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Chicago Tribune
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
20 years of conversations beat money, big names in historic Skokie mayor race
In the historic election for mayor of Skokie, candidate David 'Azi' Lifsics spent big dollar amounts and garnered big-name endorsements. When Election Night was over, though, he had lost to candidate Ann Tennes, who spent only a fraction of what he had shelled out. Her winning formula in the April 1 race? Twenty years' worth of community involvement, volunteer service and face-to-face connections in the suburb of about 67,000. She worked as Skokie's director of marketing and communications for two decades, had been elected to Oakton (Community) College's Board, and had volunteered for Skokie civic and arts organizations. Illinois State Board of Elections records show that Lifsics' Azi for Skokie campaign committee spent nearly $282,000 and got 38% of the vote, according to the Cook County Clerk's office. That amount was quadruple the $70,000 spent by the Friends of Ann Tennes committee, and Tennes earned 50.4% of the vote. Third candidate Charles Isho spent $41,000 and got 11.6% of the vote. Turnout for the race, historic because George Van Dusen had held the mayor's office for 26 years and decided not to run again, was 28%, with 13,144 ballots cast, per the Cook County Clerk. Additionally, Lifsics was endorsed by prominent elected officials including U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton, Van Dusen, state Sen. Laura Fine, and Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, according to his campaign's social media. Tennes' win might have to do with the nature of off-cycle (non-national) elections, said Tabitha Bonilla, associate professor of political science at Northwestern University. A smaller number of people vote in these off-cycle elections, and they tend to be older, more politically aware and have higher income levels, she said. 'So when you have someone incredibly connected, who worked for the village, people would know that,' Bonilla said. 'I think that would be meaningful because the people showing up to vote would be more attentive to what (she) has done.' Tennes, who is now Mayor Tennes after being sworn in on April 21, said, 'Our campaign didn't look political. It looked like residents talking to other residents.' Bonilla said Tennes' campaign practice of inviting residents to come speak with her at local establishments like Will's Place, a cafe which employs the developmentally disabled, fostered her image as accessible. 'It builds a narrative of her being for ordinary people,' Bonilla said. In an age when political fundraising and big bucks can play a deciding role in an election, Tennes' win proves this isn't always the case. Randall Roberts, who chaired Tennes' mayoral campaign, acknowledged he had concerns Lifsics' endorsements and campaign spending could harm the Tennes campaign. 'I think what residents saw was that Ann was the best candidate and best qualified person,' Roberts said. 'Despite the campaign they were being blitzed with, they saw through it and elected the best candidate—and in an overwhelming fashion.' Tennes, who received a 'highly recommended' ranking from the newly formed Skokie Community Caucus and endorsements from a number of citizens, business owners and former village employees, credits her success to meeting voters where they are—at their homes, businesses, and village events—and building an enthusiastic volunteer base that was largely through word of mouth. 'I made a point of being present and engaging with residents,' Tennes said. 'It was a lot of personal contact.' Keith Simonds, assistant professor of political science at Oakton College, noted that more than $200,000 spent in a suburban mayoral race is a 'large amount,' but is not unheard of. Recent instances show very costly campaigns haven't had the intended impact, he said. 'We … just saw massive spending for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race,' he said. 'The winning side was outspent by millions of dollars. Money is important, but it is not the only thing that matters.' Lifsics said that building name recognition was a necessary part of his campaign, and raising the amount of money needed to fund mailers and commercials tied into that. His campaign created 10 mailers and six commercials, which aired on YouTube, Hulu and Comcast channels, Lifsics said. 'I had about 13% name recognition the first few weeks of the campaign, so we had a lot of ground to make up,' he said.. 'It was not issue-based; it was more about getting my name out there. Once voters figured out who I was, then I could go discuss policy positions.' For Tennes, name recognition, gained through her position as Skokie's director of communications and marketing from 1998 to 2023, an elected seat on the Oakton (Community) College Board from 2007 to 2019, and involvement in a number of Skokie organizations, including the Skokie Community Foundation, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie Foundation, and more, made a difference in the campaign, she said. 'I had strong relationships in the community that I cultivated over the course of 25 years—and that certainly was a benefit,' she said. Roberts agreed. 'She was very well known and that was ideal for her as a candidate,' he said. Tennes also stressed her status as a fully independent candidate, calling for 'transparent, practical leadership centered on inclusion and collaboration.' Skokie residents were already looking for independent candidates after approving a citizen-initiated referendum in November 2024 that removed local party affiliation from the ballot in municipal races, Tennes said. Previously, the Skokie Caucus Party had dominated village elections. 'It was clear residents were not looking for slates and groups of candidates running together,' Tennes said, referring to the 2024 referendum results. 