Politics & Government
Eckman Proud of Work as Trustee, but Says It's Time for New Face on Board
Twelve years after being elected to the Shorewood Village Board, Ellen Eckman says she's very satisfied with the progress the village has seen in terms of development and marketing efforts.
After 12 years on the Shorewood Village Board, Trustee Ellen Eckman said it's time for the community to have a new face on the board.
“New ideas, new energy, new perspectives to new challenges,” Eckman said.
She announced Monday night she would not seek re-election to her board seat.
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Those interested in running for the seat in the April 2 election must file candidacy papers in the Village Clerk's office, 3930 N. Murray Ave., by Jan. 2. If more than two challengers emerge for an open seat, a primary would be held Feb. 19. Trustees serve three-year terms and make $1,000 annually.
Eckman — chair of the Educational Policy and Leadership Department at Marquette University, preparing new teachers and principals for the teaching field — said she’ll miss serving on the board.
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“I’m proud of the civil discourse, and uniquely so, agree to disagree, respect each other and challenge each other,” she said. “People do their homework here, and we are all very much committed.”
She’s very satisfied with the work the board has done in regards to development of the North Oakland Avenue business district.
Additionally, she’s proud of the work on the village’s master plan, their approach to parking issues, environmental efforts, work on mergers and consolidation of services across the North Shore and marketing of Shorewood, which has worked to bring young families in.
“Everyone was really nervous (wondering), is it going to work, and it’s working,” said Eckman, who has lived in Shorewood for 23 years.
Over the past 12 years, Eckman has served on several village committees including the Health Committee and Community Development Authority, and hopes to continue to serve Shorewood in that capacity following her term.
Village President Guy Johnson said Eckman has been a tremendous contributor to the board’s work over the years.
“Her insights have been real important for many of the issues we have had over the years, and I’m going to miss her,” Johnson said.
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