Forest View’s current mayor, Nancy Miller is stepping down when her term is up next month, and current Trustee David Liska will take her seat.
Liska finished ahead of fellow Trustee Maria Ramirez in Tuesday’s election by 133-75 votes.
Voter turnout was 41% in the village, much higher than in suburban Cook County as a whole..
In her farewell speech March 26 at the village’s annual State of the Village address, Miller said she had a vision, and what she set out to do during her tenure was accomplished.
“I wanted to pave streets, get a village website, and focus on our public works department. That was done. I have fulfilled my campaign promises and then some,” she said.
Liska was a trustee for eight years back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This time around, he would be finishing the fourth year of his term.
When asked why he wanted to run for mayor this time around, he said past experience was on his side.
“When President Nancy Miller conveyed to me she wasn’t seeking another term, I decided to run, putting my experience from 38 years with ComEd to use with background in project management, engineering and customer service.” Liska said.
“I don’t see any immediate changes that need to be made as the village is in good shape. We want to maintain quality of life, broaden our commercial tax base and continue moving forward with infrastructure upgrades and bringing the community together through social events here in ‘the Cinderella village’ (a name that was given to Forest View in the 1950s).”
At a victory party at Bad Attitude Bar and Grill on Harlem Avenue Tuesday evening, Liska was very happy with the win.
“From the people I talked with, I thought I had a pretty good chance,” said Liska.
“There’s not a whole lot to change, things are going very well in town. I look forward to this opportunity.”
Trustee Maria Ramirez was elected to a four-year term in 2023 and will stay in her seat on the village board for two more years.
Four people ran for three four-year terms in Tuesday’s election. The winners were incumbent Trustees Richard M. Hubacek, Midalia Nevarez, and James Nitka who most recently was on the Board of Trustees for the Forest View Park District. Hubacek won re-election by only 13 votes.
Nevarez and Nitka were both at the celebration party at Bad Attitude Tuesday evening.
“I’m very happy to continue to serve on the board,” Nevarez said.
“I’m all about helping people and look forward to Dave becoming mayor.”
Nitka had the same sentiment.
“I’m very excited to become part of the board. I grew up here, moved out for a while when I got married, and moved back. I love the village and am excited to be part of this.”
Nancy Miller, who will be handing the gavel over to Liska on April 22, was also on hand.
“I’m ecstatic about the outcome! Forest View will be in good hands with Dave,” she said.