Gary Fasules (Civic Betterment Committee)

I have twelve years of elected Glen Ellyn Village board service including five months as Acting Village President. My service to the community includes being Village representative to the DuPage Mayors and Managers Legislative and Regulatory Committees, Village Trustee to the Glen Ellyn Fire Department and Police commissions, member of Chamber of Commerce, District 41, District 87, and Library committees and elected the Civic Betterment Party’s Village President Candidate by the Village Residents in a Non-Partisan Town Hall meeting in October 2024. 

Growing up in Glen Ellyn allowed me to understand the vision of Glen Ellyn- one of respect, dignity, volunteerism, teamwork, and most of all helping others/neighbors while taking pride in being a multi generation village.  If elected, I promise to continue this tradition as well as-

• work to make Glen Ellyn affordable to all

• increase economic growth

• improve sustainability and safety

• maintain fiscal responsibility

• improve the transparency of Glen Ellyn’s government

James Burket (Independent)

As 30+ year residents, my wife Kathy and I raised our two sons, Rollin and Clayton in Glen Ellyn. I’ve spent my career in the commodity markets and currently serve as a Branch Office Manager and Senior Risk Management Consultant for StoneX Financial in Chicago.

Over the years, I’ve been involved in Glen Ellyn in several leadership roles; I served as a village trustee, as well as the chairman of the Architectural Review Commission. I am currently on the board of directors of the Glen House Food Pantry and actively raise funds to assist them in their mission to “Make Hunger History”. I was a co-founder of two youth lacrosse programs in the village, and I am the president and co-founder of the Tour of Lake Ellyn Foundation which stages annual professional cycling races at Lake Ellyn benefitting the food pantry.  I volunteer with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and support Glen Ellyn Youth and Family Counseling Services.

Caren I. Cosby (Civic Betterment Committee)

Stephen A. Szymanski (Civic Betterment Committee)

I have a BS in Engineering from Missouri Science and Technology, MBA from Marquette University and a Master of Management from Northwestern University. Worked for United States Steel for 42 years, in sales, marketing Strategic Planning and Business Development. After retiring worked on international steel trade cases with the industry and U S Commerce for two years.

Since 2018 have been a member of the Capital Improvement Commission for the Village, Chairman for the last two years, addressing the streetscape, train station, road, sewer maintenance and lead line services, while working with the Village to make sure we stay within budget.

Currently on the board of PEP (Partnership for Educational Progress). PEP supports grants, scholarships and specific programs at the Glenbard schools and its feeder schools. I have also worked with local high school students as a mentor in their Incubator Class helping students develop business skills.

Sonia Desai Bhagwakar (Civic Betterment Committee)

Sonia Bhagwakar and her husband, a physician practicing in the area, have raised three daughters in Glen Ellyn: two recently graduated from Glenbard West HS, and their youngest attends Hadley Junior High. Sonia has 25 years of legal experience. She has both public and private sector experience having worked in a large law firm in Chicago as a litigator, then in state government as Chief Legal Counsel of a state agency and currently working as the Deputy General Counsel for North America for a $4 billion dollar global corporation. Sonia has been involved in the Glen Ellyn community as a passionate volunteer, and she serves on the board of Equip for Equality, a legal advocacy group for people with disabilities. Sonia is running for Village Trustee because she believes in service and wants to use her skills and experience to give back to the community she and her family love.

Kelley M. Kalinich (Civic Betterment Committee)

Kelley is a life-long resident of Glen Ellyn. A mother of two Glenbard West graduates who attend the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, she is currently volunteering in the community as a Village Trustee, Illinois Master Gardener, Library Foundation Board Member, and Board Member of a Chicago Public Schools Charter School.

She attended the University of Vermont undergrad and Vanderbilt University for her doctorate. Professionally, she is a retired educator, of which she served as a superintendent of schools for the last 16 years of her 33-year career. This experience provided her with the opportunity to work in the public domain, serving the taxpayers and working closely with the governing Board of Education.

Currently, in addition to working part time for the University of Illinois and National Louis University supervising student teachers, she enjoys painting, gardening, traveling, cooking, playing tennis, paddle, pickleball, golf, and spending time with family and friends.

