Cynthia Beebe: Candidate For Evanston City Clerk

EVANSTON, IL — Ahead of Evanston's Feb. 23 primary and April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Evanston Patch provided candidate questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

The primary ballot will contain races for mayor, city clerk, 4th Ward alderman and 8th Ward aldermen, according to the Cook County Clerk's Office.

After former Ald. Jane Grover pulled out of the race in the face of a challenge to her nominating petitions, there is only one candidate for city clerk on the ballot: Stephanie Mendoza.

But six other candidates declared their intention to run as write-in candidates. Under state law, that triggers a primary election, with the two top vote-getters advancing to an April runoff election.

Cynthia Beebe

Age (as of Election Day)

61

Town/City of Residence

Evanston

Office Sought

City Clerk

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

I earned two degrees from Northwestern - a B.A. in English and American Literature and a Master's in Journalism from Medill.

Occupation

I retired after a 27-year career as a federal agent and I'm currently an author.

Campaign website

Beebe4Clerk.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

The single most pressing issue facing the Evanston's city government is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing Evanston is how we navigate the social, health and financial realities of COVID.

We need to continue to communicate with residents about the best ways to protect each other and successfully cope with the difficulties that have resulted from COVID. We have to continue to see that our residents are vaccinated in a safe and equitable manner, and we have to determine a long-term financial plan to rebound from the financial hardships created by the lockdown.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I'll draw on my decades of professional experience as a federal agent to reorganize and improve the city clerk's office. I have a proven track record of success working with local, state and federal government agencies and I'll bring my knowledge to bear on the problems facing our residents and the city. I've organized and lead scores of complex cases and projects. I know how to identify problems, create solutions, and achieve success.

I'm also familiar with the law and legal issues, including FOIA. I know how the FOIA process works and I'll help people get the answers they're looking for in their FOIA requests. I'll explain to people how they can appeal their request if they're denied.

I'll also communicate clearly with residents and reach out to people to discover their ideas, concerns and needs. I'll make the clerk's office a place where questions are answered and problems are solved. I'll lead a professional, welcoming office that serves all of the city's residents, officials and staff.

What do you consider the official duties and powers of the City Council as a whole? How about individual aldermen?

According to the Rules and Organization of the City of Evanston, the powers of the City Council are purely legislative. The council approves all expenses and liabilities of the city. Recently, the council's goals have included investing in city infrastructure, enhancing city development, ensuring equity in city operations, and stabilizing the long-term financing.

As the city clerk, I'm not a member of the council, but one of my roles is to record and manage all records and papers related to the city's business. I would ensure that public records are promptly and accurately maintained and made available for the council and the public.

What steps would you take to address the city's budget challenges?

As city clerk, I wouldn't have a direct vote on the city budget, but I would work with city officials and staff to help identify where budget cuts could be made. Most importantly, if requested to do so, I would use my background and knowledge of government to seek out new grants and other new sources of funding from state and federal government agencies.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I'm strongly interested in voter registration, turnout and education, particularly of students and young people. I want to work with District 65, District 202, and community groups to meet with students and show them the importance of voting. I want to teach young people the skills they need to become voters for life.

I also want to focus on improving communications and services for the entire community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My professional experience working as a federal agent for 27 years proves that I can handle the city clerk job, which requires organization, leadership and the ability to work together to accomplish goals.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I'm devoted to Evanston. I've lived here for 37 years and raised my son, Sam, here. Sam attended Kingsley and Haven, where I served on the board of the PTA and coached his sports teams. I also have a proven track record of success working with local, state and federal government agencies for almost three decades.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I want to lead a professional, welcoming city clerk's office that serves all of the city's residents, officials and staff. I want to reach out into the community and ensure that the city clerk's office offers valuable and tangible services to everyone.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Yes, I support Black Lives Matter.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

My goal is to look forward and to work towards overcoming institutionalized racism. I strongly support racial equality in our city government and our community.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

I think that we need to take every possible precaution to slow down the spread of the virus, including mandatory mask wearing indoors.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

We need to continue to vaccinate front-line workers, essential workers, and the most vulnerable as quickly and efficiently as possible. As more vaccine becomes available, we need to ensure that vaccinations are delivered in a fair and equitable manner.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others like you'd like to be treated.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love Evanston and I'll work hard for you and the community. I'm personally open and accessible. I enjoy meeting and talking with people and hope to encourage residents to see the clerk's office in that manner.