Activist Toolkit has collaborated with community partners to build a comprehensive voter guide for the April 6, 2021 elections in Forest Park. Each candidate was given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire developed by members of the Forest Park community.
The sections linked below allow voters to explore individual candidates' websites and social media accounts, as well as links to relevant articles, video from candidate forums, and any relevant campaign financial disclosures.
This guide will be updated with additional content as it appears. Please contact us here with questions or concerns.
[Updated 3/4/21]
ABOUT FOREST PARK
Forest Park does not have home rule. It elects five at-large commissioners, including one who has the dual role of Commissioner and Mayor. Village terms are on a four year cycle, with the next elections in 2023.
Forest Park facts and figures:
Population: 13,704 (2019)
2021 annual budget, general fund: $22 million
Median household income: $62, 664
Per capita income: $43,624
Median value of owner-occupied housing: $234,100
Poverty rate: 9.7%
FOREST PARK PARK DISTRICT board (1 open seat)
District 91 school board (4 open seats)
Lerin S Cross | John W. Lyons | Steven M. Rummel | Kyra Tyler
District 209 school board (4 open seats)
Rodney Alexander | Amanda J. Grant | Arbdella 'Della' Patterson
Samuel Valtierrez
TRITON COLLEGE TRUSTEE
6-YEAR FULL TERM (2 OPEN SEATS)
Luke Casson | Tracy Jennings | Andrew Charles Kopinski
Mark R. Stephens
TRITON COLLEGE TRUSTEE
2-YEAR UNEXPIRED TERM (1 OPEN SEAT)
Forest Park School District 91
Grades PKâ8: 775 students
Instructional spending per pupil: $14,900
Total operational spending per pupil: $23,826
Low-income students: 50%
Proviso East High School District 209
Grades 9-12: 1,660 students
Total operational spending per pupil: $17,338
Low-income students: 46%
Proviso Math and Science Academy District 209:
Grades 9-12: 822 students
Magnet school - competitive admissions policy
Total operational spending per pupil: $16,329
Low-income students: 31%
Candidate questionnaires for Forest Park were developed by Activist Toolkit in consultation and collaboration with Betty Alzamora, Michelle Cooper, and Jeremy Horn.