Meet the Candidates: Highland Park City Council, 3 for 3 four-year seats

JUMP TO: Barisa Bruckman | Annette Lidawer | Andrés Tapia

Three candidates, including two incumbents, are running uncontested for three open seats on the Highland Park City Council. The third candidate, Barisa Bruckman, is also a current member of the council. She was appointed to a 2023-’27 seat and is now seeking a full, four-year term.

Four individuals petitioned to participate in this race; however, James Lynch — the executive director of the Highland Park Arts Center — removed himself from contention in December 2024, according to reporting by Patch.

One two-year council term is also available, and three individuals are in the running.

Below are basic profiles of the three individuals competing for four-year terms, 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.

Name: Barisa Bruckman

Professional experience: Government administration

Community experience/involvement: I’ve served on Highland Park’s City Council since June 2024, acting as liaison to the Central Business District Alliance, Business & Economic Development Advisory Group, and District 112 School Board. I served on the Planning & Design Commission (2021-2024) and worked in government at the White House, GSA, and City of Chicago.

Why are you running for this public office?

I am driven to continue to be an independent voice for all residents while ensuring our community remains safe, vibrant, and welcoming. As a young mother, I bring a unique perspective to addressing challenges families face and can use that lens to drive business development, building on our recent successes and finding new ways to support and promote existing businesses. I also wish to continue to ensure law enforcement and first responders have the resources needed to fight crime, including combating antisemitism and all forms of hate. I will lead with integrity, collaboration, and a results-driven approach to our future.

Name: Annette Lidawer

Professional experience: attorney, educator

Community experience/involvement: I have served Highland Park in elected and appointed capacities, since I moved here with my family in 1999.
• Current: HP city councilmember
• High School District 113 member/board president
• Plan and Design commissioner
• District 112 Fun-d-Run co-founder/chair
• Edgewood Food Days chair
• PTOs: Braeside, Edgewood and HPHS
• Jewish Women’s Foundation trustee

Why are you running for reelection to this public office?

Upon reelection, I will continue to emphasize and work toward:

• Ensuring the safety and peace of mind of residents
• Prioritizing economic development and growth — I was able to direct focus and shift support to new initiatives such as: offering incentives to new/existing businesses, filling storefront vacancies, streamlining permitting processes, growing event programming and markets, reviewing and changing outdated laws such as the antiquated liquor license ordinance, and focusing on responsiveness to and services for residents, including evaluating zoning and noise regulations and promoting sustainability
•Enhancing beautification and vibrancy of Highland Park as a destination for entertainment and the arts

Name: Andrés Tapia

Professional experience: managing consultant, author

Community experience/involvement: Highland Park city councilmember
• First Latino elected to Highland Park City Council
• Former Highland Park Housing commissioner
• Key leader in launching the Dual Language Program benefitting thousands of families for over 30 years
• Board president of Highland Park’s Working Together
• Former Ravinia Festival trustee

Why are you running for reelection to this public office?

When I ran for City Council four years ago, I promised to help make Highland Park a more inclusive, thriving, and welcoming community. I also expressed my commitment to upholding our commitment to public safety, maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure, and protecting our financial stability.

I have delivered on these promises.

Yet, while we have much to be proud of, we still have more people to include, more storefronts to fill, and more businesses to retain — all while ensuring we continue to be a City that works. This is why I’m running for reelection.

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