By Jennifer Clark
District 15 County Board Member
Since the first-ever Democratic majority Lake County Board was elected in 2018, the Board has dramatically improved its record of fiscal responsibility, increased government transparency, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Action on gun safety was a major break with the past, as the Lake County Board voted overwhelmingly to back state or federal bans on sale or possession of certain weapons.
One of the first things the Board did to improve fiscal responsibility was start recording all County committee meetings so that anyone can see first-hand the discussions and votes taken by Board Members. The Board also now requires a bidder on County contracts to disclose any family relationships or campaign donations to Board Members.
Freezing Property Taxes
The Democratic-led County Board has held the line on property taxes by keeping the County’s portion of the tax levy flat for the past three years. Lake County has a AAA bond rating, which saves taxpayers money. The Board gave grants to help support small businesses during the COVID pandemic.
A clean air ordinance, community solar programs, development of Net Zero building requirements, and a ban on single-use plastics for county operations are some of the many new projects that illustrate Lake County’s leadership in sustainability policies and fighting climate change.
The Board created its first-ever independent Ethics Commission, so now ethics issues are evaluated by an independent commission, not County Board Members.
To increase resident support, the Board helped created the 211 program, a free, confidential service to help Lake County residents find the services and information they need. This hotline was especially important during the COVID pandemic to help residents find assistance.
Paratransit System Launched
After many years of study, the Board created Ride Lake County–the county’s first borderless countywide paratransit system–giving rides to seniors and people with disabilities. Now all eligible Lake County residents can access low-cost rides to work, doctor’s appointments, shopping, and more no matter where they live.
A Crisis Care program was created to help support people experiencing a mental health crisis. It gives a safe place for people in crisis to go for emergency care and a place that law enforcement personnel can take people who need mental health support.
The Democratic Lake County Board has successfully implemented numerous programs and policies that have allowed Lake County residents to live safer, healthier, and fuller lives.