Who we are
Bobby Hernandez — Candidate for Addison Township Supervisor
I am running for Addison Township Supervisor because I believe our Township can better serve its residents and rise to meet the challenges of today with bold, inclusive leadership. For over 20 years, I’ve been actively engaged in my community, starting as a young advocate for civic change. These early experiences taught me how vital it is for the government to truly understand and represent the people it serves.
During the pandemic, I transitioned from the hospitality and service industry to public service, working as a Constituent Services Liaison for Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. In this role, I was trained in Washington, D.C., to connect constituents with resources and solutions, ensuring that the government worked for them, not the other way around.
Now, as the District Director for State Representative Norma Hernandez in Illinois’ 77th District, I oversee outreach efforts, manage casework, and ensure the efficient operation of our district office. A significant portion of Addison Township lies within District 77, meaning I am already collaborating with and serving many of our Township’s residents. Through this work, I’ve gained firsthand knowledge of the unique needs and aspirations of our community, while building relationships with local organizations and civic institutions.
In both roles, I’ve embraced a collaborative philosophy: government works best when intergovernmental offices and community partners come together to share resources and create opportunities. This approach has delivered real results, and I am committed to bringing this same energy and vision to Addison Township.
On a personal level, I share the same dreams and challenges as many Addison Township residents. Like so many others, I’ve worked hard to achieve my version of the American dream, balancing full-time work with pursuing education to build a better future for my family. My wife and I chose Addison as the place to put down roots and raise our daughter, drawn by its promise as a community that values hard work, family, and opportunity.
In addition to my public service, I am proud to co-direct the Latino Comics Expo and write comic books in my free time. These creative outlets fuel my passion for storytelling, innovation, and connecting with others.
I am committed to leveraging my skills, experiences, and relationships to serve the people of Addison Township. I understand the aspirations of our neighbors, the contributions of our seniors, and the determination of working families. As Supervisor, I will ensure that our Township embraces progress and builds a stronger future for everyone who calls Addison home.
Maria Vesey — Candidate for Addison Township Clerk
I am a candidate for Addison Township Clerk because I want to serve the community and ensure that the Township is serving its residents. My grandmother was able to stay in her home much longer because of the services available to her. Addison Township residents deserve to receive more services from their township than they currently do. They also deserve information on Township spending . As Clerk, I will be responsible for ensuring this transparency. We can video our meetings; we can ensure that the website is up-to-date.
As a lifelong learner, I have degrees in investment finance, English, political science, American history, and paralegal studies. I have extensive experience in commodity futures trading and ran the new broker training for Smith Barney. I have a certification in human rights consulting as well. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of township affairs, ensuring that funds are used for services, and using my experience to help residents of the township. I am excited to provide my input and ideas to our board and to build a stronger, more resilient community.
Max Ashrafi — Candidate for Addison Township Trustee
I have lived in Addison Township for 9 years. I am married and have two daughters. I decided to run for the position of Addison Township Trustee because I want to ensure that our township provides the necessary resources and services for all community members. Everyone must have access to the basics needed to thrive and achieve their full potential while maintaining high standards across all our neighborhoods. We must continue to support our most vulnerable community members, including older people, children, and those who need assistance during difficult times. I plan to build relationships with local businesses and leaders to help create a better community, providing a solid foundation for growth and development and fostering a brighter future for everyone.
Our community is a rich melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and I am committed to celebrating this diversity by embracing our differences. Our unique characteristics, values, and beliefs make Addison Township truly special.
I am a senior marketing and graphic design consultant for a banking company based in Chicago. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and entertaining family and friends. I have a passion for sports, movies, theater, and Disney. I am actively involved in my community; I serve as the Vice President of the Addison Trail High School Theatre Boosters and the Citizen Advisory Council and volunteer with the Addison Trail Music and Athletic Boosters. Additionally, I am a member of the 46th District of Illinois Immigration Advisory Committee. My professional background and life experiences provide me with a fresh perspective and a strong desire to work for all members of the Addison Township community.
Titus Dare — Candidate for Addison Township Trustee
I have a 40-year background in all facets of mortgage banking. My mortgage banking skills include mortgage loan origination, branch management, risk analysis, credit and appraisal underwriting, business modeling, workflow structuring, portfolio analysis, development of outsourcing management systems, and loan servicing. In addition, I participated in writing loan programs for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which are still being used today. Over my career I developed and expertise in Affordable Housing. I am currently EVP of Business Development for EagleOne, LLC. EagleOne is a consulting firm that caters to Developers, General Contractors and Builders who are entering the modular housing market.
In my spare time I have spent nearly 35 years coaching ice hockey to young children, ages 3-9 years old. I have also coached the 18-year old group from Chesterfield Missouri to three National Championships in 2008, 2010 and 2011.
Joey Moore — Candidate for Addison Township Trustee
I graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelors in Public Relations and Marketing. I am a proud resident of Bensenville, Illinois. I have been consulting for seven years and have skills in public outreach, strategic planning, business development, executive search, diversity & inclusion, and economic development. I am the lead diversity outreach & technical assistance consultant for the State of Illinois Capital Development Board. This $9.6 billion government agency oversees and funds the construction of all state-owned facilities. I ensure that we connect and educate the minority, women, and veteran-owned construction and professional service businesses across the state about the state government construction contracts and opportunities. I have also been the strategic planning consultant for various projects, including the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, GreenLatinos, Corazón Community Services, Centro de Información, and Self Reliance Association, where the focus was on board development, diversifying funding, and program initiatives, and evaluation of programming.
In my free time, I’m a figure skating coach at the Franklin Park Ice Arena. I teach children ages 3 to 18 not only the discipline of skating but also confidence, leadership, teamwork, and communication, which are skills related to my role as a future Trustee.
Deborah (Debbie) Sandstrom — Candidate for Addison Township Trustee
I have lived in Addison Township for 27 years, working at UIC and raising my family in Elmhurst. It is clear that our Township has many needs and that these will only increase in the future. I am running for Addison Township Trustee because the past years have shown that Addison Township needs transparency, expanded services for the community, and increased fiscal responsibility.
As a dedicated educator and administrator at the UIC Tutorium for 30+ years, working in multiple instructional and managerial roles, I am blessed to have played a direct role in the academic and personal growth of more than 2,000 international students. Indirectly, through my accreditation work, I have helped to ensure that students are receiving the education that they were promised and are paying for. As a trustee, I will be doing something similar, working to ensure that our residents receive needed services from their township government.
Though busy at work, I have been consistently dedicated to the communities I’ve belonged to, volunteering first for things related to my children’s interests (costume mom, band chaperone, other school activities); for my profession (accreditation commission board member and chair); for my neighbors (editing, personal assistance with household needs, Democratic Precinct committeeperson); and now, increasingly, for wider community organizations (League of Women Voters of Elmhurst, Addison Democratic Township Organization).
Being a trustee, while not a volunteer position nor a full-time administrative position, requires some of the same skills I have learned and used over the past 30 years. It requires assessing current and future needs and planning out how they can be addressed. It requires evaluation and re-revaluation of services and financial expenditures.
I believe in working for solutions and I believe in teamwork. I am running for Township trustee as a part of the Democratic Slate for Addison Township because problems need solving and a group with shared ideals and values can achieve goals more effectively than a single person. We represent Itasca, Bensenville, Addison, and Elmhurst. We bring a variety of skills including financial expertise, budget oversight, intergovernmental relationships, outreach, public service experience, and program management. Together a new Township Board can ensure good governance which is what Addison Township needs.