Meet Minal Desai: Candidate For Skokie Village Clerk

SKOKIE, IL — Current Skokie Village Clerk Minal Desai is running to continue serving in the role for the April 1 election.

Throughout her career, Desai has worked in banking and business development, including as Vice President at Diamond Bank. She has also served on the Skokie Park District Board and Chamber of Commerce.

Desai was appointed Village Clerk in April 2024 after previous Village Clerk Pramod Shah's retirement. She is running against Naema Abraham and James Johnson for Skokie Village Clerk.

Learn more about Desai and her goals for Skokie:

Age (as of Election day)

48

Campaign website

minalforclerk.com

Education

My educational background, combined with my professional experience in banking and business development, equip me with a strong foundation in community engagement and organizational leadership—skills that directly inform my work as Skokie Village Clerk.

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

As Village Clerk, I serve as the official keeper of records for the Village of Skokie, responsible for maintaining key public documents such as Village Board meeting minutes, ordinances, and resolutions. I also act as a passport acceptance agent and oversee the issuance of real estate transfer stamps. As the local election authority in coordination with the Cook County Clerk’s Office, I oversee voter registration services, accept candidate files, and certification of ballots.

But to me, this role is about more than just administrative responsibilities—it’s about being a bridge between local government and the community. I see the Clerk’s Office as the front door to village services, and I’m committed to making that door more open, welcoming, and accessible to all. As someone who speaks 5 languages, I understand firsthand how important language access is to making residents feel included and empowered to engage with their local government. That’s why I prioritize multilingual communication, inclusive outreach, and creating tools and services that reflect the diversity of our community.

Whether it’s streamlining services through technology, increasing awareness of village resources, or bringing the Clerk’s Office into neighborhoods through mobile events, I want every resident—regardless of language, background, or schedule—to feel they have a trusted, approachable partner in village government.

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

The Clerk’s position is defined by state statute, and it is an administrative role—not a policymaking position. It is a position that should remain neutral and nonpartisan, dedicated solely to serving the community, and I am committed to fulfilling that responsibility with integrity and professionalism.

What sets me apart from other candidates is the combination of my professional expertise, lived experience, and my proven commitment to public service. I bring a strong background in finance and business development, having served as Vice President at Diamond Bank, along with deep community involvement through organizations like the Skokie Park District Board, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club.

I’m also multilingual, which helps me connect with and serve our diverse community more effectively. I understand the importance of making government more accessible and approachable for everyone—not just in words, but in action. Since being appointed Village Clerk, I’ve been focused on modernizing the Clerk’s Office, expanding outreach, and making sure residents know this office is not just about records—it’s about relationships, service, and trust.

I don’t just talk about inclusion—I live it. I bring both the experience and vision to make this role more proactive, innovative, and responsive to the people of Skokie.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My campaign platform is centered around strengthening our community and improving the relationship between local government and residents. These key issues are the focus of my platform, in addition to my administrative and election authority responsibilities.

1. Community Engagement: I’m committed to making sure every resident feels informed and included. This means not only offering services in multiple languages but also increasing opportunities for residents to engage with the village government. I want to host more mobile Clerk’s Office events and town halls, bringing government closer to the people.
2. Technology and Innovation: I plan to continue modernizing village processes, making records, services, and forms more accessible online. By improving digital tools, we can create a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly experience for everyone in Skokie.
3. Support for Local Businesses: As we continue to recover and grow, I’m committed to ensuring our small businesses have the support they need to thrive. As a 35-year Skokie resident, I’ve built strong relationships with both residents and business owners, and I proudly serve as a resource to help them navigate Village services and connect with the support available to them.
4. Fiscal Responsibility: While the Clerk’s Office doesn’t directly manage the budget, I will ensure we are using resources wisely, looking for cost-effective solutions that improve services while maintaining a high standard of transparency and accountability.
5. Inclusive and Equitable Governance: I believe the Clerk’s Office should be a place where every resident, regardless of background or status, feels seen and heard. That means advocating for more inclusive programs and ensuring that all members of our diverse community have equal access to village services.

By focusing on these issues, I hope to create a village government that is not only more efficient but also more responsive, inclusive, and engaged with the needs of the residents it serves.

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

I’ve had the privilege of holding leadership roles that have allowed me to build the skills necessary to serve as Village Clerk. Some key accomplishments that demonstrate my ability to handle this job include:

1. Skokie Park District Board Leadership: As the first South Asian elected to the Skokie Park District Board, I’ve had the opportunity to lead, collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, and make decisions that directly impact the community. My experience in local government gave me insight into public service and the importance of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.
2. Business Development at Diamond Bank: In my role as Vice President at Diamond Bank, I gained invaluable experience managing complex financial systems and building strong relationships with clients. My background in business development equips me with the financial acumen to manage the administrative aspects of the Clerk’s Office efficiently while ensuring services are delivered effectively.
3. Community Involvement: I’ve been deeply involved in Skokie’s community through organizations like the Skokie Kiwanis Club, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, and as an active volunteer. This has helped me understand the diverse needs of residents and how to make local government more accessible and inclusive.
4. Multilingual Communication: My ability to speak multiple languages allows me to connect with a broader range of Skokie residents, ensuring they have access to vital information and services in the language they feel most comfortable with. This is essential to fostering a more inclusive community and ensuring everyone has equal access to government services.

