DOWNERS GROVE TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC SLATE
MARYANN VAZQUEZ, SUPERVISOR
Maryann understands that in the current pandemic there are people in our Township who are missing out on needed social services. Her training in urban and community studies, and her lifelong work organizing, marketing, and managing give her the skill set required to bring help to all in need. Maryann is passionate in her desire to support the community in these unprecedented times while maximizing limited resources creatively.
MARY LEMANSKI, CLERK
Mary is a Downers Grove homeowner, business owner, musician, and mother of two children. Mary grew up in Springfield in a family with decades of involvement in local politics from both sides of the aisle. She learned the importance of listening to others and finding compromise in a compassionate way. Mary studied music and business administration at Millikin University, and possesses an MBA in e-Business. Mary worked in the music and entertainment industry at Rhino Staging and iHeartRadio. She organized educational workshops and charity benefit concerts with sponsorships for international non-profits and music websites, and currently operates an Internet marketing & virtual assistant business.
TOM CHLYSTEK, HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER
Tom is an alderman in the City of Darien and an Engineer working with advanced auto manufacturers like Tesla in developing technologies for next generation vehicles. Tom will save our tax dollars by cutting wasteful and inefficient processes and eliminating bureaucracy while preparing Downers Grove Township for the next evolution of transportation by incorporating the latest policies and technologies that will lead to a clean and sustainable future for all residents. In Tom's free time, he enjoys spending time with this family in the great outdoors, and being part of Our Lady of Peace Church.
GAIL CABALA-LOWRY, TRUSTEE
Gail is a resident of Downers Grove. She is a Licensed Architect and former Village trustee. Her knowledge and experience will be an asset to the trustee position as she works regularly preparing estimates, balancing budgets, reviewing zoning and building codes, and is involved with storm water management. She holds a BArch from UIC and MS from UIUC School of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and is a strong advocate of responsible land use, including preservation of green spaces. Gail wants to work as a township Trustee to ensure prudent and valued use of tax dollars, and to promote a healthy and sustainable township with Green Infrastructure Initiatives.
GERRY KIRSCHBAUM, TRUSTEE
Gerry has dedicated much of his career to fighting to protect the rights of people in our community and passed on those values of public service to his daughter who serves as a first responder. As a Township Trustee, Gerry will work to make our township a better place to live, while ensuring that tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently to provide necessary services and programs. Gerry is a Darien resident, licensed attorney, and former Public Defender.
JANET WINNINGHAM, TRUSTEE
Janet is a commercial real-estate attorney whose practice includes development, construction, leasing, and finance. She earned her undergraduate degree from DePaul University and a law degree from Loyola University of Chicago. Janet has been elected or appointed to serve on the boards of directors of public service and nonprofit organizations, including over 10 years with the Brookwood School District 167 Board of Trustees, and as a founding director of a nonprofit established under the auspices of Abraham’s Children, a mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton. Janet and her husband, Tom, are 20-year residents of Downers Grove, where Tom grew up and they have one adult son. Janet attends Christ Church of Oak Brook.
BONNIE WAYMAN DODD, TRUSTEE
Bonnie is a lifelong resident of DuPage County. She possesses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is an experienced Hospital Nurse and Community Nurse. In our community she has volunteered for a variety of causes from Girl Scout leader to school volunteer and is a Westmont Citizen’s Police Academy alum and an election judge. As Trustee, Bonnie will work to increase transparency in how the Township operates and boost awareness of the Township’s social services to help people struggling through the pandemic, especially our seniors and young adults.
