Aug. 31, 2022

In this Issue: Why We Need a Democratic County Board ● Expo Highlights Black Businesses ● Voter Registration Drive Organizers Needed ● Winning Elections: Don’t Miss This Training ● Candidate Q&A: Dr. Michael Karner ● Volunteer Spotlight ● In Case You Missed It ● Upcoming Events

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. 

Expo Highlights Black Businesses

Lake Dems volunteers greet visitors at the Black Lives Matter Lake County Black Business Expo in Waukegan on Aug. 27. From left are Democratic intern Drew, Lake Dems Vice Chair Nancy Shepherdson, Gwen Goo-Yates, State Senator Adriane Johnson, and Rubina Khan.

Precinct committeepersons heard from Lake Dems Chair Lauren Beth Gash (center) and Lake Dems Vice Chair Nancy Shepherdson (left), at a past training session.

Winning Elections: Don’t Miss This Training 

Precinct Committeepersons (PCs) are encouraged to join Lake County Democrats for “Winning Elections: Training for Precinct Committeepersons and Grassroots Activists.”

Activists who are not PCs are also welcome to join us for this overview of effective techniques for reaching voters.

This important session will take place at 6pm via Zoom on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Watch for an email to RSVP.

Voter Registration Drive Organizers Needed

We’ve got a great team of voter registrars. if you’re interested in organizing voter registration drives, please email Lake County Democrats at info@lakedems.org.

We’re planning voter registration drives and providing Deputy Voter Registrars to schools, places of worship, and other areas where we are invited to sign up new voters. If you’re interested in helping us organize our voter registration drives for the fall, please let us know. We’re planning a meeting in the near future.

Candidate Q&A: Dr. Michael Karner

Why Are You the Best Candidate for Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools?

Since I started serving as the Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools in April 2021, I have been committed to ensuring that all school districts have the support and resources to provide a high-quality education to students.

I have increased communication to school districts by providing weekly communications, monthly newsletters, and an enhanced website. I created the BASE (Behavior Academic and Social Emotional) Program for districts to use as a short-term option to provide services to suspended students and opened a new school facility for the Regional Safe School Program. The Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy was created to provide districts with opportunities to provide asynchronous, distance, hybrid, and synchronous learning to students.

Since I took office, more professional development opportunities for educators have occurred in Lake County on equity, instructional practices, mental health, social and emotional learning (SEL), and trauma-informed practices. I hosted the first countywide School Safety and Educator Conferences.

The Regional Office of Education has increased grant funding by 1,340% while having a balanced Lake County Budget with no new funds. I have applied for over 5 million grant dollars.

If reelected, I will continue to provide new services and opportunities. For the next term, I will maintain current programs and focus on new initiatives such as the countywide Birth to 5 Initiative, Grow Your Own Educator Programs, and Work Based Learning Programs for school districts. My goal has been to provide access and opportunity to our school districts.

I ask for your vote as I continue to ensure that we do what’s best for students.

Volunteer Spotlight

Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers:

Martin Maillard knows how important it is for young people to get in the habit of voting. To make this happen in Lake County, Martin has been organizing voter registration drives at College of Lake County campuses for several years. He arranges everything for the voter registration drives—from coordinating with college officials to creating flyers and setting up shifts for Deputy Voter Registrars. His organizational talents have taken our voter registration efforts to new levels.

In Case You Missed It

Daily Herald opinion: Bailey’s ‘Hellhole’ Comments a Divisive and Detrimental Attention Grab.

Upcoming Events

Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. Click here to submit your event for consideration.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31

Brews & Tacos with State Senator Julie Morrison. 5:30-7pm, Highland Park. More.

How to Run for Local Office. 6pm, online via Zoom. Lake County Democrats and Fremont Township Democrats, with Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, host a session for those interested in running for a local office. More.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1

Maria Peterson Day of Action. Noon-7pm, Island Lake. More. 

Gina Roberts County Board District 4 Reelection Kickoff. 5:30-8pm, Beach Park. More.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 3

Assessment Appeal Workshop with West Deerfield Township Assessor. 10am, Deerfield. More.

