Meet the Candidates: Northfield Village Board, 4 for 3 seats

JUMP TO: Edwin Elfmann (c) | Pamela Papadatos | Matt Galin (i, c) | Andrew Juedes (c)
(i: incumbent; c: caucus slated)

Four candidates, including one incumbent, are competing for three open seats on the Village of Northfield Board of Trustees.

The terms of Trustees Tracey Mendrek and Barnaby Dinges are also expiring. Dinges is not running for reelection, while Mendrek is running for village president. Trustee Charlie Orth, who is in the middle of his term, is also running for village president

Below are basic profiles of the four trustee candidates, each of whom submitted a digital form upon request from The Record. The order they are presented was selected at random.

These profiles are just one layer of The Record’s election coverage and are meant to provide community members with basic information about those running for public office. Prior to the election on April 1, The Record will also conduct and publish independent interviews with the candidates.

Name: Edwin Elfmann (caucus slated)

Professional experience: Federal government relations

Community experience/involvement: I’ve been a volunteer coach for New Trier football and rugby since 2021. Additionally, I’m the treasurer for Friends of Wagner Farm in Glenview. I have been involved in government for over 20 years at the federal level, focusing on finance, agriculture and transportation policy.

Why are you running for this public office?

As the parent of two young children, I value the unique, small town feel of Northfield. As I’ve said many times, Northfield is truly a hidden gem on the North Shore. I decided to run for village trustee because I want to ensure that we continue to move Northfield forward and make it an attractive location to work and live. Having a young family gives me a very different perspective than many involved in our village governance, and if elected, I will represent a segment of Northfield that often doesn’t have a voice in village affairs.

Name: Pamela Papadatos

Professional experience: Business owner (Metamorphosis Spa)

Community experience/involvement: I have worked in the heart of downtown Northfield for 40 years, owned and operated a business here for 30 years and been a resident for 28 years. Through my business I have come to know hundreds of Northfield residents personally, and our state and county elected officials professionally.

Why are you running for this public office?

Northfield is a unique and special place. My customers regularly tell me what they love about it, and also what concerns and frustrates them. As a business owner and a resident, I have seen Northfield go through a lot of changes. I am immensely proud of the central business district and how my business has contributed to its growth and success. I see so much potential for Northfield in the future and want to make sure it continues to attract young families. As a problem-solver who cares and listens, I want to help steer Northfield toward an even brighter future.

Name: Matthew Galin (incumbent, caucus slated)

Professional experience: Legal recruiter, attorney

Community experience: For the Village, I am currently a trustee, a delegate to the Northwest Municipal Conference, and I served as chair of the sidewalk improvement committee. Apart from the Village, I served on the District 29 strategic plan committee, was a KWBA baseball coach, and am a member of Temple Jeremiah.

Why are you running for reelection to this public office?

I am seeking reelection as trustee because I want to continue working to strengthen the partnership between the Village and the Northfield community. Looking forward, I am excited about the possibilities that the completion of the Skokie Valley Trail, the library renovation, and a true community vision for Happ Road will have for increasing the vibrancy — and walkability — in and around our downtown area. If fortunate enough to be reelected, I will work hard, be thoughtful, ask questions, have conversations, build meaningful relationships, and use my legal training to help solve problems and find solutions.

Name: Andrew Juedes (caucus slated)

Professional experience: Teacher

Community experience: Resident of Northfield (10 years)
• Teacher in the Special Education department at New Trier High School for 18 years
• Coached New Trier’s varsity bowling team for 12 years
• Sponsored a variety of student clubs including student senate, biking, gaming and archery
• Volunteered as youth baseball and hockey coach

Why are you running for this public office?

I am deeply committed to the Northfield community and believe that I can contribute meaningfully to the village’s development and governance. My experience as an educator and coach at New Trier High School has allowed me to understand the importance of listening to different viewpoints, building consensus, and advocating for what’s best for the group as a whole — whether that’s a class, a team, or an entire community. I believe in fostering a collaborative approach to decision-making and want to ensure that Northfield remains a vibrant and inclusive place to live.

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