 Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor announced he is
recommending Michael A. Danforth, a Barrington attorney and certified public
mediator, to serve as the Lake County Board Member representing District 17.
The county board will vote on the appointment at its Feb. 14 meeting. Nick
Sauer resigned from this position earlier this year after being elected to the
Illinois House of Representatives (Dist. 51). District 17 includes the areas of
Island Lake, Lake Barrington, Port Barrington, North Barrington, Barrington
Hills, Tower Lakes, Fox River Grove, and portions of Wauconda and Hawthorn
Woods.
The
Illinois Compiled Statutes (10 ILCS 5/25-11) state that the chairman shall
appoint someone to fill a vacancy within 60 days with the advice and consent of
the county board. At the onset, Chairman Lawlor outlined a comprehensive,
transparent, fair, and professional process that was inclusive of the opinions
of current and former county board members, other elected officials, District
17 residents, Republican Party officials, and others. View committee membership.
The
Advisory Committee reviewed applications from eight candidates and gave
thoughtful consideration as to how each would deliver a high level of
constituent service and navigate tough policy issues.
"Appointing members when
there is a vacancy is one of my most important statutory responsibilities, and
I recognize that I must be accountable to District 17 residents and the county
board,“ Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor said. “Mike
Danforth will be a diligent and energetic
leader for District 17 taxpayers and businesses. He shares my
passion for growing our local economy, and
consolidating local units of government where it
saves tax dollars and makes sense.“
Lawlor
added that Danforth’s experience as a licensed attorney focusing in family law
and civil litigation. Danforth also brings tangible county
government experience to the position. While earning his B.A. from Northern
Illinois University, he served as a DeKalb County Board Member and DeKalb
County Forest Preserve Commissioner.
Danforth said, “I’m honored to be considered
and appreciate Chairman Lawlor’s and the Advisory Committee’s confidence in me
to effectively serve the residents of District 17. I believe my former
experience as a county board member coupled with my experience as a practicing
attorney allow me to seamlessly transition into the position. Furthermore, I
hope to continue to build upon Representative Sauer's excellent work and
continue our mutual vision of a prosperous and innovative Lake County.”
Danforth will serve the remainder of the term, which will expire
in 2018.
There are many opportunities for residents to serve their
communities in an appointed leadership role. Those who are interested in this
are encouraged to visit the County
Board’s website and apply for one of the nearly 300 volunteer positions on
70 different boards, commissions, committees and units of government that are
appointed by the Lake County Board Chairman.
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