Robert Margetts (Independent)

Christopher A. Crawford (Civic Betterment Committee)

Elizabeth Murin (Civic Betterment Committee)

Kaylan Fillingham (Civic Betterment Committee)

Andrew Savikas

Julia Nephew

James “Alex” Durham

Michael Ward

Robert Bruno

Jason Loebach

Amy Becker

Chris Martelli

Laura Wilmarth Tyna

Laura Wilmarth Tyna is a Glen Ellyn resident and parent of two children educated in Community Consolidated School District (CCSD) 89. In her professional work in higher education, Laura partners with nearby community schools to increase access to resources for children and families. As a parent in CCSD89 for the past 10 years, she brings her knowledge of the community and schools to the board, along with 20 years of collaborative leadership experience, including budget management and program administration. Laura decided to run for school board because she believes all students should have access to a high quality, public education which empowers them to thrive. She hopes to utilize her skills in facilitating relationship development between schools and community-based organizations, with the goal of better serving students, families, and educators. By working together to support our community, Laura believes we can ensure CCSD89 schools empower all students!

Lyndsay Cowles

Lyndsay Cowles has been a teacher and school administrator for the past twenty years. In her current professional role, she oversees the curriculum, assessment, and development of teachers for a network of 17 schools in Chicago. She earned her PhD from Indiana University in 2015. 

Lyndsay, along with her husband Tony and daughter Adeline, moved to Glen Ellyn from St. Louis in 2018 and immediately felt welcomed in the community. Lyndsay became a Park View parent in 2022 and has served on the board of the Park View PTC since 2024. She is running for the D89 School Board to ensure that our teachers and school leaders have what they need to put students first and enable all of our students to grow to their full potential.

Steven Neurauter

Steve Neurauter has served on several CCSD 89 advisory committees since moving to Glen Ellyn in 2016 with his wife and three children. He volunteers at Park View Elementary and served on the Glen Ellyn Capital Improvements Commission for three years. He also co-led the 2018 CCSD 89 Operations Referendum that kept our school district and community strong.

Steve earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, then a Master of Business Administration from Leeds University in the United Kingdom. Neurauter works for his business strategy and engineering consulting company, PMB Consulting, advising the federal government, small businesses, and large companies.

Steve has been serving as a CCSD 89 School Board Member since 2021 and he hopes to be re-elected so that he can continue to represent the community and apply his experience and knowledge to protect our public school district.

Ariel Steffens

I’m a proud Glen Ellyn resident and passionate advocate for educational excellence. This spring, I’m running for the CCSD89 School Board to ensure every student has the resources and support they need to succeed. As a parent of three children in CCSD89, I understand the challenges families face.

I’ve served on the Arbor View Elementary PTC board for several years, where I worked to build collaboration between families, educators, and the school administration. My professional background in Sales Strategy gives me a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and transparency in policy and budgeting.

I’m committed to strengthening the connection between schools and families, promoting academic excellence, and advocating for policies that support all students. Together, we can create a thriving educational environment for future generations.

Alex Mayster

I am running for the District 89 School Board because I am passionate about public education and committed to ensuring all students have the opportunities they need to succeed.

With 10 years of experience serving on K-12 school district leadership teams as the Executive Director of Communications in high-functioning school districts in Naperville and Hinsdale, I have gained valuable insight into how school systems operate and the importance of fostering collaboration between schools, families, and the community.

As a parent, I am dedicated to the success of my own children and all young learners in our community. D89 has been an excellent fit for my family, and I want to ensure that every family has the same positive experience. Through volunteering in schools and coaching, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with students, helping them learn, grow, and thrive.

Peter Nolan

Kermit Eby III

I am a fourth-generation educator and proud father of four children who are or soon to be graduates of Glenbard East.  Each of our kids, was given opportunities to excel and create while competing athletically and academically in a beautifully diverse community while receiving support from teachers and faculty. They also received much needed guidance, in a variety of ways, as our schools serve so many academic, emotional, and even financial needs of our students!

   By running for reelection to Glenbard District 87 school board I recognize both the accomplishments and challenges we face. I profess to be an unapologetic progressive, student advocate, and pro-public school candidate, I confess my boomer cis-gendered white male privilege. In hopes of representing our collective community, affirming diversity as our strength, to share resources with underrepresented groups, with transparency, true student/parent participation, and integrity. I have committed my candidacy and service to further the best interest of students, teachers, parents, and citizens of Glenbard School District 87.

   My belief in cooperative leadership is tempered by the reality of the political moment nationally and globally. I am an unapologetic member of several progressive organizations that advocate for social justice, science education, responsible civic curriculum, and fair labor practices, including, but not limited to; LARG ( Lombard Allies for Racial Justice), DuPage for Progress, DuPage Democrats, NEA (National Education Association), and PFC (Prairie Food Co-op).

   I believe in fiscal conservatism and responsibility, political moderation that counters violent extremism, and responsible citizenship. Our community's 21st-century participation in sustainable development protects and conserves traditional values of civic participation, civil liberty/responsibility, that are consistent with our constitutional ideals, and non-violence.

