Slate of 4 for Village Board pledges Open Governance and Community Connection in Clarendon Hills!
2027 Village Board Slate Formed for Clarendon Hills
October 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Clarendon Hills Residents Form Slate with a Commitment to Open Governance and
Fostering Community Connection
Clarendon Hills, IL — Four residents from across Clarendon Hills have come together in a slate to run for Village Board positions opening with April 2027’s election to encourage a return to the village’s longstanding traditions of transparency, public engagement, and neighborly collaboration. Motivated by residents’ recent concerns about the tone of civic discourse and the board’s process with significant village decisions, the group aims to help restore the community’s hallmark spirit of openness and congeniality.
The residents involved represent a broad cross-section of Clarendon Hills: lifelong villagers and newer families, individuals from both sides of the tracks, professionals and retirees, parents and non-parents. The slate includes candidates Keith Chval for the open Village President office, and Kathleen Hirsman, Erika Jones, and Derek White for the three open Village Trustee
positions.
Their shared belief is that good governance begins with listening — to residents, to village staff, to subject matter experts, and among the board members — and that major decisions should be discussed in open meetings, thoughtfully vetted, and made with broad community support.
Clarendon Hills has long been known for its collaborative civic culture. For decades, the village embraced the motto “The Volunteer Village,” reflecting a community where people stepped
forward, worked together, and treated one another with respect. While the village has grown and changed, the group believes that the underlying values of connection, civility, and shared responsibility remain essential to its identity and will foster these village strengths.
In recent months, many residents have voiced concerns about the lack of public disclosure and
discussion surrounding important village matters and the heightened tension among neighbors.
The group intends to restore public confidence in the Village’s government by adhering to good
governance practices through constructive dialogue and transparent process.
“Our village has always thrived when decisions are made in the open, with residents informed
and involved,” the group said in a joint statement. “We want to help rebuild trust by encouraging a governance culture that is steady, transparent, and grounded in the belief that every resident deserves to be heard.”
The slate emphasized that positions on any single current village issues will not be part of their platform. Instead, they are focused on creating space for thoughtful conversation and ensuring that future decisions reflect a wide range of perspectives. Their goal is to help Clarendon Hills move beyond recent divisions and reaffirm the values that have long defined the community.
“Clarendon Hills is a small town with a big heart,” the group noted. “We believe in the power of open dialogue, respectful engagement, and the shared pride that comes from being part of this remarkable village.”
The group will kick off their election efforts with a petition signing meet and greet where all are welcome to stop by for a cup of coffee and friendly conversation. The event will be held on
Wednesday, October 28 from 7:30 – 9:00am at Tierra. Come say hello and sign a petition or two!
Media Contact: Keith Chval