Maddie for District 3 Trustee
I’m Madeleine “Maddie” England—a longtime Skokie resident, school board member, university educator, and the person behind day-to-day operations at Kneads & Wants. I founded the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative to bring local businesses together. Across these roles, my focus is the same: listen to people, solve problems, and follow through.
As your trustee, I would advocate for thoughtful development that strengthens Skokie’s economy and helps sustain services for our community. My votes would be guided by how proposals affect current residents, address underserved neighbors’ needs, and support the Village’s financial health. I would ask careful questions, examine the evidence, and weigh both the costs and the lasting benefits.
Progressive Values.
Thoughtful Stewardship.
A Commitment to Skokie.
How I Serve Skokie Today
Bringing downtown together.
I founded the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative to unite local businesses. I organize events that bring people downtown, introduce them to our merchants, and support our local economy.
Putting students and families first.
As a District 69 school board member, I ask questions, review information, and cast votes with students’ needs and families’ perspectives at the center.
Supporting our neighbors
Through my work at Kneads & Wants, I help turn community generosity into local support. Our Thanksgiving pie fundraiser is our biggest example, alongside donations to local organizations, food pantries, and soup kitchens.
Contributing to local economic development.
In my advisory role with Skokie’s Economic Development Commission, I bring firsthand experience with the needs of small businesses and downtown merchants.
What is a trustee
Village trustees serve on the governing board alongside the village mayor. They are entrusted with public authority to serve the community.
The board’s responsibilities include:
Local laws: Adopt ordinances governing village affairs.
Public money: Approve budgets, spending, and authorized taxes or fees.
Services and infrastructure: Set priorities for roads, water systems, public safety, and other village responsibilities.
Development: Consider land use, zoning, and proposed projects.
The board exercises these powers within the framework of Illinois law
What Responsible Stewardship Means
Responsible stewardship means caring for the village’s resources, services, public spaces, and public trust—while considering today’s needs and the well-being of future residents.
Before making a decision, a thoughtful trustee would ask:
Need: What community problem does this address?
Evidence: What supports this approach?
Long-term effects: What responsibilities or consequences will it create?
Fairness: Who benefits, and who bears the costs, risks, or burdens?
Priorities: How will it affect other community needs
Future residents: Does it protect their resources and opportunities?
A decision can be popular today and still create lasting problems. Responsible stewardship requires care, fairness, and foresight.
Let’s Talk About Skokie
First, help me get on the ballot.
Sign my petition at Kneads & Wants, or set up a time to stop by your home so I can get your signature.
Stay connected.
Sign up for my newsletter for campaign updates and opportunities to get involved.
Find your district
Skokie has four trustee districts. Enter your address on the Village’s official map to find yours.