Election 2013: What Sets D181 Candidates Apart?

In its 2013 candidate questionnaire, Patch asked the five candidates for Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education the following questions:

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Here, in alphabetical order, are the candidates' responses:

Gary Clarin: "I don’t believe I am unique from the other candidates, but I do believe that my previous and current tenure on several boards, both community and business, my ability to work together and listen to solve issues and advance common goals, and my willingness to take leadership roles, when asked, has provided me with the skill set necessary to be an effective board member."

Richard Fitzgerald: "Motivation, perseverance and drive.  I am the only candidate that is neither an incumbent nor selected by the caucus in this election.  Without the advantages of either of those forms of support, I went out and put together an election team to help run my own independent campaign."

Mridu Garg: "I have been an active community member since moving to Hinsdale and have attended many board meetings, reviewed district materials and conducted my own research on the issues facing our district. I am very familiar with the various initiatives the district is planning and implementing this year. As a parent of two elementary school children, I am able to see the impact of these initiatives and can contribute successfully. If elected, I would bring an educated perspective to the board and help make data driven decisions that ensure the best use of our tax dollars."

Sarah Lewensohn: "I bring knowledge and experience of school boards, school finance and our district. CCSD 181 is rare; it has not had a BOE member serve for more than one term in the last eight years, maybe longer. I have sat at the negotiating table with the HCHTA [Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Teachers' Association]. Who else can say that?

"I look for pragmatic solutions and have been successful at collaborating with others on the board. As a board member, you are one of seven and cast only one vote."

Jill Vorobiev: "The community has a strong roster of candidates from which to choose during this year's election, which reflects the tremendous amount of talented and service-minded individuals that we are fortunate to have in District 181. I believe that the candidates possess a wide range of skills, and that it is for the community to decide which skills and commitments are best suited to the office of a District 181 school board member."