Representative Jonathan Carroll at Wrigley Field for the Lumineers. Concert starts at 6:30pm, Chicago. More.

Assessment Appeal Workshop with West Deerfield Township Assessor. 10am, Deerfield. More.

Lake County Democrats Booth at Buffalo Grove Days. 11am-7pm. Event repeats Sunday and Monday. More.

State Senate Candidate Maria Peterson Booth at Wauconda Street Dance. From 5-11pm. More.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 4

Lake County Democrats Booth at Buffalo Grove Days. 11am-7pm. Event repeats on Monday. More.

Walk with Team Schneider, Candidate Anthony Vega, and Lake County Democrats in the Fiestas Patrias Parade in Round Lake. Line up at 11:30 am at Spot 7. More.

Event in Support of Congressman Brad Schneider. 2-3:30pm, Glencoe. More.

MONDAY, SEPT. 5

Lake County Democrats Booth at Buffalo Grove Days. Noon-4pm. More.

State Representative Dan Didech Hosts Meet and Greet with Judicial Candidates at Buffalo Grove Days. 1-3pm, Buffalo Grove. More.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 6

State Representative Daniel Didech and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim Open House. 6-8pm, Mundelein. More.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7

Brad Schneider’s “Congress on Your Corner” in Beach Park. 6pm, in-person and streamed on Facebook. More.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 8

Reception Supporting Judge Chris Kennedy for Appellate Court. 5-6:30pm, Libertyville. More.

Cocktail Party with Brad Schneider and Julie Morrison, Bob Morgan, Jonathan Carroll and Scott Britton. 6:30-8pm, Winnetka. More.

The Myth of “Soft on Crime” with Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. From 7-8pm, Grayslake. More.

How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?

Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.

Aug. 17, 2022

In this Issue: Biden Signs Inflation Reduction Act ● Volunteer Spotlight ● Candidate Q&A: Judge Chris Kennedy ● In Case You Missed It ● Upcoming Events

Biden Signs Inflation Reduction Act

After signing the Inflation Reduction Act on Tuesday, President Biden hands his pen to Joe Manchin, the Democratic senator from West Virginia. (UPI Photo)

Read more here about this wide-ranging legislation.

Volunteer Spotlight

Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers, including the following:

Matt Muchowski was recently elected Waukegan Township Chair after being an active Precinct Committeeperson for several years. In the June 28 primary election, Matt’s efforts were crucial in helping County Board Member Mary Ross-Cunningham win her primary. Matt is a legislative and political organizer with the American Federation of Government Employees (the nation’s largest federal employee union) and is the union’s District 7 Office Manager.

Candidate Q&A: Judge Chris Kennedy

Why are you running for Appellate Court?

I believe I can bring a unique perspective and in-depth experience to the court that reviews decisions and verdicts in the trial courts of five Illinois counties with over 1.7 million people. This district has never elected a Democrat to this court—with your help, I will be the first.

Before I ever became a judge, I had diverse, real-world experience in many aspects of life and the law. I grew up working class in a union family and was able to make the most of an opportunity to attend law school on a scholarship, making the law review, then working for 25 years as a lawyer fighting for people who were victims of crime, victims of negligence, victims of fraud, and victims of systems that overlooked and marginalized them—such as children with disabilities.

Why do you think you’re the best person for the Appellate Court?

I see people from all walks of life in my courtroom every day and I work hard to ensure that everyone is given equal access to the justice system and that every case is decided correctly and fairly. I will bring this ethic to the Appellate Court and apply the law without forgetting the people who are affected by our decisions.

Whoever we elect to this position may be there for over 25 years. We need to get the word out to every voter that this election is extremely important. Tell your friends who live in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, and Dekalb Counties to vote for Judge Chris Kennedy for Appellate Court!

Read more about Judge Kennedy at his website. 

In Case You Missed It

Republican Nominee for Governor Doubles Down on Comparing Abortion to Holocaust (Yahoo News)

3 Ways the Inflation Reduction Act Would Pay You to Help Fight Climate Change (National Public Radio)

Upcoming Events

Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. Click here to submit your event for consideration.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17

Representative Bob Morgan Town Hall Meeting. 6-7pm, Highland Park. More.

