Letter from Village Trustee Heather Ross

My past (almost) 6 years on the Board has continued to show me the authenticity and commitment of Ciesla, Ebhomielen and Kohler (all of whom currently sit on the Board).  I have had the opportunity to get to know Matt Cassidy, the ‘newest’ Trustee candidate slated by the Caucus — the experience Matt brings through his tenure on the District 28 School Board and the Village Board Economic Strategy Commission will be an invaluable asset to the Board.

Why This Election Matters

This isn’t just about electing names on a ballot—it’s about choosing leaders who have real plans for economic growth, leaders who support public safety, sustainability, and community engagement.   The Northbrook Caucus slate has the leadership, experience, and results to prove it.

Experienced & Trusted Leadership:

19+ years of Village Board experience12 years of school board leadershipDecades of volunteering in Northbrook (food pantries, PTOs, youth sports)

 Economic Growth Without Raising Taxes:

Increased sales tax revenue by 5.8% in the last fiscal year alone, while keeping Northbrook’s property taxes among the lowest of 14 peer communitiesAttracted new businesses like HomeTown Coffee, Fresh Farms, Lazy Dog, RH Outlet, Cabo Mexican Cocina, Barns & Nobles and a new Tesla showroomPrioritizing the revitalization of Northbrook Court by responding to the mall owner’s desire to redevelop the mall and surrounding property by negotiating a strategic $98.5 million incentives to secure an $800 million redevelopment project

Financial Stewardship:

Maintained AAA Bond Rating (the highest credit rating awarded)

Received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Offices Association

Transparency & Community Engagement:

Hosted Northbrook’s first-ever community survey to ensure residents’ voices shape local policies Streamed all Village Board meetings on Facebook for better public accessCreated Northbrook Notify and expanded the Village Manager’s Weekly Reports for improved communication

Public Safety & Community Well-being:

Added mental health professionals to the police department to support both officers and residentsContinued investments in police and fire servicesHosted community events like Brewfest, Grapes on the Green, Illuminate Northbrook and the Northbrook Grand Prix to bring residents together

Sustainability & Smart Growth:

Passed Northbrook’s Climate Action Plan, leading to a 37% reduction in greenhouse gasesCommitted to reducing flood risks and improving stormwater managementBeautifying and modernizing downtown Northbrook with improved outdoor dining, landscaping, and streetscapes

Affordable Housing & Inclusion:

Implemented an award-winning affordable housing plan to ensure Northbrook reaches the state-mandated 10% goal (currently at 5.2%)Launched the Welcoming & Inclusive Community Pledge, aimed at achieving a more diverse and inclusive Northbrook

While the Northbrook Caucus candidates have years of civic engagement and accomplishments, the opposing slate, calling themselves "Northbrook Focused," lacks the experience and transparency that Northbrook needs. Two of their candidates have dropped out of the election, but their names will still appear on the ballot—raising serious questions about who would serve in their place.

What you should know about the opposition:

-They declined to participate in the League of Women Voters candidate forum (a key opportunity to engage with voters)
-They operate a private Facebook group, keeping voters who are not members of the group in the dark about their plans
-They oppose Northbrook’s sustainability efforts, and have promised to rid of several sustainability initiatives passed by the current Board
-They oppose Northbrook’s affordable housing ordinance, and seek to undo a carefully vetted ordinance (Northbrook's ordinance is modeled after Highland Park’s plan - which has been in effect successfully for over 20 years)
-Their 2 remaining candidates have never voted in a Northbrook municipal election 

How You Can Help

Make a Plan to Vote! Vote early at Village Hall, on Election Day, or by mail: Vote by Mail Link

Spread the Word! Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors—bring 5 people with you to vote!

Get Involved! I can drop off yard signs, postcards, and share ways to help. I’ll also be canvassing over the next few weekends—join me!

Attend the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum:

March 16 | 1:30 PM | Northbrook Public Library (The opposing slate declined to participate—ask yourself why.)

Learn More: Northbrook Caucus

The Bottom Line

This election is critical for Northbrook’s future. The Caucus slate has proven leadership, strong values, and a clear vision for keeping Northbrook thriving. Let’s keep moving forward—vote for the Northbrook Caucus slate on April 1st!