These experiences have given me the skills to run the Clerk’s Office with efficiency, transparency, and a focus on service. I’m ready to bring that same dedication to this position and continue improving the ways we serve the people of Skokie.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have a proven track record of service, integrity, and a deep commitment to our community. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with residents and local leaders through my work on the Skokie Park District Board, the Kiwanis Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. My experience has taught me the importance of transparency, accountability, and always putting the needs of the community first.

I am deeply invested in making local government more accessible, inclusive, and responsive. I’ve shown that I can take on complex roles—whether in business development or public service—and approach them with professionalism, dedication, and a focus on results.

In addition, my multilingual skills and commitment to diversity ensure that I can serve every corner of Skokie, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. Voters can trust that I will handle the Clerk’s Office with the same passion, integrity, and commitment to service that I’ve brought to all my roles in the community.

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

If I win this position, my term in office will be a success if I can ensure that the Clerk’s Office becomes a model of accessibility, transparency, and efficiency for all Skokie residents. Specifically, I would consider my term a success if I can:

1. Modernize the Clerk’s Office: Streamlining processes, making public records more easily accessible online, and implementing new technologies that improve the efficiency of services for residents.
2. Increase Civic Engagement: Expanding community outreach through mobile Clerk’s Office events, multilingual resources, and enhancing communication to ensure all residents—regardless of background—can access the information and services they need.
3. Foster a More Inclusive Government: Ensuring that every resident feels seen, heard, and able to engage with their local government, particularly through outreach to underserved communities.

Ultimately, I want to ensure that when residents think of the Clerk’s Office, they feel supported, informed, and valued by their local government. That will be the greatest measure of success for me.

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

As Village Clerk, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and the need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. While the Clerk’s Office operates within the larger framework of village government, I’m committed to managing resources in the most cost-effective way possible without sacrificing the quality of service.

I believe in transparency when it comes to government spending, and I’ll work to ensure that the operations of the Clerk’s Office are conducted in a way that is accountable to residents. This means reviewing processes regularly to identify cost-saving opportunities, exploring technology solutions that can streamline operations, and ensuring that any spending aligns with the needs of the community.

At the same time, I recognize that efficient and accessible government services are worth the investment. For example, increasing digital accessibility and improving outreach programs may require initial costs, but they ultimately lead to a more efficient and connected village. By prioritizing the responsible use of resources, I will ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in ways that benefit the entire community while upholding the highest standards of accountability.

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?

While the Village Clerk’s Office does not directly address crime prevention, I understand the importance of a safe and secure community for the well-being of all residents. Crime, especially violent crime, is a concern for everyone, and it’s crucial that we continue to work together as a community to find effective solutions.

As Village Clerk, I can play a role by supporting efforts to enhance communication between residents and law enforcement. One of my priorities would be to ensure that residents have access to information about safety programs, crime statistics, and ways to report concerns to local authorities. By improving transparency and making sure residents feel informed, we can help foster a stronger partnership between the community and law enforcement.

I also believe that community engagement is a key factor in reducing crime. By creating more opportunities for residents to engage with local government, participate in neighborhood watch programs, and connect with one another, we can build a more resilient and proactive community. Collaboration between local leaders, law enforcement, and residents is essential for addressing both the root causes of crime and immediate concerns.

In addition, I support investments in community policing and youth development programs to prevent crime before it starts. By offering opportunities for at-risk youth, improving access to mental health services, and strengthening our community ties, we can work toward reducing crime in Skokie and creating a safer, more cohesive environment for everyone.

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

While the Village Clerk is not involved in decisions around commercial or residential development, I believe it’s important that Skokie’s approach reflects a thoughtful balance—supporting economic growth while preserving the character of our neighborhoods. I support efforts that prioritize community input, equity, and long-term sustainability, ensuring that development benefits all residents and strengthens our local economy.

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?

While the Village Clerk does not have a direct hand in shaping development policy, I can support the process by serving as a resource to Village services and helping residents stay informed and engaged. From what I hear in the community, residents are most interested in seeing continued revitalization of commercial corridors like Main Street, more diverse retail and dining options, and enhancements to public spaces that foster a sense of connection and vibrancy. Making this happen will require ongoing collaboration between Village leadership, business partners, and community members—along with intentional outreach to ensure all voices are heard in the process.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice ever shared with me was to “listen more than you speak, and always approach others with empathy and respect.” This advice has guided me in both my professional and personal life. It reminds me that understanding different perspectives and valuing others’ experiences is key to building strong relationships, making informed decisions, and fostering a sense of community. It’s a lesson I carry with me as I serve others and work to make sure everyone in Skokie feels heard and respected.

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

As a dedicated mother of three, I understand the importance of balancing family and career. I am committed to serving our community with the same level of dedication I give to my family. The Village Clerk is a full-time, administrative, and service-oriented role, and I see it as an opportunity to focus on what truly matters: serving the residents of Skokie and ensuring that they have the resources, transparency, and support they need from local government.

This position is not about pushing a political agenda—it’s about ensuring the efficient operation of village services and fostering an inclusive, responsive environment for all. My commitment is to the people of Skokie, and I will work every day to make sure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

I love Skokie. I believe in celebrating the vibrant spirit and endless possibilities of our village, where community thrives, diversity flourishes, and every day brings new opportunities for connection and growth.

I’m here not just as your Village Clerk, but as someone who is deeply dedicated to enhancing the warmth, culture, and unity that make Skokie so special. I am committed to serving every resident with transparency, efficiency, and heartfelt care. Skokie is your home, your heart, and I am honored to be a part of its future.