'I ran a fiercely independent campaign. I said over and over again on the campaign trail. I was friendly and cordial with all the candidates (for trustee and village clerk), but I did not campaign with them.' Van Dusen said he supported Lifsics because he had started attending Skokie Village Board meetings about three years ago and told Van Dusen he was interested in village government. The two met periodically to chat about issues. 'I was discussing issues with him and I was impressed with his approach and how he analyzed issues. I thought he was what the village of Skokie needed,' Van Dusen said. Still, Van Dusen said he's pleased with the outcome of the election. 'Ann will do a good job,' he said. Despite the fact Tennes worked for him yet he chose to endorse another candidate, Van Dusen said he never had a falling out with her. 'No, and I've never said anything negative about Ann,' he noted. 'She'll have my support, and I think she'll do a good job.' Tennes said soon after the election that she planned to meet with Isho, an Assyrian American, and tell him how much she values Skokie's growing Assyrian American community. For his part, Lifsics also heralded Tennes' win. 'I want to congratulate our Mayor-elect Ann Tennes,' he wrote on his Facebook page the day after the election. 'I've reached out to her to offer my assistance in any way as Skokie moves forward…Let's all work together to keep Skokie a great place to live!'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Skokie swears in first new mayor in 26 years, new Village Board
A jam-packed Council Chamber cheered and clapped for what some saw as a new day in Skokie, with the swearing in of a new mayor and Village Board on Monday. Mayor Ann Tennes was the first official to be sworn in, and received a standing ovation from Skokie residents after she commented on what it means to be Skokie's mayor. Incumbent Trustees Keith Robinson and Alison Pure Slovin were sworn in for their second term on the village board, and new trustees Kimani Levy, Lissa Levy, Jim Iverson and Gail Schechter took the oath for the first time. Village Clerk Minal Desai was also sworn in at Monday's Village Board meeting. 'Thank you to everyone who entrusted all of us to guide our community,' Tennes said. 'As (it) has been said in the last few minutes, whether you voted for one of us, all of us, or some of us, we will represent you.' Tennes paid homage to past female mayors in the northern suburbs, including Jacqueline Gorell (Skokie), Lorraine H. Morton (Evanston), Joan Barr (Evanston), Madeleine Grant (Lincolnwood), Nancy Firfer (Glenview), and Sheila H. Schultz (Wheeling). 'I stand on their shoulders this evening,' she said. 'I believe that we will see that the best decision we make will often include components of our differing thoughts and opinions on the issues we face. And I also believe, and I know, that we are all stronger and better together,' Tennes said. The new village board represents a mix of more traditionally-minded officials and reformers who felt empowered to run for office after the village implemented election reform initiated by residents through a petition. As part of that election reform, an amended election code created term limits, staggered terms for trustees (with some running every two years) and four geographic districts from which trustees were to be elected. In line with that last item, the Skokie Village Board now contains four district trustees and two at-large trustees who represent the entire village. Election reform also created non-partisan elections, meaning that party affiliation wasn't on the ballot for Skokie voters. Skokie voters also recently approved ranked-choice voting for its municipal elections, though that voting system appears to be facing roadblocks to implementation in Cook County. Robinson, who received the most votes for re-election in his race, thanked voters. 'Your confidence humbles me and I do not take it lightly,' he said. 'This election felt very different. While we're no longer managing the global crisis of COVID-19, like we did before, we are undeniably in another epidemic: a national crisis of hate, division and misinformation.' 'What grounded me was the joy of connecting, meeting new people, walking through new neighborhoods and listening — I'm talking real deep listening — from parents concerned about their LGBTQIA+ children's future, to families unsure about where they will live next. To folks who are worried about something as basic, but as real as the rat and garbage problem,' Robinson said. 'To my new colleagues on the board, congratulations. We've got work to do. And if I can offer some unsolicited old head advice — check your privileges and your bias at the door. This seat is not about your personal agenda, it's about our shared future. Ask questions. Be willing to learn and recognize the brilliance of this village and the value of the commissioners who work tirelessly behind the scenes.' Schechter said she accepted her seat on the board with humility, honor and gratitude. 'My philosophy of responsible democratic governance over my 40 years of community service that I developed is this: trust your people.' 'The underpinning of democracy is that no one is entitled to lead a government by divine right, inheritance, military might or wealth,' Schechter said. 'With electoral reform in Skokie, a campaign that I am proud to have chaired, now no political party has that kind of privilege either.' 'Today, you seat the first village board in decades that was elected based on our individual merits, vision and values. You have the right to expect a board that is accountable to you, as Alison said, that listens to you and that is not only welcoming, but invites you to sit at the governing table and contribute meaningfully to improving everyone's life,' she said.
