2026 Civic Betterment Committee Town Meeting Candidates – Civic Betterment Committee
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Attend the Town Meeting on Saturday, October 24 and vote for Glen Ellyn Village Trustees and Library Trustee candidates.

    Village of Glen Ellyn Trustee Candidates

  • Robert Bessler

    “Village Trustees should serve residents, not agendas. I’ll bring fact-based, transparent decision making to local government- prioritizing fiscal responsibility, and clear communication over politics as usual. Polarization has eroded civil discourse nationally; I believe change starts locally. I’ll listen to residents, weigh facts over ideology, and work to keep toxic politics out of our Village.”

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  • Kelli Christiansen

    “Among the issues the Glen Ellyn Village Board will face in coming years are balancing infrastructure needs and costs; revitalizing business districts; and growing revenues while managing taxes. To do so, we must heed the Village’s guiding documents: the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, the 2023 Housing Study, the 2026 Five-Year Strategic Plan, etc.”

    View Candidate Video Statement

  • Robert Duncan

    “My goal is to continue working collaboratively with the other board members, Village staff and President to do what is in the best interest of the Village. I believe in good financial stewardship, strong department alignment and leadership, and robust business development.”

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  • Donna Jean Simon

    “I have lived on the south side of Glen Ellyn for over 40 years and bring that perspective to my Board role. I was also a small business owner and understand those challenges to our local businesses. As a current board member, I try to bring my consulting experience to bear on decision making by trying to find options and outcomes that benefit the most members of the village, and sometimes that means finding a third way between two options in an attempt to reach consensus.”

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  • Stephen Thompson

    “We face significant challenges and tremendous opportunities in Glen Ellyn. We need to continue careful planning of our capital projects which includes the street scape, train station/ tunnel, Village Links Master Plan, and new commercial developments. I support our community traditions while embracing new ideas and events for all of Glen Ellyn.”

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  • Christy Truitt

    “In pursuing election as a Trustee, I seek to serve and preserve the Village of Glen Ellyn as a vibrant and diverse multi-generational community. It is important to celebrate our history, preserve our compelling natural resources, enable economic development, and support fiscal responsibility while preparing for a sustainable future.”

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    • Glen Ellyn Library Trustee Candidates

  • Emily Henkels

    “As a Library Trustee, I will draw on two decades of experience building national and local community organizations to better serve the Glen Ellyn community. I am foremost a creative and collaborative problem-solver invested in supporting the library’s capacity to provide engaging and equitable resources for all residents.”

  • Laine Pehta

    “Libraries are beloved community resources, and the Glen Ellyn Public Library needs trustees who will support it not merely as a place to borrow books, but who will also champion it as the essential community hub and resource for all residents of Glen Ellyn. I wish to steward the library’s financial and human resources in such a way that it will continue to evolve and serve the community for the future!”

  • Shawn Ryan

    “Despite political pressures to limit support of literacy, a public library can help build knowledge and competencies in many ways. Services concerning literacy and information are worth their weight in gold especially to those who struggle with resources. I propose to do everything I can to continue providing these services to our community.”

  • Andrew Savikas

    “I have more than 20 years experience in the publishing industry, and I welcome the opportunity to continue serving the community of Glen Ellyn. I believe libraries play a vital role in making sure everyone in the community has affordable access to information, education, and entertainment.”

  • Karen Shea

    “As a parent and regular library user, I’ll champion fiscal responsibility while sustaining the programs that residents value. Drawing on my management consulting background, I’ll help the library serve every age and stage — so no one ages out — and build partnerships across village organizations that strengthen the library and the community.”

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