Meet Jospeh Nowik: Candidate For Skokie At-Large Trustee

SKOKIE, IL — Joseph Nowik is a cosultant and former Director of Operations who is running for At-Large Trustee in Skokie.

Nowik is currently serving on the Niles Township High School District 219 Board of Education, which he was appointed to in 2015 and then re-elected twice. He is running against Khemarey "Khem" Khoeun, Keith A. Robinson and Gail Schechter for Skokie At-Large Trustee.

Learn more about Nowik and his goals for Skokie:

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook and Instagram pages

Education

I am a graduate of Lane Technical High School and hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Chicago. I have also earned certifications in Six Sigma and completed various specialized training courses throughout my career.

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Skokie faces three critical challenges: transparency, financial responsibility, and sustainable growth—and I’m ready to take action.

• Transparency & Accountability: Residents deserve an open and honest government. I will fight for clearer communication, full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, and more opportunities for public input so every voice is heard.
• Financial Responsibility: Rising taxes and wasteful spending threaten affordability. With my operations and budget management expertise, I will ensure tax dollars are spent wisely, focusing on essential services while protecting residents from unnecessary increases.
• Economic Growth & Housing Affordability: Skokie must attract businesses, create jobs, and keep housing affordable—especially for seniors and long-time residents. I will push for business-friendly policies and responsible development to strengthen our local economy without displacing our neighbors.

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

The key differences between me and the other candidates come down to experience, leadership, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility:

• Proven Leadership & Experience: I bring decades of executive leadership in operations, business development, and financial management—experience that will ensure Skokie’s government runs efficiently and responsibly. My 10 years on the D219 school board, including budget oversight and facilities improvements, demonstrate my ability to manage public resources effectively.
• Independent & Community-Focused: I am running as an independent candidate because local government should prioritize practical solutions over politics. My campaign is about fiscal responsibility, public safety, and smart economic development—not partisan agendas.

I have a track record of getting things done, and I am ready to bring that same dedication to the Village Board to make Skokie stronger, more efficient, and financially sound.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The current Village Board has failed Skokie residents through a lack of transparency, poor financial decisions, and partisan control that shuts down debate.

• Lack of Transparency & Open Debate: The board has repeatedly violated the Open Meetings Act, keeping residents in the dark about important decisions. Even worse, key issues never even get discussed because the board’s party-aligned voting block refuses to give them a second—silencing debate before it can begin. Skokie deserves a government that listens to all perspectives, not just those of one political party.
• Financial Mismanagement: The failed Oakton hotel project is a glaring example of poor planning and oversight. After years of delays, the project has stalled, wasting time and resources without delivering any benefits to residents. Skokie needs stronger financial oversight, better project management, and smarter budgeting to prevent more costly missteps.
• Economic & Housing Concerns: Skokie must do more to support local businesses and keep housing affordable, especially for seniors and long-time residents. Right now, too many economic decisions benefit large developers instead of strengthening the local economy and protecting homeowners.

I’m running because Skokie deserves independent leadership that puts residents first not just a political party.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My campaign is focused on public safety, better village services, sustainable infrastructure, and government efficiency to keep Skokie safe, strong, and well-managed.

• Public Safety: Every resident deserves to feel safe. I support a fully staffed, well-trained police and fire department, stronger community policing, and better emergency response.
• Better Village Services: From street maintenance to waste collection, Skokie services should be efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective. I will push for continuous improvements to meet residents’ needs.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Skokie must invest in energy-efficient buildings, better stormwater management, and green spaces to improve our environment and quality of life.
• Government Efficiency: Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely. I will work to streamline operations, cut waste, and improve accountability in village departments.

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

I have a proven record of fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and effective leadership that will benefit Skokie.

• Public Service & Leadership: As a D219 School Board member for 10 years, I worked with the board to eliminate all district debt without cutting any student resources while improving infrastructure and expanding essential services, including full-time nurses, librarians, and social workers.
• Financial & Operational Expertise: The D219 Board and I eliminated all district debt, securing a perfect 4.0 financial rating. As a Director of Operations and now a consultant, I have successfully managed budgets, improved efficiencies, and streamlined operations to maximize resources.
• Sustainability Initiatives: I practice what I preach, installing solar panels, LED lighting, and smart water devices in my home. At D219, I led efforts with the board to install solar panels and upgrade buildings with energy-efficient systems, saving money and reducing environmental impact.
• Community-Driven Solutions: I believe in listening to residents and making data-driven decisions. My experience in contract negotiations and project oversight ensures transparency and accountability in government.
• Commitment to Service: Beyond my work in government, I have served on nonprofit boards, including HAVE Dreams and Misericordia, supporting individuals with autism and disabilities. My leadership in these organizations reflects my dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive community.