Chicago Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Skokie swears in first new mayor in 26 years, new Village Board
A jam-packed Council Chamber cheered and clapped for what some saw as a new day in Skokie, with the swearing in of a new mayor and Village Board on Monday. Mayor Ann Tennes was the first official to be sworn in, and received a standing ovation from Skokie residents after she commented on what it means to be Skokie's mayor. Incumbent Trustees Keith Robinson and Alison Pure Slovin were sworn in for their second term on the village board, and new trustees Kimani Levy, Lissa Levy, Jim Iverson and Gail Schechter took the oath for the first time. Village Clerk Minal Desai was also sworn in at Monday's Village Board meeting. 'Thank you to everyone who entrusted all of us to guide our community,' Tennes said. 'As (it) has been said in the last few minutes, whether you voted for one of us, all of us, or some of us, we will represent you.' Tennes paid homage to past female mayors in the northern suburbs, including Jacqueline Gorell (Skokie), Lorraine H. Morton (Evanston), Joan Barr (Evanston), Madeleine Grant (Lincolnwood), Nancy Firfer (Glenview), and Sheila H. Schultz (Wheeling). 'I stand on their shoulders this evening,' she said. 'I believe that we will see that the best decision we make will often include components of our differing thoughts and opinions on the issues we face. And I also believe, and I know, that we are all stronger and better together,' Tennes said. The new village board represents a mix of more traditionally-minded officials and reformers who felt empowered to run for office after the village implemented election reform initiated by residents through a petition. As part of that election reform, an amended election code created term limits, staggered terms for trustees (with some running every two years) and four geographic districts from which trustees were to be elected. In line with that last item, the Skokie Village Board now contains four district trustees and two at-large trustees who represent the entire village. Election reform also created non-partisan elections, meaning that party affiliation wasn't on the ballot for Skokie voters. Skokie voters also recently approved ranked-choice voting for its municipal elections, though that voting system appears to be facing roadblocks to implementation in Cook County. Robinson, who received the most votes for re-election in his race, thanked voters. 'Your confidence humbles me and I do not take it lightly,' he said. 'This election felt very different. While we're no longer managing the global crisis of COVID-19, like we did before, we are undeniably in another epidemic: a national crisis of hate, division and misinformation.' 'What grounded me was the joy of connecting, meeting new people, walking through new neighborhoods and listening — I'm talking real deep listening — from parents concerned about their LGBTQIA+ children's future, to families unsure about where they will live next. To folks who are worried about something as basic, but as real as the rat and garbage problem,' Robinson said. 'To my new colleagues on the board, congratulations. We've got work to do. And if I can offer some unsolicited old head advice — check your privileges and your bias at the door. This seat is not about your personal agenda, it's about our shared future. Ask questions. Be willing to learn and recognize the brilliance of this village and the value of the commissioners who work tirelessly behind the scenes.' Schechter said she accepted her seat on the board with humility, honor and gratitude. 'My philosophy of responsible democratic governance over my 40 years of community service that I developed is this: trust your people.' 'The underpinning of democracy is that no one is entitled to lead a government by divine right, inheritance, military might or wealth,' Schechter said. 'With electoral reform in Skokie, a campaign that I am proud to have chaired, now no political party has that kind of privilege either.' 'Today, you seat the first village board in decades that was elected based on our individual merits, vision and values. You have the right to expect a board that is accountable to you, as Alison said, that listens to you and that is not only welcoming, but invites you to sit at the governing table and contribute meaningfully to improving everyone's life,' she said.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ann Tennes overwhelmingly elected Skokie mayor, unofficial results show
Former Skokie official Ann Tennes declared victory in the race for Skokie mayor Tuesday, with unofficial results from the Cook County Clerk's office showing she commanded a hefty percentage of vote totals. The victory starts a new era in the village of about 65,000 after 24-year mayor George Van Dusen chose not to run for another term. Unofficial results show Tennes, the village's former director of marketing and communications, received a little over 49% of the vote, with all precincts reporting, in a three-way election race. Those unofficial results also showed David 'Azi' Lifsics with just over 38% of the vote and Charles Isho with 12% of the vote. 'I am so happy for our community today,' Tennes said, addressing a crowd of about 100 supporters at Bar Louie in Skokie. 'This was indeed a grassroots effort and all of you were a part of it and I am so grateful.' Tennes was the sole candidate in the race who had previously been elected to public office, having served as a trustee and the board president on the Oakton College Board when it was called Oakton Community College. Tennes takes the helm in the village at a time when Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, considered the village's top economic engine, is being reinvented as a residential and entertainment, as well as retail, destination. Many residents are also eager to see Downtown Skokie and Main Street reinvigorated with economic activity, and the village has taken steps to grow the Illinois Science + Technology Park. The shell of a half-built hotel looms over Oakton Street in downtown Skokie and is just another one of many items the new administration will have to manage. In addition, political activism has sprouted in Skokie in recent years, with calls on the part of some citizens for affordable housing, protections for immigrants, and other issues. The April 1 election that launched Tennes is historic, representing the first time four village trustees will be elected from four geographic districts within the village. They will join two at-large trustees elected by the whole village on the Village Board. Reformers advocated the changes as a way to ensure the Village Board had representation across various neighborhoods of Skokie. Tennes said Isho conceded to her and that the two will break bread together within the coming week. 