Blog: Citizen Action/Illinois Endorsed Candidate Highlight Part 3
Citizen Action/Illinois is proud to endorse candidates in the upcoming municipal elections across the state who support quality public education, strong local services, and inclusive, community-driven leadership.
As a statewide progressive organization, we know the importance of local elections in shaping our communities’ futures. This builds on our endorsements from the last municipal cycle, where we supported candidates in races such as school boards and library boards in suburban districts.
Below are highlights of three candidates we have endorsed:
Charity Drake-Dundee Township Trustee
Charity believes that mental health is a cornerstone of community well-being. She plans to secure funding for the Dundee Mental Health Board and ensure that everyone has access to the services they need to thrive.
She is also committed to supporting the maintenance and enhancement of green spaces, ensuring they remain a sanctuary for all residents to enjoy. “One of the most beautiful aspects of Dundee Township is its open spaces. They offer a breath of fresh air and a chance to connect with nature right in our backyard.”
Krystle Able-Normal Township Supervisor
“I am running for Normal Township Supervisor because of my experience directly advocating for the people the township serves--low-income families, workers, and senior citizens.”
Some of Krystle’s priorities include continuing to enhance and expand green space and green energy, and ensuring our township assistance programs are funded and accessible to give eligible residents housing security. “Rent assistance is more important now than ever before with rent increasing 36% over the last four years in Bloomington-Normal and wages not keeping the same pace.”
Gennifer Geer-Evanston City Council Member, 3rd Ward
“I want to serve my community and represent a perspective that isn’t currently on City Council. I am a member of a generation that views climate change as an existential threat, values cooperation and social responsibility, is overwhelmingly pro-union, and is renter-majority. Evanston is a great city enhanced by the diversity of lifestyles and life stages of its people. I believe our city council should reflect that diversity.”
Jennifer wants to expand civic education opportunities and improve cooperation with the school districts. She aims to make the city a model of climate resilience by enhancing walkability, transit accessibility, green space, energy efficiency, and renewable energy initiatives.
