District 65 Race Down to 15 Candidates

Anita Opdycke and Ezra Shevick out of the District 65 Board race

The Evanston Roundtable already covered this story - Anita Opdycke, a District 65 board candidate was removed from the April ballot due to a successful challenge. She provided me with the following comment.

While I am disappointed by the outcome of the recent decision, I respect the process and the principles of fairness and accountability that guide it. Losing this objection does not discourage me; it only strengthens my commitment to our community and the values we share. I am confident that I will find different avenues to use my strengths and values to contribute positively to our community.

I am dedicated to encouraging all Evanston citizens—especially those who have not typically been involved or not affiliated with a political party—to engage actively in our local matters. Our children depend on us to advocate for a better future, and I will continue to work alongside all of you to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized. I am relieved that Brandon and Peter will be on the ballot. I am confident that we will vote for the right candidates who will work hard to turn the ship around.

Thank you for your continued support, and let us move forward together with purpose and unity.

Warmly,

Anita K. Opdycke, DNP, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NP-C

Ezra Shevick also dropped out of the race. He gave a comment, which I’ve included below.

We are lucky to live in a community where 17 engaged citizens have volunteered to sit on the school board. This in spite of the enormous challenges the district faces. And in spite of an ugly and outright hostile election cycle for this position just 2 years ago.

I decided to run for this position out of concern that no qualified candidates would run and a concern that some or all of the 4 incumbents would run for their seats again. Their lack of transparency, poor decision making processes and contempt for engaging with the public has been a disaster for this community.

As a full time business owner and father, I have worried about the time I would be able to commit to this position from the beginning. Because the stakes were so high, I was determined to make it work. Reevaluating this, in the context of a strong, crowded field of candidates, I believe it is the right time to step aside. I have confidence in at least 4 of the other candidates to get this district back on the right track. I am excited to learn more about each of them in the coming months alongside the rest of the community. I remain as a resource for any candidate or board member to assist in any way I can.

As a small business owner myself, I totally get it.

The other two candidates who were challenged, Brandon Utter and Peter Bogira, will remain on the April ballot having won their respective challenges.

This is not yet the final tally since candidates still have until Thursday, January 23 to file paperwork to withdraw from the race. There are two upcoming forums to meet the candidates between now and the end of January.

Also, Happy New Year!