THURSDAY, AUG. 18 

Brad Schneider’s “Congress on Your Corner” in Grayslake. 6pm. More.

Fremont Township Democrats August Meeting. 6pm, Mundelein. More.

FRIDAY, AUG. 19
Assessment Appeal Workshop with West Deerfield Township Assessor. 10am, Deerfield. More.

Lake County Democratic Women 2022 Gala. 6-9pm, North Chicago. More. 

SATURDAY, AUG. 20

Lake County AfroFest 22. Noon-8pm, Waukegan. More.

SUNDAY, AUG. 21

Bike the Tenth With Brad Schneider. 9-11:30am, Libertyville. More.

Meet and Greet with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in Vernon Township. Noon in Buffalo Grove. More.

Schneider for Congress August Coffee Club in Grayslake. 1-2pm, Grayslake. More.

Democratic “Party With Our Party” in Highland Park. 2-4pm. More.

Meet and Greet with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in Ela Township. 2pm in Lake Zurich. More.

Illinois Senate Candidate Maria Peterson Hosts Gun Sense Rally. 4pm, Lake Zurich. More.

MONDAY, AUG. 22

Domestic Violence and the Danger of Firearms. 7-8pm, Buffalo Grove. A discussion of the tools available to domestic violence victims and the people who care about them. More.

TUESDAY, AUG. 23

Congressman Sean Casten’s Mid-Quarter Fundraiser. 6-7pm, online via Zoom. More.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24

Indivisible Western Lake County (IWLC) August Meeting with Moms Demand Action. 7-8:30pm, Lindenhurst. More.

Assessment Appeal Workshop with West Deerfield Township Assessor. 7pm, Deerfield. More.

THURSDAY, AUG. 25

Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Waukegan. 3pm, Waukegan. More.

Support Asian American Candidates. 5:30-7:30pm, Chicago. Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon invite you to support Asian American legislative members and candidates. More.

County Board Candidate Sara Knizhnik General Election Campaign Kickoff. 6:30-8:30pm, Hawthorn Woods. More.

Warren Township Democrats August Meeting. 7pm, Gurnee. More.

How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?

Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.

Aug. 3, 2022

In this Issue: More Than 1,000 Fairgoers Visit Lake Dems’ Booth ● Assault Weapons Ban Passes in House ● Our Efforts Worked: Libertarian “Jesse White” Off the Ballot ● Lake Dems Officers Elected at County Convention ● Volunteer Spotlight ● In Case You Missed It ● Upcoming Events

More Than 1,000 County Fairgoers Visit Lake Dems’ Booth

Candidates mingled with fairgoers while Democratic volunteers answered questions and sold t-shirts and buttons at the Lake County Fair. Above, State Senate candidate Maria Peterson joins volunteer Elaine Doremus at the Lake Dems booth. Below, Congressman Brad Schneider joins volunteers Jenny Ross and Travis Haley (standing) and booth organizers Jim Neel and Bonnie Berger-Neel (seated).

The Lake Dems booth was the place to be as the Lake County Fair returned in Grayslake after a pandemic break.

About 50 Democratic volunteers, candidates, and staffers greeted more than 1,000 fairgoers. In addition to providing information on our candidates, the volunteers gave away more than

• 750 bottles of hand sanitizer
• 1,000 packages of masks
• 800 pencils
• 600 candidate give-away buttons
• 700 fans 

The volunteers also sold approximately 300 Democratic buttons and completely sold out of Lake Dems t-shirts.

Assault Weapons Ban Passes in House 

Our Efforts Worked: Libertarian “Jesse White” Off the Ballot 

We’re happy to announce that a candidate named “Jesse White”–not our Democratic Secretary of State Jesse White–has withdrawn from the race for Secretary of State.

We told you earlier about the many Lake Dems volunteers who spent hours reviewing nominating petitions for a Libertarian Secretary of State candidate named Jesse White. 

