A respect for diversity means we understand that our own lives are enriched by taking into account other perspectives.

If you were to say, "I am a Skokian" as opposed to "I am a Skokie resident," what would you want that to mean to your listener?

I have extensive hands-on experience in promoting, leading, and implementing racially and economically equitable, participatory programs and groups. It’s time to change both the reality and perception of an unfair Skokie.

The most remarkable aspect of this vision is that amid the laudable environmental goals, this Skokie resident included "responsive village." A Village Board that considers neither its constituency, nor the evidence presented by experts in the field or other government bodies, is going to come up with at best mediocre decisions, if not flat-out wrong.

When I read this Skokie resident's vision, I see the through-line behind the bullet points. This resident wishes to live in a Skokie that trusts its own people -- all its people -- to make the best decisions, and a Skokie that honors and protects our land as if it were ourselves, as Native American traditions hold.

Knowing that Skokie is at the center of cleaning our shared water and even taking pride in it doesn't mean we have to love the smell. But it does make us humble. Skokie is part of an environmentally, politically, and economically interconnected Chicago region.

At bottom, "an environment of equality" is about love. We desire to live among, and be politically represented by, people who treat us – you and me – with respect rather than disdain.

Expanding green transportation and the preservation and expansion of Skokie's "urban forest" are among my top priorities.

Interaction across culture and religion is most genuine when it is part of an overarching culture that upholds the beauty and value of our differences as well as our similarities.

For a budget to make sense, so to speak, it should reflect the needs, values, and ideas of the people served, especially for mission-driven organizations, which is my particular area of expertise.

We look for candidates who can unify and inspire not only the majority of the people, but their colleagues. I resonate with this vision of a Skokie that is responsive and accountable to all its people.

A mixed-income community is a just as well as socially and economically healthy community.

Just as when flight attendants tell us to put the oxygen masks on ourselves so we are equipped to help others, so can coming together to achieve a safe and healthy Skokie equip us to reach out to others around the region, country, and world.

As Trustee, I would make sure that we don't approach economic development from a stance of desperation, and instead make it easy for those who share our vision of an inclusive, sustainable community to put their shingle up here.

The Village can work with both employers and housers on incentives, fee waivers, and programs to meet in the middle to the extent possible: lowering housing costs and raising incomes.

The good news is that the Village can use its power of setting policy to simultaneously foster community and ensure safety.

It's simply not healthy, safe, economically sound, or morally just for the Village of Skokie to continue to prioritize the luxury market.

I intend to work with Skokie residents and the Village Board to implement the thoughtful Principles of the Welcoming Community, which serve as that very "guide for what a progressive, inclusive community should be."

Skokie Visions! We are truly a broad-based, energetic and positive people's campaign!