Candidacy Statement - 11/26
As many of you are aware, I intended on running for 2 public offices in the spring of 2027: Alderman for Ward 2, and Belvidere Park District Commissioner. I’ve been around collecting signatures and thanks to the generosity of so many friends, I have enough signatures to file for both offices.
Throughout this fall, I’ve been in contact with the Attorney General’s office regarding the legality of pursuing both of these offices. A 2005 case hinted that I may not be able to hold both offices - but I planned on running for them nonetheless. However, on the advice of counsel, it seems that even running for 2 incompatible offices was prohibited by an Illinois statute that passed in 2021.
For various reasons, I have chosen to pursue the office of Park District Commissioner. While I understand this may come as a disappointment to many who were excited for me to take another run at City Council, let me say this: I’ll be back.
In 2024 I ran for County Board. In 2025 I ran for City Council. I failed at both of those runs. Before I run again, I want to build a stronger grassroots movement that will help folks warm to the “D” by my name. As Park District Commissioner is non-partisan, I have a greater chance of winning. The Park District board is also a less adversarial board, meaning my effectiveness there will be greater.
My family and work are also part of this decision. In the next 2 years I’ll have a daughter graduating college and another one starting college. I anticipate needing to travel more in the next 2 years for work and family.
I also understand that the current data center concerns make City Council seats seem extra valuable. The truth of the matter is this:
- it’s very difficult to be elected as a Democrat in Belvidere - and I want folks to be very clear which party is showing leadership in these times.
- I have no reason to believe that folks will be more likely to vote for a progressive just because we agree on the data center.
- Even if I were elected, I would still be part of a minority on Council. I might go as far as to say that due to the mayor’s often retaliatory behavior, I might be better off fighting this issue outside of City Council.
As Democrats in Boone County, we all hustle. Every play feels like a Hail Mary. Sometimes, heck, a lot of the time it’s necessary - but it can’t be our long term strategy. I want to be the person who builds a movement of people whose lives are better off because we gave a damn, organized, strategized, and won together. This decision is part of that strategy.
Having said that, I’ve got some fun things planned for you all this fall and winter. Especially if you’re disappointed in this announcement - stay tuned. We’re gonna cause some trouble.