Village Trustee Race In Downers Grove: Election 2025

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Six candidates vying to fill three seats on the Downers Grove Village Council in the April 1 consolidated election. The field includes one incumbent candidate.

Here's how the race will appear on the ballot for Downers Grove voters.

Village of Downers Grove Commissioner

• Chris Gilmartin (incumbent)
• Matthew J. Novak
• Paul F. Drabik
• Rob Roe
• Tammy Sarver
• Thomas Cawthorne

Below, you'll find some information about each candidate for city council member.

Chris Gilmartin

Chris Gilmartin serves on the Downers Grove Village Council and is a member of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation. In the past, he served as a member of the Downers Grove Human Services Committee.

Gilmartin's priorities include expanding the village's social services, implementing a community grants program, supporting measures that encourage active mobility and supporting diverse business developments.

His campaign website states that Gilmartin "has revitalized blighted areas and championed a vision for a pedestrian-first Village that prioritizes safety, connectivity, and quality of life. Chris’s gratitude for the Village that welcomed him drives his passion to continue improving Downers Grove for all residents."

Matthew J. Novak

According to his campaign website, Matthew J. Novak has been awarded a Cook County Sheriff Law Enforcement Medal of Valor and a Life Saving Award. He currently serves as chairman of the Downers Grove Traffic and Parking Commission.

Novak's campaign website states, "As a retired police officer, I have developed critical skills of compassion, empathy, and utmost integrity. I operate my daily life to treat others as I want to be treated, and focus on the needs of the community as a whole. During my service as Chair of the Downers Grove Traffic and Parking Commission, I have experienced the value of contributing to the safety of our community for all who live or visit our village. I've seen the incredible work that our staff does on a daily basis to keep the village running efficiently. I want to continue to be a part of helping the village thrive for everyone who visits or calls our village home."

Paul F. Drabik

Paul F. Drabik is a member of the Downers Grove Human Services Commission. He also serves as a member of the local VFW and American Legion, along with a nonprofit group called F3. Drabik served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2004, per his campaign website.

Drabik's priorities include a "citizens first" approach. His site states, "We have too much evidence that our representatives are captured by special interest and not representing the people.stand in firm opposition to that style of governance and will always seek to represent the people."

Rob Roe

Rob Roe is an attorney who has been in private practice since 2012. He formerly served on the Board of Directors for El Hogar del Nino in Chicago.

Roe's campaign priorities include improving street and sidewalk safety, expanding social services for senior citizens and fostering economic development along with a balanced budget. His campaign website states, "Collaboration is the key to progress. I will bring the same professionalism, compassion and empathy to the Betty Cheever Council Chamber that I employ in my practice and throughout my career. I will treat everyone with respect and attack each issue with a result driven, transparent approach focused on preventing waste."

Tammy Sarver

Tammy Sarver is an attorney who teaches college-level political science. She has lived in Downers Grove since 2016.

Her priorities include environmentally conscious development, evidence- and research- based decision-making and equality and inclusivity. "I am running for this position because I want to ensure that our village continues to be a place where families thrive, businesses flourish and everyone feels connected." In a campaign video, Sarver says she is "committed to making thoughtful, informed decisions that prioritize both long-term planning and immediate needs."

Thomas Cawthorne

Thomas Cawthorne is a CPA who has lived in Downers Grove since 2002 and works at a financial services firm. He formerly served on the Downers Grove Liquor Commission, according to his campaign page.

On his campaign page, Cawthorne writes, "Attention to detail is critical to being a good public servant." In Cawthorne's campaign video, he says, "I want to ensure that the village continues down the path of good fiscal responsibility and also providing excellent core services."

Residents can click the link to see if they are registered to vote in DuPage County. Below is a list of polling places in Downers Grove:

• Belmont Bible Church, 5430 Belmont Rd.
• Cameo Condominiums, 5540 Walnut Ave.
• Community Christian Church, 3910 Highland Ave.
• Downers Grove Rec Center, 4500 Belmont Rd.
• Downers Grove Township Office, 4340 Prince St.
• Downers Grove Village Hall, 850 Curtiss St.
• First United Methodist Church - DG, 1032 Maple Ave.
• Lacey Creek Supportive Living, 4200 Lacey Rd.
• Orchard Brook HOA Clubhouse, 1089 W 35th St.
• St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1125 Franklin St.
• St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 5235 Fairview Ave.
• CSD99 Administrative Service Center, 6301 Springside Ave.
• First Christian Church, 801 63rd St.
• Marquette Manor Baptist Church, 333 75th St.
• Oak Trace, 270 Village Dr.
• St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 270 Village Dr.

Click the link to see the full list of Election Day polling places in DuPage County.