Lake County Gazette

Annette Lidawer is up for re-election for Highland Park City Council on April 1. 

Lidawer, who has served one term as a Highland Park Councilmember from 2021-2025, holds a JD from Case Western Reserve University and an AB from Brown University.

"I am an attorney and educator by vocation as well as a community activist and parent," Lidawer told the Lake County Gazette. 

Lidawer highlighted her extensive experience in public service, which includes serving one full term on the City Council, as a Commissioner on the City’s Plan & Design Commission, and as a member of the Township High School District 113 Board, where she has also served as president for two years. 

Lidawer has been involved in various community roles, such as co-founding and chairing the District 112 Fun-d-Run, chairing Edgewood Food Days and participating in multiple PTOs including those at Braeside, Edgewood and HPHS. 

Additionally, she has served as a trustee and grants chair for the Jewish Women’s Foundation.

Lidawer, who is familiar with the city's governance structure, emphasized her ability to collaborate and adapt. 

"I am familiar with the governance structure, collaborative in my thinking and open to fresh ideas to enhance my understanding of issues facing our city," she said. 

According to Lidawer, fostering community vibrancy is essential to the continued success of Highland Park. 

"Community vibrancy is crucial to Highland Park," she explained. "Whether that is defined as economic development, initiatives to support businesses and the arts, or investing in our safety and infrastructure, it all comes down to making Highland Park as welcoming and responsive to our residents as we can be, while remaining financially stable."

As a candidate, Lidawer is committed to transparency and open communication with residents. 

"I will continue to communicate with and be as transparent as possible with all constituents," she said. "I will follow the will of the voters as quickly as possible, such as ensuring that the Liquor License amendment went to an advisory vote and is then implemented immediately in accordance with the wishes of the public."

Lidawer’s platform also includes enhancing the local economy and streamlining processes for businesses. 

"I want to fill storefront vacancies, bring in new businesses (while supporting existing ones), streamline processes for residents and businesses and update outdated ordinances including considering term limits (a core belief) to further our growth as a community," she said. 

Lidawer added that she believes in collaboration between local governments. 

"I am a firm believer in sister governments working together,” she said. “Whether funding, meeting, planning, or through official channels, we should take advantage of the plus of Illinois (and therefore Lake County) having so many units of government and oversight, and collaborate to reduce inefficiencies and ensure maximum service and growth to all Lake County residents."

Lidawer sees progress on economic incentives and infrastructure updates as key to the city's future. 

"Our economic incentives are just beginning to progress,” she said. “Our updates to infrastructure and beautification are continuing to enhance business and our community. That said, we need to complete a Master Plan to strategically improve our city for decades to come. I welcome the impact and learning from these initiatives to strengthen Highland Park."

Lidawer said she intends to maintain a focus on serving the public if elected. 

"I am a fiduciary and representative of the people and will keep channels of communication open and avenues of action at the ready," she said. 

The Highland Park Council consists of a mayor and six council members, all elected at-large and serving staggered four-year terms, and the City operates under a council-manager form of government. 

Highland Park is located about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. In 2020, its population was 30,176. 

Lidawer, Barisa Bruckman and Andrés Tapia are active candidates on the April 1 ballot for Highland Park City Council. James M. Lynch withdrew from the race.