Trustee Spaniak Parts With Thanks And A Challenge

As new and re-elected members Northbrook trustees took their seats on the board for a new term Tuesday night, they thanked outgoing trustee Kati Spaniak for two years of “exemplary service.” 

Board President Frum appointed Spaniak in 2009 to fill a vacancy on the board, where she served as chair of the Quality of Life Committee and a member of the Communications and Legislation and Public Safety committees. Spaniak decided not to run for reelection last December when the Northbrook Caucus did not recommend her as a member of the ballot.

In an official resolution, the trustees declared that Spaniak had brought a strong voice for residents and businesses.

“With her background and knowledge in marketing and public relations, she helped the village to increase and improve upon communications with the community. During her tenure on the board, the village redesigned its website, , and started to web stream Board and Plan Commission meetings,” according to the resolution.

After reading the resolution, trustees then thanked her personally. Frum noted that Spaniak has spent almost all her life — except for the four years she went away to college — in Northbrook.

““I know that Kati really cares about Northbrook, and I know that through her actions, she’s demonstrated this,” Frum said. “I know that you’re not going to stop caring about Northbrook and giving us ideas and letting us know what you think.” 

“She brought a unique perspective to our discussion,” Frum added. “I really need to compliment her for pushing us to improve our communication.”

During her tenure on the board, Spaniak sat next to Trustee Todd Heller. 

“I really appreciate your sense of humor,” Heller said. “You and I may not always agree on things, but you truly have made me think, and for that, I’m grateful. You brought a tremendous amount to this board. You brought a different perspective. You’re very creative.”

 Trustee James Karagianis said Spaniak operated with a comprehensive approach.

“You were dealing on multiple levels at the same time: with the Facebook, with the new website — integrating it all together,” he said. “You will be missed.” 

Spaniak said that serving on the village board had been a life-changing experience for her. She thanked her family, supporters and staff, and said it was a privilege to serve the community with a democratic and respectful board that was willing to compromise on difficult issues.

“President Frum knew that bringing me on the board would not guarantee her a vote — she knew that I was willing to speak my mind, and she wanted to have some out-of-box thinking,” Spaniak said. “That is a courageous choice, and I respect you for your willingness to stir things up and make a decision you thought was really best for the village.”

 Spaniak, who criticized the caucus process when she decided not to run last December, parted with a challenge to trustees to encourage more turnover among board members.

 “I believe we as a community, and you, as a board, should consider the future and build a succession plan for our village. Apart from a handful of consistent residents, public input to the village board is almost non-existent,” she said. “This past election was uncontested; most residents are not aware that they can make a difference by voicing their opinions and thoughts publicly.

In the future, Spaniak said, the village board should encourage more citizens to get involved and should consider self-imposed term limits. With nearly 70 years of service among the trustees on the board combined, she said she believed many residents might feel that it is futile to run for office.

“When you look to the future, please make sure you encourage residents to run for positions— not just for the village board, but for the school, library and the park boards as well,” she said. 

“With that said, Northbrook absolutely needs your valuable experience,” she added.

She parted with some words of advice to freshman trustee :

“Stay true to yourself, your beliefs, and the residents of Northbrook. Stay strong. That position is what you make of it.”