This spring, DuPage and Cook county voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Bruce Barker: I want to see more opportunities for resident input on major decisions and foster an increased line of communication between residents and local government.

Robert Plowman: Overall, I am satisfied with the current state of the village and the direction it is heading. I am equally pleased that the mayor and the village board appear to be working collaboratively towards common goals

Gina Parrilli: I don’t have prior political experience, I believe that’s a strength. I’m running to represent residents.

John Bishof: I think cell phone usage should be prohibited during class time. Messages can be checked quickly between classes.

Gioia Giannotti Frye: The top three issues the school district is facing are chronic absenteeism, academic performance and low sense of belonging among students

As school board members it is our role to listen and learn about the environment within both high schools and be there to support policy, educational services and share information with the whole SCD99 community.

Cell phones have a time and a place, and they cannot be eliminated from the educational environment because parents rightfully demand that their children be reachable in the event of an emergency.

I believe our schools should be safe, welcoming environments for all students, regardless of their citizenship status.