Margaret A. DeLaRosa

Margaret DeLaRosa of Glen Ellyn, Illinois is a focused community leader.

She has been serving on the Glenbard Township High School District 87 Board of Education since 2015. Margaret has held the position of board president since 2022.

  Margaret has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from DePaul University and works as an HRIS manager for a non-profit.

  Her civic engagement includes roles such as president of the Glen Ellyn School District 41 PTA Council, president of Hadley Junior High PTA, president of the League of Women Voters, and a proud recipient of the Phyllis Renfro Community Service Award. Margaret and her husband have three children, all Glenbard graduates (classes of 2002, 2012, and 2017).

  Her commitment to public education, students, and community has made her a respected figure in Glen Ellyn.

Jason (Jay) Bastian

I’m a father of three young girls, elementary age and younger and a proud husband to an educator. I served as PTA president the previous two years and currently as the PTA treasurer at the school my two oldest daughters attend. I am currently a school board member for a Glenbard feeder district where I serve on the boundary and finance committees. I am also a PEP Foundation trustee.

Amar Patel (write-in candidate)

Daniel Medina of Township 40N Range 11E

Jeremy “Jaye” Wang of Township 38N Range 11E

Carol DiCola of Township 38N Range 11E

Karen Zatz of Township 37N Range 9E

Carolyn R. Carrillo of Township 3N Range 11E

Daniel A. Milinko (Republican)

Dan Milinko has served Milton Township as an elected Trustee since 2021.  Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and Master of Project Management degree from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago.  Professionally, Dan currently works as a Commercial Insurance Claims Adjuster with CNA in Chicago.  Previously, Dan operated his own wealth management business that served individuals and small businesses.  

Dan and his family have lived in Wheaton for ten years.  He and his wife Mary have been married for sixteen years and have been blessed with sons aged fifteen and thirteen.  In Dan's spare time, he enjoys running, cycling, and attending his sons' band performances and sports events.  Dan enjoys serving the community through his membership in the Wheaton Lions and through his church, Holy Cross Lutheran in Wheaton.  

Elizabeth Higgins-Beard (Democrat)

Elizabeth “Buffy” Higgins-Beard is an experienced leader of local, regional and national nonprofits. She is a 40+ year resident who grew up in Naperville and has resided in Wheaton for over 20 years raising her family.

Buffy has a 25+ year career of helping others, leading teams to bring about change for families. She has experience managing large budgets and facilities as well as bringing teams together to tackle seemingly irretractable problems. Her career spans the city of Chicago, People’s Resource Center helping neighbors in DuPage County, or most recently as CEO at a new national office of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA. Buffy offers strategic leadership grounded in needs-based assessment and movement towards an innovative vision ahead.

Higgins-Beard is running to modernize communication, improve services, and to bring transparency to the Township’s governance, finances, and operations.

John P. Monino (Independent)

After an impressive 27-year career nationally in the real estate industry,  I found a fantastic way to help the community and help myself with the Milton Township Community Emergency Response Team ( CERT). This is where I learned all that a township does. In fact, I wanted to learn more.  

In 2018, I was honored and appointed to serve on the Township Board of Trustees. Then, in 2021, I ran for Milton Township Supervisor. After winning along came tasking a new 708 Mental Health Board. Also, building up General Assistance with the Pandemic and the unknown was essential to protect this community.  The township expanded all the programs, including Food Pantry and its partners, building relations with all the school districts and funding for the public. Our reach to help the Veterans, including VFW Posts and American Legions throughout, is significant to me. Working closely with the DuPage Sheriffs dept. And local Police as well.  I have enjoyed serving this community so much, and I think people see me so happy throughout the township; they may construe this as all fun and no work. I assure you there is work, but to me it is fun.

Nick Nathwani (Republican)

My name is Yadav “Nick” Nathwani, I am a lifelong resident of Glen Ellyn, IL. I am a product of the local school system, graduating from Glenbard South in 2001 and continued my education completing my Bachelor's degree and MBA in Finance. I have been elected to public office since I was 25 years old. I am fortunate to be entrusted with our community’s greatest assets. If I continue to serve, my goal is to be a good role model for the next generation in our community and make Milton Township a great place to live and work for all residents.

Dan Bailey (Democrat)

I grew up in DuPage and raised my 3 daughters in Wheaton. After 30 years as a railroad engineer, I became a nurse. I volunteered and worked at a free clinic, DuPage Community Clinic (DCC). I’m a longtime union activist, focused on workplace health and safety, and have been a local political activist working for fair and open government since 1983. 

