Unfortunately it is not possible to film as some of the sessions are confidential. There will be three informational meetings in September in which the VMA board invites the standing trustees and some panelists to deal with what they consider important issues. This time it will include economic development and diversity. Beginning in October and ending when all potential candidates have been heard, there are closed meetings in which anyone who wishes to run for office can present themselves to the nominating committee. Any Oak Park resident can join the nominating committee providing they attend all meetings or make arrangements to hear the audio tapes for a meeting they miss.
Most people get through the pre-screening.
The potential candidate makes a presentation and then is asked questions by the selections committee. This takes about one hour. When all of the candidates have presented themselves, the selections committee then meets to decide on which candidates they will recommend. They then make a presentation to the VMA membership. The endorsed candidates form themselves into a temporary political party and begin their campaign.