Highland Park Mayor Endorses All But One City Council Candidate

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Mayor Nancy Rotering this week got involved in this year's contested race for seats on the Highland Park City Council in next month's election.

Rotering is running unopposed for a fourth term as Highland Park mayor, while five candidates seeking to become councilmembers are competing for three open seats.

In a message this week from her campaign committee, Rotering said she supported all but one of those candidates — incumbents Tony Blumberg and Adam Stolberg, along with newcomers Kelly Nichols and Yumi Ross.

"While only three seats are up for election in this race, I support these four candidates as each has a reputation for collaborative community engagement, governance and policy experience, and an excellent record of accomplishment in serving our city," Rotering said Monday in a statement.

Rotering did not mention the one candidate she declined to endorse, Jeff Hoobler, the owner of Ravinia Brewing Company and BWB Shakes.

"In addition to their varied backgrounds and professional skills, they represent diverse geographic locations within our city and have children at various stages of life," Rotering said of all the City Council hopefuls other than Hoobler.

"These candidates have a proven commitment to representing our entire community, focusing on serving the broad and varied needs of our city, and prioritizing ethics, transparency, and accountability in their service records," according to the mayor.

In response, Hoobler said he is a first-time candidate with ideas and energy.

"I will bring a new perspective so the City Council can be more proactive, strategic, and bolder in addressing an unacceptable decline," Hoobler said in a statement to Patch.

"I am endorsed by three sitting councilmembers: Holleman, Lidawer, and Tapia and a wide swath of community leaders," Hoobler said, encouraging voters to visit his website for a list of more endorsements. "More importantly, as I’ve been out knocking on doors, hosting coffees, and listening to neighbors: I have gained grassroots support across Highland Park.

"I love Highland Park, but we can do better. Sometimes that’s a hard message to hear. There are too many storefront vacancies and our central business district has lost its luster. I will make economic development a priority and focus on the immediate needs of business and the entire community. My message has been consistent: Hoobler means business. Hoobler means change," he said.

---

"I have praised the City and leadership on the many things Highland Park has done right: the response to the tragedy last summer; the investment in infrastructure; a well-managed budget. But, I am independent enough to say not all is right," he said.

"If the voters want change, and being the change candidate means not getting the Mayor’s endorsement, then the choice is clear."