Meet the Candidates: Highland Park City Council 2-year term, 3 for 1 seat

JUMP TO: Jon Center | Kevin Cullather | Kim Stone (i)

Three candidates, including one incumbent, are competing for one open two-year seat on the Highland Park City Council.

Three four-year council terms are also available.

Below are basic profiles of the three individuals, 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: Jon Center

Professional experience: CFO/COO, Real estate investment

Community experience/involvement: Civic experience includes a five-year term on the board of Resilience, where he served as treasurer; vice president and president of the board of directors and founder of Foursomes 4 Philanthropy, a nonprofit that raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities.

Why are you running for this public office?

As a lifelong Highland Parker, I am passionate about our city’s history, beauty, and traditions while advocating for thoughtful growth. As a CPA and CFO/COO, I bring essential financial expertise missing from the council. I see an opportunity to enhance fiscal accountability, improve oversight, and implement best practices to uphold high standards. As a 40-year-old husband and father, I represent an underrepresented demographic and am committed to amplifying family-aged residents’ voices. I am energized to help build a more vibrant, thriving community and ensure Highland Park remains a premier North Shore destination we’re all proud to call home.

Name: Kevin Cullather

Professional experience: Public affairs and communications

Community experience/involvement: Moved to Highland Park in 2011.
• Served on Highland Park’s Bird Friendly Task Force
• Served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for 8 years (chair for 3 years)
• Volunteered as advancement chair for the Highland Park Boy Scouts
• Sat on Eagle Board of Review for Lake County Boy Scouts

Why are you running for this public office?

I will take a stand for Highland Park first and take on issues that help our local community, not special interests. I will bring my experience from working with Highland Park’s government, as well as my professional experiences in public policy, to the City Council.

The City needs to engage its residents to update (a) 25-year-old comprehensive plan and proactively chart its future. I will advocate for changes to our City Code so that all citizens can participate in local government. I will also advocate for term limits and representation from all areas of the City on the council.

Name: Kim Stone

Community experience/involvement: Highland Park Roots: Second-generation resident
• Public Service: Experienced councilmember; former board member, Community Partners for Affordable Housing
• Leadership: 20-plus years nonprofit management
• Environmental Advocacy: Co-chair, Go Green Illinois; founder, Go Green Highland Park
• Policy & Advisory Roles: National Advisory Board, Union of Concerned Scientists; EV Readiness Advisory Committee, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

Why are you running again for this public office?

I am running for reelection to continue the City’s strong, fiscally responsible leadership. With a balanced budget and AAA bond rating, we improved Second Street, built the Ravinia Fire Station, and are planning to expand the library. We revitalized downtown with zoning changes that increase foot traffic and support local businesses. Our outstanding police and fire departments protect public safety. I led efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save taxpayer dollars by integrating energy efficiency into city purchasing, and streamline renewable energy installation for residents. My priority is to continue building a thriving, sustainable Highland Park for the future.

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