Q&A: Trustee Spillers Says Farewell For Now

Wilmette Village Trustees Mari Terman and Karen Spillers will be officially replaced on the board by and during Tuesday evening's meeting. Terman and Spillers spoke to Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch about why they chose not to run for re-election and they've learned from their term on the board.

Spillers has served on many of the village's departments, from municipal services to public safety. And while Spillers admits that she might run for re-election in the future, she's also looking forward to staying involved in other community organizations.

Patch: Why did you decide not to run for re-election?
Karen Spillers: I am the quintessential baby boomer, having to care for my mom who’s aging and ailing. Also just trying to raise kids on one end and with mom on the other end, and as I say the book ends of life. If you’re going to be in a role where you represent the community you have to be up there with a clear mind and to serve. You know family comes first, it’s what I have to do for them. It’s bittersweet, it really is, but right now it’s what I have to do. I only served one term, so I could come back in two or four years.

Patch: What are you going to miss the most?
Karen Spillers: I think the biggest thing I’m going to miss is right now is that I have a front seat to making decisions for what really is going to shape the character of Wilmette. I have a voice in what is going to contribute to its quality of life right now. When you’re not on the board you’re going to have to sit back and have faith in the people you elected.  I’m feel strongly about being someone who contributes and doesn't take a back seat, so it’s going to be challenging.

Patch: What are some key lessons you learned?
Karen Spillers: One of the most surprising things, is that things aren’t as black or white as they may seem. We have rules and regulations and then we have considerations to give and I think it’s given me a better perspective on what it means to be a jduge. There are laws and then sometimes you have to think through what’s going on here. There are two sides to every story, and I think what makes a good trustee, or any public sevant, is someone who brings who is open to listening to both sides of the story.  I think just learning that you need to be flexible and to be open minded when you’re representing and not just listening to those people who come out voice their opinions at board meetings. Not everyone comes to the village board meetings nor do they watch them on television.

I’ve enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to give back. I know personally I’ve really grown.

Patch: What are some key issues the new board faces?
Karen Spillers: Without a doubt the number one issue is the budget. There’s a lot of attention on pensions, not only in Illinois, but everywhere. The funding of pensions and taking a fresh look at how you balance the needs of the commuity for the needs of those who provide those services. And what really follows very closely behind is the devlopment, . I think we were wise to do things while the economy was down and now be in a position of strength to move forward.

Patch: How has Wilmette's government changed as you've been involved?
Karen Spillers: I think the one thing I’d really like to say is that we are really fortunate. We are very fortunate in Wilmette to have a staff that has been with us for so many years and are dedicted to providing the level of service that the residents want. I worked with people in every department— if it was on public safety, administration, municipal services, judiciary—there was not a single person who that I thought didn't do a good job. I have a lot of respect for them.

Patch: How are you going to stay involved? What's next?
Karen Spillers: My aprents raised me to always give back in one way, shape, or form. I'm trying to find something that is a little more flexible than village board. I was really involved with the , the Wilmette Garden Club and the family center—I’m going to look back at working with those organizations.

Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch also caught up with outgoing village trustee .