The PEP Party of Brookfield is proud to announce its slate of three candidates for the April 6, 2027, Consolidated Election. Incumbent Village Trustee Nicole Gilhooley, current Village Clerk Michael Melendez, and longtime community leader Kenyon Duner will seek election to the three open seats on the Brookfield Village Board.

Together, these candidates represent an exceptional combination of experience, fresh perspectives, and deep community roots. Each has demonstrated a commitment to public service, responsible decision-making, and strengthening the community they proudly call home.

"For years, the PEP Party has remained focused on bringing thoughtful, qualified, and dedicated individuals into village leadership," according to the PEP Party nominating committee members. "Nicole, Mike, and Kenyon exemplify that commitment. They aren't simply individuals interested in public office. They are community members who have already invested years of their time, talent, and energy into making Brookfield and the surrounding community a better place."

Incumbent Trustee Nicole Gilhooley brings a wealth of village government experience and a long record of community involvement. First elected to the Village Board in 2013 and returning in 2023, Gilhooley has helped guide Brookfield through important decisions while remaining committed to the residents and neighborhoods that make the community special.

Before her service as trustee, Gilhooley served on the Brookfield Beautification Commission, including as its chairperson, helping advance community improvement initiatives and encouraging civic engagement through events like Project NICE. Her extensive volunteer involvement has included volunteering at Brook Park Elementary and S.E. Gross Middle School, Brookfield Little League, and as a commissioner on the Proviso Township Mental Health Board.

Professionally, Gilhooley brings experience in human resources, organizational management, technology, and business process improvement. That background provides a valuable perspective on efficient operations, strategic planning, and responsible governance.

Gilhooley's candidacy represents a commitment to continuity, experience, and thoughtful leadership as Brookfield builds on its progress and prepares for the opportunities ahead.

Current Village Clerk Michael Melendez brings an extraordinary depth of experience in public governance, legal affairs, and financial oversight. Having served Brookfield as Village Clerk, Melendez is ready to take the next step in village leadership as a voting, decision-making member of the Board of Trustees.

Melendez previously served two terms on the LaGrange School District 102 Board of Education, including three years as board president. During his presidency, he helped lead the selection of a new superintendent and oversaw a period in which the district dramatically improved its financial reserves. His work required navigating complex budgets, establishing organizational priorities, building consensus, and making consequential decisions on behalf of the community during challenging times.

In addition to his extensive governance experience, Melendez is an accomplished attorney who has served in senior legal leadership for the University of Illinois System, providing counsel on complex legal, operational, and institutional matters.

A devoted community volunteer, Melendez has also spent countless hours supporting local youth through Brookfield Little League and other recreational sports programs. It is common to see him around a field assisting youth sports.  

His move from Village Clerk to trustee is a natural progression for someone who has already demonstrated the judgment, leadership, and experience required of an effective governing board member. Melendez offers the rare combination of familiarity with Brookfield's municipal operations and proven experience making difficult public policy and financial decisions.

For lifelong Brookfield resident Kenyon Duner, community service is not simply an aspiration. It has been a defining part of his life.

Duner has dedicated more than a decade to the Village's Parks and Recreation Commission, where he currently serves as chairperson. His work has supported the development and expansion of recreational opportunities, helping ensure Brookfield remains a welcoming community for individuals and families of all ages and abilities.

Duner also brings a distinctive professional background in recreation, accessibility, and services for individuals with disabilities. As Accessibility Coordinator for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, he works to expand access and opportunities for people of varying abilities. His previous career in special recreation further strengthens his understanding of inclusive programming, community needs, and public service.

His involvement extends to local athletic fields, where he serves as a youth softball, baseball and high school sports umpire. Through those experiences, Duner has built relationships with many local families while demonstrating the importance of fairness, listening, and sound judgment.

Duner is very familiar with municipal government. His years of service on the Parks and Recreation Commission have provided valuable insight into how village government operates, how public programs are developed, and how decisions affect residents.

Duner offers a fresh voice at the board table, grounded in a lifetime of Brookfield experience and a demonstrated passion for helping others.

The PEP Party's 2027 slate reflects its longstanding belief that good government begins with good people: individuals who listen, collaborate, respect taxpayer resources, and approach public service with integrity.

Gilhooley offers seasoned village board leadership and organizational expertise. Melendez brings substantial experience in governance, law, and financial stewardship. Duner contributes lifelong community connections, municipal commission leadership, and a career devoted to public access and recreation.

Together, they offer the experience and perspectives needed to address Brookfield's challenges while continuing to strengthen its neighborhoods, infrastructure, parks, businesses, and quality of life.

Brookfield deserves leaders who understand where we've been, recognize the opportunities ahead, and have the experience to turn good ideas into meaningful results.  This slate brings exactly that. Nicole, Mike, and Kenyon share a genuine love for Brookfield, a demonstrated willingness to serve, and a commitment to making thoughtful decisions in the best interests of our entire community.

The PEP Party looks forward to introducing these candidates to residents throughout the coming months and sharing their vision for Brookfield's continued success.

The Consolidated Election will be held Tuesday, April 6, 2027.

About the PEP Party of Brookfield

The PEP Party is a local political organization committed to responsible, ethical, and forward-thinking leadership in the Village of Brookfield. Through its emphasis on fiscal stewardship, community engagement, and long-term planning, PEP has supported leaders dedicated to keeping Brookfield a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.

For additional information, visit www.pepparty.com or contact brookfieldpepparty@gmail.com.