Darien Mayor Backs Hinsdale D86 Hopeful

DARIEN, IL – Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese on Thursday endorsed a candidate for the Hinsdale High School District 86 board.

In so doing, he said he broke his practice over the last four years of refraining from such endorsements.

Marchese is supporting Asma Akhras, a Darien resident. She is the only one of the five candidates who lives in the Hinsdale South High zone. If she loses, the board will have no representative from that area.

In a statement, Marchese said he worked with Akhras on a strategic planning committee for Darien School District 61. He said he was impressed with her perspective on educational issues, her problem-solving ability and her leadership skills.

"District #86 needs Board members who will forge alliances, work to overcome differences of opinion and strive to reach a working consensus," the mayor said.

In an email to Patch, Marchese said, "I believe she would do an excellent job representing not only Darien but all of District #86."

All board candidates run at large. The five candidates – Akhras, Catherine Greenspon, Andrew Catton, Kay Gallo and Deborah Willoughby – are vying for three seats.

Incumbents Erik Held, Kathleen Hirsman and Cynthia Hanson decided against running again.

Akhras is the implementation leader of curriculum at Great Minds.