I will bring strong leadership, smart budgeting, and practical solutions to Skokie’s Village Board to keep our community safe, sustainable, and financially sound.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have a proven track record of leadership, and community service—and I have been proud to call Skokie home since 1986.

• My wife and I built our lives here, and our family has deep ties to the community. Both my wife and my children are proud graduates of NilesWest—two generations of Skokie education!
• I promise to make decisions that serve residents, not political interests.
• With decades of experience I understand how to manage budgets, improve efficiencies, and get things done.
• Dedication to Our Community: I have served on nonprofit boards like HAVE Dreams and Misericordia, demonstrating my longstanding commitment to the Nile Township and its residents.
• I Practice What I Preach: From installing solar panels at home to leading sustainability initiatives at D219, I take action, not just talk about solutions.

I am running to ensure Skokie remains safe, sustainable, and efficient—and I have the experience, integrity, and dedication to make it happen.

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

Success means delivering real improvements that residents can see and feel. My top priorities include:

• Fighting the Rat Infestation: Implementing aggressive pest control, improving sanitation, and ensuring the village takes proactive measures to eliminate this problem.
• Protecting Property Values: Keeping Skokie a desirable place to live by supporting smart housing development and responsible community planning.
• Enhancing Public Safety: Ensuring our police and fire departments have the resources and community partnerships needed to keep Skokie safe.
• Improving Village Services: Making services more efficient and accessible so residents get the support they need without delays or bureaucracy.

If, by the end of my term, Skokie is cleaner, safer, more efficient, and better prepared for the future while maintaining strong property values, I will consider my service a success.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently to benefit residents. My approach to fiscal policy includes:

• Responsible Budgeting: Prioritizing essential services while cutting wasteful spending to keep Skokie financially strong.
• Smart Investments: Supporting infrastructure and development projects that provide long-term value and protect property values.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Leveraging private investment to drive economic growth and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
• Accountability & Transparency: Making financial decisions openly so residents know exactly how their tax dollars are used.

Skokie deserves a government that spends efficiently, invests wisely, and puts residents first.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Skokie is a great community, but public safety must always be a top priority. While crime is relatively low, we must stay proactive to keep every neighborhood safe.

To combat crime—especially violent crime—we must:

• Strengthen Community Policing: Build trust through visibility, engagement, and partnerships.
• Support Police & First Responders: Ensure they have the resources and training to protect our community.
• Enhance Prevention Efforts: Invest in better lighting and neighborhood watch programs.
• Address Root Causes: Expand youth programs, mental health services, and job opportunities to prevent crime before it starts.

I will work to ensure Skokie remains a safe, secure, and welcoming place for all residents.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

Skokie has great potential for smart, balanced development, but we must attract the right projects while protecting neighborhood character and property values.

I support:

• Smart Housing Growth: Expanding housing options without overburdening infrastructure or schools.
• Stronger Business Development: Attracting new businesses while supporting existing ones to create jobs and grow our economy.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Revitalizing underused areas while reducing the burden on taxpayers.
• Community-Driven Planning: Ensuring residents have a voice in development decisions.

We need growth that benefits Skokie—not just developers. I will push for responsible, forward-thinking development that strengthens our community.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

As a trustee, I will regularly seek input from residents because a trustee—well at least me—does not have all the answers. Your voice matters, and I will make sure it is heard in development decisions that shape Skokie’s future.

I believe Skokie residents want smart development that enhances our community without compromising its character. Key areas for improvement include:

• More Diverse Housing Options: Smart growth that includes affordable and middle-income options while preserving property values.
• Stronger Business Corridors: Revitalize underused commercial areas to attract businesses, create jobs, and boost our economy.
• Better Infrastructure & Public Spaces: Improve roads, sidewalks, and green spaces to support a thriving, walkable community.

With better planning, strong public-private partnerships, and real community input, we can ensure that development in Skokie benefits residents—not just developers.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I’ve ever received is to listen more than I talk. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about understanding different perspectives, recognizing needs, and making thoughtful, well-informed decisions that truly serve the people.

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

I have called Skokie home since 1986. I understand the values and concerns of our community because I’ve lived them.

I’ll fight to keep Skokie a great place to live, work, and raise a family—ensuring strong services, safe neighborhoods, and stable property values.

Most importantly, I will listen to residents and make decisions based on what’s best for Skokie—not politics.

I'm ready to serve, and I ask for your vote on April 1st.