Proposed changes to single-family zoning motivated Joseph Beer, an Oak Park resident and local attorney, to run for Oak Park village trustee in the April 2027 municipal election. Beer said he was feeling dissatisfied with how the topic was approached and unsure about what was being suggested.
“I would rather see a lot more thought go into these types of decisions, a lot more planning, a lot more community input before the board makes decisions that will impact the community today, tomorrow, and for a long time to come,” said Beer.
He shared he is “no stranger to multi-unit dwelling type things,” as his mother grew up in one in Austin and River Forest, and he is “all for helping families get to Oak Park” in addressing affordability issues.
“I think you know one thing most of us can agree on is there is a common thread of wanting diversity, wanting affordability, and it just seems like we’re in disagreement over the mechanism by which to get there,” said Beer.
Other points of concern that have been brought up to Beer include parking, traffic and transportation which he feels should be a priority for finding new solutions. He said it all relates back to safety, something most people can also agree on, and his “focus would be on things that really affect people’s everyday lives.”
Conversations with community members during the campaign process continue to push his perspective, increase awareness on other concerns, and inspire ideas of possible solutions should he get voted into the role.
“Getting out there and hearing what people have to say, and sort of being challenged on my own notions about these things, it really helps inform my decision,” said Beer. “I’m happy to have people change my mind on this stuff, and I think that’s good if each side can change their mind a little, and that’s how compromise is made.”
Going into election season and potentially obtaining a spot on the board, he feels persistence is going to be his biggest strength.
“Framed in the context of being on the board of trustees, it’s obviously a heavy weight,” said Beer. “I respect the current members of the community that have taken it on, and you really have to have persistence in order for it to work.”
Although contentious topics and civil debate are a driving force behind his campaign and initial interest in running, his love and respect for Oak Park’s deep sense of community is a guiding factor through it all, he said. He used neighborhood staples such as block parties and school picnics as examples of Oak Park’s uniqueness that “you just don’t have in every suburb.”
“It shouldn’t just be the most divisive, hot button issues that get people engaged, so I’m hoping, as I get out there and campaign and ask for people to sign my petition to get me on the ballot, that we can figure out ways to encourage that engagement further, and make sure that people are making time to go vote and to participate in any way that they can,” said Beer.
The election will take place on April 6, 2027, and there are currently six people who have officially announced their plans to run.