bias or politics, on city and school board elected offices and city appointed governmental boards and commissions.