Local candidates getting ready to run

Individuals seeking office in the April 2025 election can start circulating their petitions

This fall’s presidential election is still two months away, but some candidates already are gearing up for the spring 2025 consolidated election. A total of 16 seats will be up for election among the four main Hinsdale taxing bodies — four each on the Hinsdale Village Board (including village president) and the Hinsdale Public Library Board, three on the Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 Board and a historic five on the Hinsdale High School District 86 Board.

Tom Cauley’s fourth term as Hinsdale village president will expire in the spring, as will the terms of Trustees Neale Byrnes, Michelle Fischer and Matt Posthuma.

Cauley, who previously indicated this would likely be his final term, said Wednesday he is actually undecided as to whether he will run. He’s talking to two individuals who might be interested in replacing him.

“If they decide to run, I probably won’t,” he said Wednesday. “If one in particular decides that he’s not going to run, I may.

“I guess I’m going to make a decision as I see how things unfold.”

On the library board, the terms of Kim Kiyosaki, Dick Munson, Chun Ye and Lucy Zhou are ending.

In District 181, terms are expiring for Bill Cotter, Mike Martin and Grace Shin.

Peggy James, Terri Walker and Jeff Waters all were elected to the District 86 Board in 2021, which typically would mean three seats would be open on the board in 2025. But since Heather Kartsounes and Abed Rahman were appointed during the first two years of the terms of those they replaced (Kay Gallo and Debbie Levinthal, respectively), they must run for election if they want to remain on the board.

Potential candidates were able to start circulating petitions Aug. 20 in order to secure a spot on the ballot. Candidates must file their petitions and other documents no earlier than Tuesday, Nov. 12, and no later than Monday, Nov. 18.

Those interested in seeking a seat can download a packet at http://www.dupagecounty.gov > elected officials > election and voter information > candidate information or pick one up at the DuPage County administration building, room 1-600, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

The Illinois Association of School Boards’ website at http://www.iasb.org includes links for webinars, a candidates guide and key dates.

In addition to village, school and library board offices, voters April 1 will be asked to cast their ballots for open seats on the boards of counties and forest preserve districts, townships, township road districts, regional office of education, Community College District 502 and water districts. Most local officials serve a four-year term.

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Pamela Lannom is editor of The Hinsdalean