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Archive for the ‘Lake’ Category

Cuba Township Annual Town Meeting Tuesday

Posted in County, Lake, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, Unions on April 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

CUBA TOWNSHIP
176th ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Originally implemented to give citizens a uniform place and time to gather, this state mandated meeting provides an opportunity for any registered voter of the Township to speak. Cuba Township voters may propose agenda items, relevant to the powers granted to the electors under the Township code, for the Annual Town Meeting.

Proposals must be written and signed by at least 15 registered Cuba Township voters and delivered by March 1, 2026, to the Cuba Township Clerk,
Heidi N. Shannon.
Please join us. Questions can be directed to the
Township office at (847) 381-1924
175th Annual Town Meeting
April 14th, 2026; 6:00 pm
Cuba Township Office
28000 W. Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60010

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Nomination and election of Moderator
Oath of office to Moderator
Public Comment
Approval of Minutes 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Supervisor’s Annual Financial Report
Highway Commissioner’s Report
New Business
Old Business
Scheduling of Date, Time, and place of 2027 Annual Town Meeting
Adjournment

Source

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Lake County clerk’s office changes Lake Barrington polling place

Posted in County, Daily Herald, Elections, Lake, Politics on March 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Daily Herald Reportb Posted March 16, 2026 7:56 pm

Due to an ongoing gas leak resulting in no heat at the Lake Barrington Village Hall, it will not serve as an Election Day polling place on Tuesday, March 17, officials announced Monday.

Voters are encouraged to use the polling sites closest to them:

“Health and safety are our utmost priorities for our election judges and voters. I thank our partners at Lake Barrington Village Hall for their efforts to find a viable solution in a very short period of time. I also want to thank Lake County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance,” Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said.

Voters can confirm their polling location, view sample ballots, and find additional election information by visiting the Lake County Clerk’s Office website or calling the office at (847) 377-2410.

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How much did Illinois take from your town’s income taxes?

Posted in Cook, County, Illinois Policy Institute, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Politics, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes on December 23, 2025| 1 Comment »

Illinois local governments lost out on over $10.9 billion in income tax revenue since fiscal year 2012. Here’s what your city or county lost.

By Patrick Andriesen | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois local governments lost out on more than $10.9 billion in income tax revenue since fiscal year 2012, thanks to state lawmakers cutting the share of income taxes promised to municipalities and counties.

The state kept the difference.

An Illinois Policy Institute analysis found state lawmakers’ decision to reduce the local share from 10% of net income tax collections to less than 7% has cost municipalities over $9.49 billion since FY 2012. That includes cities, towns and villages and meant fewer dollars for programs and services, infrastructure, and potential property tax relief.

Use our table below to find out how much more income tax revenue your municipality would have received.

In addition to the municipal losses, county governments lost another $1.43 billion. Use our table below to find out much more income tax revenue your county would have collected.

More here.

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Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances

Posted in BCFPD, Cook, Cost of Living, County, Illinois Policy Institute, Jewel-Osco, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Overhead, Property Taxes, Taxes, Unions on November 19, 2025| Leave a Comment »

In Lake County and across Illinois, fire pensions are driving up property taxes and leaving fewer resources for safety.

By LyLena Estabine | Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago fire pensions may be close to insolvency, but the city is not alone: firefighter pensions are consuming most of the resources needed to keep communities safe.

Statewide, the most recent data shows municipal fire department increased property taxes by $371.6 million between 1996 and 2023, adjusted for inflation. While the total tripled, pensions have gone from taking less than half of the property taxes to taking nearly three-fourths: $311.6 million more in 2023 than in 1996.

Actual fire protection operated on $60 million more than in 1996.

Firefighters receive generous pensions, and rightly so given the dangerous nature of their work. However, when those benefits become overpromised – as they have become in Illinois – they undermine retirement security and reduce the amount of money available for service. Police and fire pensions outside of Chicago reported combined liabilities of $493.1 billion in 2024, with only 49 cents on hand for each dollar owed.

