We’re months away from endorsements in the April Oak Park village election. And honestly, in the wake of the announcement of a slate last week from the Village Manager Association, we’re actively hoping to see more candidates file petitions and get on the ballot.
That said, we are intrigued by the VMA’s choice of Peter Barber as their sole new candidate for village trustee. Barber, currently the school board president at District 97 public elementary schools, has impressed us with his easy leadership style, open approach to communication and his long-stated belief in active collaboration between local taxing bodies.
Having a person shift from one body to a second entity could offer important insights into how cooperation might be fostered. And, yes, we’re still firmly opposed to the elementary schools and the parks setting up shop in the village hall parking lot at a crazy cost of $6-10 million.
