Highland Park Forward

04/02/2025

We did it!

With the support of Highland Park Forward and an engaged and energized community, Jon Center has been elected to the Highland Park City Council. Congratulations to Jon for running an inspiring, issues-focused campaign—and we thank all of you for staying informed, getting involved, and showing up for your city. We also congratulate the other winners in the many races held yesterday, especially Annette Lidawer and Andrés Tapia, who worked tirelessly on behalf of HP Forward and Jon.

This election was about more than just a single seat—it was about a vision for Highland Park’s future. From Jeff Hoobler’s initial campaign, to the overwhelming success of the liquor license referendum, and now Jon’s clear victory, the message from voters has been consistent and powerful: Highland Park is ready for a new direction and new leadership.

While some tried to make this race personal, the candidates ran because they care about our city and felt their vision best matched what the community needs. We appreciate each candidate's willingness to serve and thank them for stepping up. It’s never easy to put your name on the ballot, and Highland Park is stronger for having people willing to engage in the process.

At HP Forward, we remain committed to being a positive force—one that encourages thoughtful participation in local government, particularly among younger residents, and those who have felt disconnected from city decision-making. We’ll continue our work to educate, engage, and empower the Highland Park community through honest and open dialogue, civic advocacy, and support for meaningful reform.

If you’re inspired by what we’ve accomplished together, we invite you to stay involved. Whether it’s through community forums, helping shape our local priorities, or simply being a voice for progress, HP Forward belongs to all of us.

Jeff Hoobler and Irwin Bernstein

04/01/2025

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY: VOTE Jon Center, THE FUTURE OF HIGHLAND PARK DEPENDS ON IT.

Highland Park Deserves Forward-Thinking Leadership.

Every VOTE matters, especially in local elections where turnout determines the outcome.

Vote for JON CENTER. The future of Highland Park.

https://www.jc4hp2025.com/

03/29/2025

FOR THE FUTURE OF HIGHLAND PARK

Highland Park Deserves Forward-Thinking Leadership.

At Highland Park Forward, we believe our city needs leaders who combine values with action.

That’s why we’re endorsing JON CENTER for City Council.

On Election Day, vote for a candidate who’s focused on local priorities, not political agendas.

Vote for JON CENTER April 1st. The future of Highland Park depends on it.

https://www.jc4hp2025.com/

Candidate Position Papers, Barisa Bruckman’s Non-Response, and Kim Stone’s Refusal to Engage In Community Discussion Read More »

03/28/2025

JON CENTER IS DOING WHAT MOST PEOPLE NEVER DO: RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

Vote for JON CENTER. Early voting is now through March 31st. Election Day is April 1.

Support a candidate who will show up, listen, and act.

JON CENTER is talking with voters every day, demonstrating what civic engagement truly looks like.

He’s stepping up—not for politics, but for people.
We believe Jon’s commitment deserves your support.

High Park Forward endorses JON CENTER for Highland Park City Council.

Meet Jon https://www.jc4hp2025.com/

03/28/2025

TRUSTED LEADERS. A TRUSTED CANDIDATE.

HPForward.org is proud to stand with trusted community leaders in endorsing JON CENTER for the two-year term on city council:

✔️ Councilmembers Annette Lidawer & Andrés Tapia
✔️ Former Councilmembers Jeff Hoobler & Jim Kirsch

JON CENTER is a community-focused CPA who brings financial expertise, fresh ideas, and an open-mind to the Council.

Let’s move Highland Park forward for the next generation.

Every VOTE matters, especially in local elections where turnout determines the outcome.

Vote for JON CENTER on April 1st.

https://www.jc4hp2025.com/

03/27/2025

HIGHLAND PARK NEEDS LEADERS WHO PUT VOTERS FIRST.

Highland Park Forward proudly endorses JON CENTER for Highland Park City Council.

Vote JON CENTER for City Council — NOW through April 1st.

When voters called for a repeal of the outdated liquor license ordinance, many on the council ignored the will of the people. JON CENTER will listen. A lifelong Highland Park resident, parent, and CPA, JON CENTER will make our city council more transparent, responsive, and community-driven.

We stand with leaders who put public interest above politics.

Learn more: hpfoward.org jc4hp2025.com

03/27/2025

LET'S FOCUS ON FACTS, NOT MISINFORMATION.

Vote JON CENTER, April 1st.

Let’s be clear:

✅ JON CENTER is a lifelong Democrat
✅ He supports a woman’s right to choose
✅ He supports banning assault weapons
✅ He prioritizes local economic growth

JON CENTER is running a people-first campaign. Let’s return Highland Park politics to respectful, honest and open conversations.

HPForward.org supports JON CENTER because integrity and facts matter.

Read His Vision - https://www.jc4hp2025.com/

Jon Center for City Council:Fresh Perspective, Forward Thinking, Financial Expertise Donate Upcoming Events Jon is not just your average candidate; he is a born and raised Highland Park resident who embodies the spirit of our community. With Jon on the council, you can expect a leader who listens, e...

03/26/2025

An endorsement from neighbor, Josh Harris:

I’m voting for change, along with several of my neighbors. We’re voting for Jon Center, a fresh, business perspective for Higkand Park City Council.

A lot has been said about “Pavergate”— the controversy over Highland Park Council Member Kim Stone’s vote to install permeable pavers on the alley leading to and facing onto her home.

As a neighbor whose home backs up to the same alley, I objected to the $900,000 expense even though my own home’s value has now been improved by these beautiful pavers.

As Kim seeks re-election, she is justifying her vote by pointing to the merits of the decision. That misses the bigger point -- that she voted when she should have recused herself due to a clear conflict of interest.

Since the pavers were permanent improvements and increased the value of her home, Kim never should have participated in that vote.

Kim Stone’s ethics are relevant in this election because she has been so outspoken in demanding the highest ethical standards for other Council members.

Last year, Kim was out front with concerns about conflicts of interest that might face liquor license holders -- even though Highland Park voters, less than a year earlier, knowingly elected a liquor license holder to the Council.

Kim cited these potential conflicts as the basis for blocking the liquor amendment, knowing that would force the elected Councilmember’s resignation, and essentially overturning the wishes of the voters.
This was an extreme and disturbing action with serious consequences for our community, as was seen with the public outcry.

Kim should have held herself to the same ethical standards she applied to others. When faced with a clear conflict of interest, no matter how strongly she believed in the matter at hand, she should have recused herself. Installation of these pavers conferred a benefit upon her personally and her vote was improper.

Josh Harris
Highland Park

03/20/2025

The election is less than two weeks away. Points to consider raised by community members and supporting HP Forward’s choice of Jon Center as a fresh voice for Highland Park.