The low funding ratio isn’t because property taxes aren’t going towards pensions. In most counties more property tax revenue is going towards pensions than in the past. In 1996, 48% of these revenues went toward pensions compared to 73% in 2023. A similar pattern can be seen in counties across the state.

That doesn’t mean every town is cutting back on fire services, but it does mean an increasing share of local tax dollars is being consumed by pension costs rather than the services residents rely on.

At 1.83% of their home’s value each year, Illinoisans pay the highest average effective property tax rate in the nation. But in some communities, it’s worse than that figure would indicate.

Read more here.

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District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Countryside Elementary School, County, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lake, Land Use, New Normal?, Open Meetings Act, Organizations, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Video Recordings, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • Special Public Comment on IASB Resolutions
  • FOIA Reports
  • Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve Reunification Contract with Willow Creek Community Church
  • Consideration to Approve a District Representative at the Lake County Lake Division Meeting
  • Consideration to Approve the Proposed Lake County Slate of Officers
  • Consideration to Approve IASB Resolutions

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “District 220 Board of Education meets tonight (9.15.25),” “District 220 posts Notice of Tentative Budget Public Hearing,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “District 220 Board of Education meets this evening (07.15.25)” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

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Enjoy returning favorites and new events at the 96th Annual Lake County Fair July 23-27

Posted in County, Entertainment, Goat Rodeo, Lake, Politics on July 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Lake County Fair returns with rides, music, food, Grandstand events and much more Wednesday through Sunday, July 23-27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Daily Herald file photo

By the Lake County Fairgrounds

Celebrating its 96th year, the Lake County Fair is back and bigger than ever, promising five days filled with excitement, entertainment and memories for the whole family. Taking place from Wednesday, July 23, to Sunday, July 27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, this year’s fair brings a sensational lineup of Grandstand Arena events, including returning favorites and new additions.

Midway rides and games, operated by Skinner’s Amusements, open at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and noon Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $1 each (number of tickets needed vary per ride) and are available at ticket booths located throughout the Midway. All-You-Can-Ride Wristband specials will be available for $30 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, 1-5 p.m. Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Friday.

Pig racing is just one of the returning attractions at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake. | Daily Herald file photo

An array of Grandstand Arena events are included with fair admission. The lineup features adrenaline-pumping spectacles that aim to have visitors on the edge of their seats:

  • Demolition Derby: 6 p.m. Wednesday
  • Motocross: 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
  • 406FMX High Air Tour: 7 p.m. Thursday
  • Monster Truck Throwdown: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
  • Pro Bull Riding & Barrel Racing: 3 p.m. Sunday

The Lake County Fair welcomes back several crowd favorites, ensuring nonstop entertainment for fairgoers of all ages. Daily events include:

  • Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show (as seen on America’s Got Talent)
  • Show Me Swine Pig Races
  • Kidbucks Game Show
  • John Measner Magic Show
  • K9 Demonstration with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
  • Timerbworks Lumberjack Show
  • Interactive Bubble Zone

Other returning events include:

  • Miss, Junior Miss, and Little Miss Lake County Fair Pageants: 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
  • Operation Glow: Taylor Swift Party: 8 p.m. Wednesday
  • Flower Hour: A sensory-friendly carnival morning on the opening day of the Lake County Fair, providing a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the rides and games at the Midway carnival. During this time, the Midway Carnival will be exclusively open to those attending Flower Hour. Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
  • Bloody Mary Bingo on Sunday

In addition to the returning events, the latest additions to the Lake County Fair’s lineup include:

  • The Strolling DJ: Three daily shows. This mobile DJ booth rolls through the fairgrounds, bringing high-energy music, fun vibes, and spontaneous dance parties wherever it goes. You never know when the beat will drop; just follow the sound and join the fun.
  • So Hot Glass Live!: Daily glass blowing demonstration
  • Swine Jackpot Show: 10 a.m. Friday, July 25. The Swine Jackpot Show brings top competition to the barn with three exciting divisions: Showmanship, Market and Breeding Gilts. Exhibitors will showcase their skills in handling, presenting and evaluating swine as they compete for prizes and bragging rights. Don’t miss this action-packed event that highlights some of the finest pigs and most dedicated youth in the show ring.