There was a real concern that voters would mistake this candidate for our retiring Democratic Secretary of State Jesse White and that this misleading candidacy of “Jesse White” could pull votes away from Democrat Alexi Giannoulias. 

Our work paid off. So many invalid and suspicious signatures were identified that before all the evidence was in, the Libertarian candidate withdrew his candidacy. Credit goes to the numerous Lake Dems volunteers who spent hours at our Highland Park Democratic Headquarters, eyes glued to their computer screens, scrutinizing signatures and voter information. Thank you all!

Volunteer Spotlight

Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers, including the following:

Cynthia Alexander Jackson was elected to the position of Lake County Democrats’ Parliamentarian at the County Convention on July 27, where she did a great job advising on rules of procedure. An attorney and certified professional parliamentarian, Cynthia is a current member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and has a detailed command of Robert’s Rules of Order, the authoritative publication that governs meeting procedure. She serves as church clerk for First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church and is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Cynthia is an elected Precinct Committeeperson in Waukegan Township and former chair of the Waukegan Township Democrats.

Officers Elected at Lake Dems County Convention

Last Wednesday, the Lake County Democratic Central Committee held its County Convention, as required by Illinois statute, where precinct committeepersons elected their leadership for 2022-24. The meeting got off to a slower start than everyone would have liked because attendance was much higher than expected and registrars were extra careful in the signing-in to make sure that attendance, weighted votes, and proxies were carefully and accurately accounted for.

More than a week before the meeting, over 20 Executive Board members met to approve proposed rules for the County Convention to be voted on by the precinct committeepersons, who make up the Lake County Democratic Central Committee. The Board had voted unanimously to approve the Convention Rules as proposed, so controversy was not expected. During the convention, some members suggested changes to these Rules and, given that this was a meeting of Democrats who believe in democracy, they were given time to explain their positions. When a vote was taken, the Rules as proposed earlier passed by a large margin.

Elected were Lauren Beth Gash, Chair; Nancy Shepherdson, 1st Vice Chair; Barbara Altman, Vice Chair; Jose Rivera, Vice Chair; Vance Wyatt, Vice Chair; Dan Matzkin, Treasurer; Farah Laman, Recording Secretary; Bonnie Berger-Neel, Corresponding Secretary; Marc Jones, Sergeant-at-Arms; and Cynthia Alexander Jackson, Parliamentarian. Find out more about them at lakedems.org/officers.

In Case You Missed It

State Announces Plan for $760 Million in Opioid Settlement Money.

The Political Environment Might Be Improving For Democrats (Nate Silver)

Upcoming Events

Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. Click here to submit your event for consideration.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3

Lake Villa Dems August Meeting with Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg and State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. 6:30-8:30pm, Lindenhurst. More.

THURSDAY, AUG. 4

Chicago Happy Hour Reception for Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. 5:30-7pm, Chicago. More.

Town Hall Meeting on Developing a Community Response to Gun Violence. Sponsored by Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s Office. 6pm, North Chicago. More.

Town Hall Meeting in Buffalo Grove with State Senators Julie Morrison and Adriane Johnson, and State Representatives Daniel Didech and Jonathan Carroll. 6:30-8pm, Buffalo Grove. More.

SATURDAY, AUG. 6

Walk with North Chicago City Treasurer Vance Wyatt in the North Chicago Community Days Parade. 9:25-11:15am, North Chicago. More.

SUNDAY, AUG. 7

Walk with Warren Township Democrats in the Gurnee Days Parade. 11:30am, Gurnee. More.

Wauconda Township Democrats Day of Action. 1-3pm, Wauconda. More.

MONDAY, AUG. 8

Antioch and Grant Township Democrats August Meeting. 6:30-8pm, Lake Villa. More.

TUESDAY, AUG. 9

State Senate Candidate Mary Edly-Allen’s Summer Reception. 5:30-7pm, Round Lake Beach. More.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Input Night. 5-7pm, Round Lake Beach. More.

Personal PAC Highland Park Garden Party. 5pm, Highland Park. More.

Pride Celebration with Lake County Clerk Candidate Anthony Vega. 6-8pm, Chicago. More.

How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?

Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.