Volunteerism:  Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organization; Democratic Precinct Committeeman since 1988; Past Board member of the Chicago Area Committee on Occupational Safety and Health; Religious Education Instructor at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church; PRC food pantry; DCC free clinic. 

Elected offices: Various local union management offices including Division President, Treasurer, and Legislative Representative, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers; Vice President and President, District 19, Illinois Nurses Association; Milton Township Precinct Committeeman.  

Charles “Chuck” Argianas (Republican)

I am the best candidate for the Milton Township Assessor position.

I have specialty skills, qualifications, and a proven track record in valuing some of the most interesting, complex properties anybody could imagine.  I’ve testified in Federal, State, & Local Courts all across the country on a variety of cases that have included tax appeal, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, eminent domain, environmental impairment/contamination, and various other cases in my role as a real estate valuation subject matter expert.  My record over my 35+ year career is clean – no lawsuits, ethics violations, or complaints against me, I’ve managed corporate offices and also my own firm, I’ve mentored dozens of employees to high levels of competency, and if elected, I’ll run our Milton Township’s Assessor’s Office legally and ethically.

I grew up in Elmhurst, graduated Elmhurst College and then John Marshall Law School, after which point I practiced real estate property tax law in Cook County until I transitioned into commercial appraisal. In the early 1980s I established Argianas & Associates (real estate appraisal/ consulting).  I live in Wheaton and have been married 45 years and I have four (4) grandbabies.  In 2023 I merged my firm into one of the largest international real estate companies in the world, where I remain employed; however, A&A has continued in its capacity involving my own privately-funded business affairs.

  I’ve always worked hard and in earnest, I consider myself extremely fortunate and truly blessed. I don’t know what else I can say except that I’m asking for your support.

Chris E. Levan (Democrat)

Currently serving my third term as the Milton Township Assessor, I am dedicated to providing fair, accurate, and transparent property assessments that support both homeowners and the township’s economic growth. With a strong commitment to integrity and public service, I have worked diligently to streamline assessment processes, improve efficiency, and implement modern, data-driven solutions that enhance accessibility and responsiveness for our community.

Throughout my tenure, I have prioritized fairness and equity in property valuations while fostering trust among residents. By embracing innovation and efficiency, I have helped ensure that Milton Township remains a well-managed and financially stable community. While I am proud of the progress we have made, I remain focused on further improvements and continued service to the residents of Milton Township.

Gary Muehlfelt (Republican)

Hello! I’m Gary Muehlfelt, seeking re-election as Highway Commissioner for Milton Township. A lifelong resident, I live in Wheaton with my wife, Fiona, and our four children and grandson. I’m also a partner in a family-owned structural company established in 1927 with experience in heavy equipment and complex projects. In addition to my role as Highway Commissioner, I serve as President of the Highway Commissioners of DuPage County and on the Board of Directors for the Township Highway Commissioners of Illinois. Over the years, I’ve led initiatives to improve infrastructure and community safety, and I’m committed to continuing this work for Milton Township.  With 20 years of experience as your Highway Commissioner, I’ve worked to improve roads, save taxpayer dollars, and implement sustainable solutions. I’m committed to enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. On April 1st, I ask for your vote to keep Milton Township moving forward. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Michael H. Drew (Democrat)

Mike Drew is a lifelong resident with deep roots in Milton Township. He and his wife, Jennifer, have lived in Wheaton for the past 20 years, where he remains an active member of our community.

   A proud Local 150 Operating Engineer, Mike spent years in the field operating machines before becoming a Business Agent, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights in Cook and DuPage Counties. His leadership and dedication have earned him the trust of colleagues and community members alike.

   Beyond his career, Mike serves on the board of the Emerald Club, organizing fundraisers and outreach programs that support local families, scholarships and charitable causes. Whether volunteering, mentoring, or cheering on local teams, Mike is committed to strengthening our community.

Donna Kemp (Republican)

• For almost 20 yrs, lived in Milton Township (Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn)

• For over 20 yrs (on/off), worked with Youth, in Education:

• Since 1997, various roles in teaching, starting with a special-ed program in North Shore District 112. Then moved & taught in West Chicago District 33, Waukegan District 60, and Glen Ellyn District 41.

• Worked in Early childhood (EC-1st), Elementary & Middle school classrooms, but being a Special Ed Resource teacher (K-5) was my favorite.

• Paused teaching to raise 2 daughters, and then shifted my career from working with youth, to working with retiring Seniors to navigate their Medicare options.

• Currently CCSD89 Board of Ed member - in my 4th year of term - committed to serving the needs of students, teachers, parents & community; while serving on: District Leadership Committee (DLC)-2yrs; Wellness Committee-2yrs; PTC Presidents’ Council-2yrs; and PEP Board of Trustees-almost 4 yrs.