Hi Infidelity is among the many musical acts that will perform at the Lake County Fair July 23-27 at the fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Courtesy of Hi Infidelity

The Lake County Fair will include more than a dozen bands performing throughout the event. The eclectic lineup features “Swiftie Nation,” Operation Glow: Taylor Swift Dance Party and Hi Infidelity. Other acts include The Dixon Bandits, Alien Eyes, Brass from the Past, Big Boss and the Toes Band, The Noize, Second Hand Soul, Chapel Hill, School of Rock, Peter and the Versatiles, Blue Marlin, Beyond the Blonde, Gooroos, No Limit, Roger That, Tropixplosion, Chicago Latin Groove and Classical Blast.

Daily admission is $15 for ages 13-64; $5 for ages 6-12 and 65 and older and active military, veterans and dependents with valid ID; and free for ages 5 and younger and active military in uniform with valid ID. Season passes are $55 for ages 13-64 and $20 for ages 6-12 and 65 and older. Admission is free for active military, veterans, dependents and first responders with valid ID on Thursday.

The Lake County Fairgrounds is at 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. For more information about the Lake County Fair, visit lcfair.com/2025.

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Concerts in the Plaza summer concert series announced

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District on May 5, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Summer concerts are returning to Independence Grove Forest Preserve this summer. | Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserves

By the Lake County Forest Preserves

Get ready for a summer filled with music, nature and good vibes. The popular Concerts in the Plaza series returns to Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, bringing live outdoor performances to Millennia Plaza, set against the backdrop of a 129-acre lake. Concerts run from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, June 10 through Aug. 5.

This year’s lineup blends local favorites and crowd-pleasing tribute acts, from Beatles and Steely Dan covers to ’90s hits, country, reggae, blues and more. Whether you’re dancing, picnicking or just soaking up the sunset, there’s a lineup for everyone. This year’s concerts are supported by North Shore Gas (platinum sponsor), Libertyville Bank and Trust (bronze sponsor) and Lake County Journal (media sponsor).

“There’s nothing quite like live music surrounded by nature,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “Concerts in the Plaza brings families and friends together in one of the most beautiful settings in Lake County.”

• June 10: The Wayouts (1960s Rock’n’Roll) Dedicated exclusively to garage rock hits from the 1960s, The Wayouts deliver an authentic revival of rock’n’roll’s first generation with hits from The Kinks, The Animals, The Troggs, The Monkees, The Rascals and more. Veterans of the Chicago music scene, they have diverse musical resumes.

• June 17: Brooklyn Charmers (Steely Dan Tribute, Jazz Rock) Brooklyn Charmers is a Steely Dan tribute band composed of some of Chicago’s top players. With masterful precision and obsessive dedication to the music, Brooklyn Charmers injects a new energy into the beloved catalog, bridging the gap between new and lifelong fans alike.

• June 24: How Rude! (’90s Tribute) How Rude! brings the best of the ’90s to life with their high-energy, nostalgia-filled performance, mixing everything from grunge to pop. Relive the era with iconic slap bracelets, parting your hair down the middle and rocking those classic overalls, flannel shirts and platform shoes.

• July 1: Mackenzie O’Brien and Band (Country) The hottest young country band in the area boasting a lineup of full-time musicians and led by the captivating talent known as Chicago’s new country queen. The band covers a wide array of music from contemporary country stars such as Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, as well as classics from legends including Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.