'I assured him (Isho) that I love and value the Assyrian community and I know how important they are to Skokie,' Tennes said. Tennes, who had the support of former village officials including former Village Manager Al Rigoni, maintained that her campaign and her goal is to be independent of Skokie's former political machine, the Skokie Caucus Party, and from figures who floated a referendum to realize electoral reform in the village. That reform included creating those trustee districts, as well as ensuring nonpartisan elections and creating staggered terms for Village Board members, so that some are elected every two years. In Skokie, the position of mayor is paid an annual salary of $35,000. Last year, Skokie trustees considered giving the mayor a 3% cost of living adjustment, but ultimately decided not to do so. Tennes earlier told the Chicago Tribune in a candidate questionnaire that while employed with the village, she represented Skokie on the Skokie Festival of Cultures Board and Executive Committees (1999 to 2023); the Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, Executive and Finance Committees (2002 to 2023) and led the Skokie Chamber of Commerce Marketing Task Force in 2018. She said that since retiring from the village position, she continues to serve as the vice-chair of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Board, and also served on the Skokie Community Foundation Board from 2019 to 2024, serving as board chair from 2023 to 2024. Before moving to Skokie in 2010, she said she served on the Park Ridge Zoning Board of Appeals from 1997 to 2010, serving as board chair for the final seven years of her service.
Chicago Tribune
02-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Ann Tennes overwhelmingly elected Skokie mayor, unofficial results show
Former Skokie official Ann Tennes declared victory in the race for Skokie mayor Tuesday, with unofficial results from the Cook County Clerk's office showing she commanded a hefty percentage of vote totals. The victory starts a new era in the village of about 65,000 after 24-year mayor George Van Dusen chose not to run for another term. Unofficial results show Tennes, the village's former director of marketing and communications, received a little over 49% of the vote, with all precincts reporting, in a three-way election race. Those unofficial results also showed David 'Azi' Lifsics with just over 38% of the vote and Charles Isho with 12% of the vote. 'I am so happy for our community today,' Tennes said, addressing a crowd of about 100 supporters at Bar Louie in Skokie. 'This was indeed a grassroots effort and all of you were a part of it and I am so grateful.' Tennes was the sole candidate in the race who had previously been elected to public office, having served as a trustee and the board president on the Oakton College Board when it was called Oakton Community College. Tennes takes the helm in the village at a time when Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, considered the village's top economic engine, is being reinvented as a residential and entertainment, as well as retail, destination. Many residents are also eager to see Downtown Skokie and Main Street reinvigorated with economic activity, and the village has taken steps to grow the Illinois Science + Technology Park. The shell of a half-built hotel looms over Oakton Street in downtown Skokie and is just another one of many items the new administration will have to manage. In addition, political activism has sprouted in Skokie in recent years, with calls on the part of some citizens for affordable housing, protections for immigrants, and other issues. The April 1 election that launched Tennes is historic, representing the first time four village trustees will be elected from four geographic districts within the village. They will join two at-large trustees elected by the whole village on the Village Board. Reformers advocated the changes as a way to ensure the Village Board had representation across various neighborhoods of Skokie. Tennes said Isho conceded to her and that the two will break bread together within the coming week. 'I assured him (Isho) that I love and value the Assyrian community and I know how important they are to Skokie,' Tennes said. Tennes, who had the support of former village officials including former Village Manager Al Rigoni, maintained that her campaign and her goal is to be independent of Skokie's former political machine, the Skokie Caucus Party, and from figures who floated a referendum to realize electoral reform in the village. That reform included creating those trustee districts, as well as ensuring nonpartisan elections and creating staggered terms for Village Board members, so that some are elected every two years. In Skokie, the position of mayor is paid an annual salary of $35,000. Last year, Skokie trustees considered giving the mayor a 3% cost of living adjustment, but ultimately decided not to do so. Tennes earlier told the Chicago Tribune in a candidate questionnaire that while employed with the village, she represented Skokie on the Skokie Festival of Cultures Board and Executive Committees (1999 to 2023); the Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, Executive and Finance Committees (2002 to 2023) and led the Skokie Chamber of Commerce Marketing Task Force in 2018. She said that since retiring from the village position, she continues to serve as the vice-chair of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Board, and also served on the Skokie Community Foundation Board from 2019 to 2024, serving as board chair from 2023 to 2024. Before moving to Skokie in 2010, she said she served on the Park Ridge Zoning Board of Appeals from 1997 to 2010, serving as board chair for the final seven years of her service.