• Relevant experience: as a volunteer Resident, served on 2024 Milton Township “Decennial Committee on Efficiency Report” - reviewing programs, resources & services

Commitments/Goals:

• For Youth, Seniors and; Vets: help connect the community to the variety of township programs, resources & services offered; by listening to their needs.

• For Taxpayers: help improve township efficiency, by monitoring agreements (like IGA) & maintaining balanced budgets, while being a fiscally responsible steward of township funds; ensuring the levies & the expenses are congruent with accountability & transparency.

Jeff Castle (Republican)

I'm a resident of Glen Ellyn where my wife Meagan and I raise our two kids who are both students at Glenbard South.

Currently, I am elected to Milton Township Trustee, and am self employed at a home remodeling company I started in 2007. 

At the age of 43, I have lived in Dupage County for 31 years since the age of 12 when my family moved from Chicago's south side to Naperville. 

I enjoy philanthropic activities in my free time which include being a member of the Glen Ellyn Rotary club as well as a Medinah Shriner. 

Juanita Margetts (Republican)

Drew Ellis (Republican)

My name is Drew Ellis I am a lifelong resident of Milton Township, IL. I am a product of the local school system, graduating from Glenbard West in 1980 and continued my education completing my bachelor’s degree and Masters in Banking. I am a Banker by profession and bring over 40 years of experience in finance budgeting, and auditing. I served on the district 41 School Board in 2009 to 2017. I served as the Chair of the Milton Township Cemetery Authority until elected as a Township Trustee in 2021. I am proud of our board’s strong financial stewardship of taxpayer funds while expanding our pillar of service throughout the community. I plan to continue the boards history of financial fiduciary accountability for our taxpayers and sustainable pillars of service for our entire community.

Jacqueline McGrath (Democrat)

Jacqueline McGrath is a community college teacher, researcher, and union leader whose experience in assessment, organizing, and board governance will help make Milton Township more responsive and focused on community needs. Jacqueline was born and raised in Illinois, and completed an M.A. and Ph.D. in English at the University of Missouri.  She has served on various state boards and councils, including Company of Folk, the Illinois Education Association Board of Directors, the Illinois Senate Joint Resolution 41 Advisory Committee, and the Illinois P20 Council. 

Jacqueline believes public service requires individual skill, training, and collaboration, and her background in qualitative fieldwork research brings a unique set of listening skills, data collection, and analysis to bear on the work of a Trustee. "I know the Township services could be improved based on more input from the people who use them. As a Trustee, my highest priority would be to improve access for more people in our community to high-quality and meaningful services."

Stephen Siemer (Democrat)

Why I am running: It’s time for a fresh look at the township programs, structure and efficacy. With my financial, analytical & operations background at a variety of organizations, good & bad, I can bring a unique perspective to township government. I will be an advocate for all the taxpayers of Milton Township. 

Experience and Credentials:   I have over 35 years’ experience working in financial services organizations driving change and improving performance from the inside and outside. I am a CPA who has worked as an auditor, controller, chief operating officer, management information Vice President and management consultant. 

I hold an BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois – Urbana. 

Community Involvement – Past and Present:  Wheaton Library Board; Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission; Cub Scout Troop #163, Longfellow; Boy Scout Troop #23, First Presbyterian Church Wheaton; Church Elder, First Presbyterian Church Wheaton; Wheaton Infant Welfare; Christmas Sharing, First Presbyterian Church Wheaton

About me:  I have been married for 42 years, and my wife and I have lived in Wheaton the last 31 years, raising our 3 children here. All our children attended CUSD 200 schools, graduated from college and are out on their own, a tribute to the opportunities available in our community.    

Larry L. Pitts (Democrat)

Research and Development lab management for an equipment manufacturing company, and business and training manager General Foods/Kraft Foods supports Larry’s bid for township trustee.

Paula McGowen (Democrat)

Hello, I am Paula McGowen, a proud 45-year resident of DuPage County. I am running because our community deserves leaders who put taxpayers first, listen to residents, and take meaningful action to ensure government accountability. For too long, wasteful spending and a lack of oversight have gone unchecked—it is time for a change.

For years, I have attended Milton Township meetings, often as the only resident in the room. What I witnessed was deeply concerning: reckless spending and a glaring lack of oversight from our current Republican Trustees. I am committed to putting an end to wasteful spending and ensuring responsible financial stewardship. Together, we can build a stronger, more transparent, and fiscally responsible township.

Sahin “Sonny” Jutla

Thomas Tumminaro

Maria Sinkule