• July 8: Gizzae (Raggae) Gizzae, an acclaimed reggae band, blends diverse musical experiences from its global members. Over 35 years, they’ve won Grammys and Chicago Music Awards, sharing stages with icons such as the The Rolling Stones and Ziggy Marley. Their shows feature energetic guitar solos and mesmerizing keyboards, ensuring good vibes and moving rhythms for all.

• July 15: American English (Beatles Tribute) American English has been named the best Beatles tribute band of our time. They were voted No. 1 in soundalike contests at The Fest for Beatles Fans for three consecutive years. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their fan base, anchored them in larger venues and theaters worldwide.

• July 22: Peach Jam (Allman Brothers Band Tribute, Blues Rock) A tribute to the iconic music of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Let the tunes whisk you away to the Fillmore East, the historic music venue nestled in the heart of New York City, where the Allman Brothers Band frequently played. Expect a fusion of blues, rock, jazz and country to create a distinctive sound that’s both powerful and heartfelt.

• July 29: Soul Sacrifice (Santana Tribute, Rock) Soul Sacrifice Santana tribute band is known for delivering a top-notch experience, earning a strong following among fans. From Woodstock in 1969 to today, the band performs a mix of classic tunes, lively rhythms, electrifying guitar solos and authentic Latin percussion. With hits like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va” and “Smooth,” the high-energy band keeps the crowd moving from beginning to end.

• Aug. 5: Mississippi Heat (Blues) Led by Chicago Hall of Fame harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat stands as a world-class Chicago Blues Band. They describe their style as “traditional blues with a unique sound” as they present a blend of fresh innovative musical concepts while remaining rooted in vintage blues traditions.

The entrance to Independence Grove is on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road in Libertyville.

The Concerts in the Plaza series runs June 10 through Aug. 5. | Courtesy of Tim Elliott

Entrance to Independence Grove is $10 per car after 4:30 p.m. on event nights. Pricing includes drop-offs. No rain dates. Cash or credit card accepted. All vehicle entrance fees support Every Acre Strong: The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves. Led by the Preservation Foundation, donations to the campaign are creating a dependable funding source to care for preserves such as Independence Grove. Forever. For safety, and as a courtesy to preserve neighbors, park in preserve lots only. Cars will be turned away when parking lots are full.

For concert reminders, weather updates or to learn if a concert has been canceled, call (847) 968-3499 or view the status map at lcfpd.org/check-status-of-independence-grove-activities. There is no rescheduling if a concert is canceled.

Concerts are open to all ages and are held at the preserve’s outdoor amphitheater overlooking a 129-acre lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Arrive early to secure a spot. Pack a picnic, or purchase a light dinner, snack or beverage from the preserve’s walk-up café or from the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. To make a concert outing even more memorable, call (847) 968-3499 to reserve a pontoon boat for groups of up to six.

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

For the safety of all guests, all items brought into the forest preserve (including — without limitation — coolers, picnic baskets, bags, backpacks and purses) are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the park and may also be inspected again upon entering Millennia Plaza.

Anyone interested in learning about concert sponsorship opportunities can contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at (847) 968-3434.

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Don’t be fooled again…

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Cook, County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Kane, Lake, McHenry, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 1, 2025| 1 Comment »

Local elections can be lost and won by a single vote. Ensure your candidate’s success by doing your part. Vote and encourage a friend to join you.

We’ve recently seen an issue facing a neighboring school playing out in the national news where, at Deerfield’s Shepherd Middle School, a mother claims her daughter and several of her classmates were forced by school officials to change in a locker room in front of a student who is biologically a boy.

These social issues are not unique to Deerfield and can easily be played out at D220. We need strong school and library boards ready to stand up for the students and families of D220.

Two years ago, a school board candidate (seen at top) stood on the street holding a sign with his highest priority message he wanted to convey for his reelection. The result? Libraries with pornography, tampons in boy’s bathrooms and lower reading and math scores.

We know from past board meetings and candidate forums that these priorities are shared by current school and library board members and candidates.

