Commissioner Halik's term ends March 22nd, 2025 and he has been told by Mayor Biss that he's "reviewing candidates" prior to the nomination due on March 31st, 2025. One day before the general election. 

The efforts, time, and true expertise of Commissioner Halik have been invaluable and essential to our city. 

His work on the Comprehensive Plan has not merely been effective but transformative. Despite the city employing a consultant of doubtful competency, it's Commissioner Halik who has been leading the way.

Someone so integral to this important work should not be dismissed at this critical time in the development of a final version of Envision Evanston.

Commissioner Halik's contributions are irreplaceable and his dedication is beyond reproach. He deserves to continue his work for another term.

We urge Mayor Biss to confirm Commissioner Halik for a second term on, or before, March 31st. 

Your support is instrumental in preserving the tireless work and dedication Commissioner Halik embodies.

Please, sign this petition now.


______________________________________

Apr 11, 2025

URGENT: Biss’ Will Not Reconfirm Halik: Email Biss Now and Save George’s Place on the LUC!

All, we have received word that Mayor Daniel Biss has refused to reappoint Land Use Commissioner George Halik—even though Halik is actively reviewing Evanston’s 20-year Envision Evanston comprehensive plan.

Biss intends to announce his refusal to reappoint on Monday. 

It is CRITICAL we act now.

Biss’ refusal to reappoint a qualified, experienced commissioner in the middle of this critical process is unprecedented, unnecessary, and deeply undermines public trust.

Let’s be clear: removing Halik now would be like swapping out a juror halfway through a trial—it's destabilizing, disrespects the process, and threatens the credibility of the final verdict. Why would anyone do that unless they’re trying to fix the outcome?

Commissioner Halik is a volunteer expert with a deep understanding of the Envision plan, its context, and the complex work ahead. Eliminating his voice now—just as the City abruptly fired its consultants—only fuels the growing skepticism many Evanston residents already have. The public has good reason to question what’s really going on: 

- Biss has been pushing predetermined zoning outcomes.

- He tried to force the plan through before the last election.

- And now he’s the first Evanston mayor on record to block the reappointment of a qualified commissioner. 

This looks less like governance and more like political maneuvering. Clearing out dissenting voices and replacing them with allies who will “deliver results” is a dangerous tactic we’re seeing play out nationally. Evanston should not follow that playbook.

Over 410 Evanston residents have signed a petition urging the mayor to reinstate Halik. But instead of listening to the community, Biss is dismissing residents and undermining basic principles of transparency, continuity, and fairness. 

This isn’t about politics—it’s about integrity, trust, and preserving the legitimacy of a document that will shape Evanston for the next two decades.

**ACTION STEP:**  

Email Mayor Biss *today* and demand that he reappoint George Halik.  

**Email:** dbiss@cityofevanston.org

**Key points to include in your message:**

Halik brings vital expertise and continuity to the Envision Evanston planning process.
The City abruptly fired its Envision Evanston consultants—removing Halik now adds instability to the process.
Over 410 residents have signed a petition urging Biss to reverse course.
This issue is about trust, transparency, and fair process—not politics.
Let’s start this new term with a community win—not another self-inflicted controversy.

______________________

Update: Mar 22, 2025

Hello all!

Thank you for your support of Commissioner Halik's second term on the Land Use Commission.

Today, March 22nd, is his last day on the council for his first term.

I have email Mayor Biss and the City Council numerous times and have only heard back from (some) councilmembers.

I find it rather telling that Biss has deigned to not acknowledge the 300+ residents who signed this petition urging him to confirm Commissioner Halik for a second term.

If you can, please email Biss at dbiss@cityofevanston.org to ask for his acknowledgement and support of our petition.

Thank you all!