For reasons set forth in our earlier endorsements, the best choice for common sense values and for candidates best able to face these challenges are Steve Wang, Katie Karam and Deanna Stern (for D220), and Joseph Bosnick and Erin Matta (for BAL).

Make a plan and get yourself to your polling place.

Early Voting Locations:

Cook County
Barrington Hills Village Hall
March 30 – 10:00-4:00
March 31 – 9:00-5:00

Lake County
Cuba Township Highway Department
March 30 – 9:00-4:00
March 31 – 9:00-7:00

McHenry County
Algonquin Township Office or Crystal Lake Public Library
March 31 – 9:00-4:00

Kane County
Carpentersville Fire Station No. 93
March 30 – 10:00-4:00
March 31 – 9:00-4:00

Related: “Karam, Wang and Stern for CUSD 220 Board of Education,” “Bosnick and Matta for Barrington Area Library Board of Trustees,” “Illinois school district responds to federal probe into allegations of making girls change with transgender”

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Lake County Forest Preserves offer winter activities

Posted in Entertainment, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Topics Of Interest on January 16, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Lake County Forest Preserves

From ice skating and sledding to peaceful cross-country skiing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter in the Lake County forest preserves. Before heading out, check the Lake County Forest Preserves’ winter sports webpage, lcfpd.org/things-to-do/recreation/winter-sports, for the latest updates.

Solar-lit Evening Hikes

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 9. Bicycle and equestrian traffic is not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. The solar lights serve as a guide along the trails. It is recommended to bring a flashlight or headlamp along for additional illumination.

To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area, located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School’s main entrance lot, located on the east side of St. Mary’s Road just south of Route 176. Rangers from the Lake County Forest Preserves regularly patrol the areas.

Sledding

Sled hills are located at Lakewood in Wauconda and Old School in Libertyville. The Lakewood hill is part of a dedicated Winter Sports Area at that site and is lighted, allowing for winter fun until 9 p.m., when conditions allow. The Old School hill is open until sunset when conditions allow sledding. Snowboards, metal runners or toboggans are not permitted.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiers can enjoy nearly 200 miles of trails at forest preserves throughout Lake County. At the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, a 4-inch snow base is required before opening trails for cross-country skiing. Groomed trails are available at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area to Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda and the Yellow Trail Loop at Old School. The Des Plaines River Trail is groomed from Rockland Road south to the Route 60 underpass in Vernon Hills. Grooming is typically done one day after a heavy snow using new equipment, partially funded by a Preservation Foundation grant, that grooms the trail for both traditional and skate-style skiing.

Grooming cross-country skiing trails is usually performed a day after significant snowfall, employing modern equipment designed to prepare the trails for both classic and skate-style skiing techniques. | Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

Snowmobiling

Snowmobilers can use 21 miles of designated trails within the preserves, all of which connect to other area snowmobile trails. Forest preserve snowmobile trails are open through March 31 and when conditions allow, which include frozen ground and a 4-inch snow base. Snowmobilers should use caution and watch for trail route signs along all forest preserve snowmobile trails.

The Des Plaines River Trail from Russell Road to just south of Wadsworth Road provides the longest stretch of trail for snowmobilers. Parking and trail access are provided at the Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch on Russell Road east of Route 41 and at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve located on Wadsworth Road just east of Route 41 in Wadsworth.

When conditions allow, snowmobile trails are open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 6:30 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The following snowmobile trailer parking lots are open extended hours for snowmobilers: the Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch parking area on Russell Road east of Route 41, the Sedge Meadow parking area on Wadsworth Road east of Route 41, and the Lakewood parking area on Brown Road near Route 12. All other parking lots close at sunset.

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and head to the lake at Independence Grove in Libertyville or the rink at Lakewood’s Winter Sports Area. The shallow rink at Lakewood, open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., typically freezes earlier in the season than the lake at Independence Grove, open 6:30 a.m. to sunset, where a 4.5-inch ice layer is required.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is permitted in five designated areas, including at the south bay at Independence Grove in Libertyville. | Courtesy of Justine Neslund

Five locations have been designated as ice fishing areas: Banana Lake at Lakewood, Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods, Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, Lake Carina Forest Preserve in Gurnee, and the south bay at Independence Grove. Ice fishing is free and at your own risk. Ice conditions are not monitored, so anglers should check ice thickness before going out on any frozen body of water. A minimum of 4 inches of solid ice over the entire water body is recommended before individuals attempt ice fishing. Bring your own gear.

Temporary shanties and shelters are permitted but must be removed by the end of the day. Only two poles are allowed, or tip-ups with no more than two hooks on each line. Holes must be 6 inches or smaller in diameter. Van Patten Woods is open from 6:30 a.m. until one hour past sunset weekdays for ice fishing, and from 6:30 a.m. to sunset on Saturdays and Sundays. Other sites are open daily from 6:30 a.m. to sunset for ice fishing. All Illinois fishing regulations and licenses apply.

“The Forest Preserves provides countless ways for individuals and families to connect with nature, no matter the season,” said Jessica Vealitzek, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “These treasured spaces offer the perfect backdrop for winter adventures, helping visitors stay active, recharge and find joy in the beauty of the outdoors.”

For a full list of winter activities, visit LCFPD.org/wintersports.

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Top Stories of 2024: Lake County residents vote for the status quo despite national upheaval

Posted in County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Lake, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order on December 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash and Lake County Republican Central Committee Chairman Keith Brin talk at a 2024 event. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)

By STEVE SADIN | Lake County News-Sun

From the start of the year, when the primary election season was starting both in Lake County and across the country, the presidential race was contentious while the situation locally was much calmer.

By July, when Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket and a would-be assassin nicked President-elect Donald Trump’s ear with a bullet, Lake County Democratic and GOP volunteers were flocking to Wisconsin to a campaign on behalf of their candidates as the local campaigns hummed along relatively quietly.

And, when the results were in, voters nationally decided it was time for a change — back — in the party of the president, while Lake County residents largely cast their ballots for the status quo when it came to the local races. That juxtaposition made the election season one of the Lake County News-Sun’s top stories of 2024.

Lake County Republican Central Committee Chair Keith Brin said Thursday that — just like in 2016 and 2020 — some local Republicans outperformed Trump, but the GOP still has work to do to elect more candidates locally.

“Trump’s election was in a silo,” Brin said. “He did not seem to have much influence in down-ballot races. The candidacy of Donald Trump did not translate to down-ballot races.”

Though Trump received more votes statewide than he did four years ago, Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash said Wednesday that was not the case in Lake County, where Harris handily outpolled him.

“We worked very hard here in Lake County, and Trump did not make gains here,” Gash said. “For the second election in a row, Lake County rejected him by a significantly higher margin than the rest of the state.”

Part of the reason all Democratic incumbents, from the U.S. Congress, Illinois General Assembly and Lake County, won their races was hard work, she said. Gash said volunteers started their outreach early, and continued through the Nov. 5 election.

“It was neighbors talking to neighbors,” Gash said. “We engaged voters where they were. We did phone banking, text banking and talked to voters at their doors.”

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, said hard work was the reason he was reelected to a third term in the Illinois House of Representatives by 47 votes, though he said he was outspent 17-to-1 by Democratic opponent Maria Peterson and her backers.

McLaughlin received 29,520 while Peterson got 29,473 of 58.993 ballots cast, according to the official results.

Between money raised by Peterson’s campaign and outside interest groups locally, statewide and nationally, McLaughlin said $3 million was spent to defeat him. He raised $170,000. His campaign ordered 12,000 mailers, ran out and ordered 2,000. Thousands of doors were knocked on by a record number of volunteers, he said.

“People understand I’m not Donald Trump,” McLaughlin said. “I have a very reasonable approach. I base my position on numbers. If the numbers work, I advocate on behalf of my constituents.”

Read more here.

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