 I recently proposed a package of groundbreaking reforms to county
government that would give voters the opportunity to decide on the leadership
structure and management of their county government.
Illinois Senator Terry Link (Dist. 30) recently filed legislation that requires
the county board chairman be elected countywide starting in 2020. Currently,
the Lake County Board Chairman is selected by county board members every two
years.
I urge Senator Link to amend SB0669, calling for a
voter referendum in 2018 and asking voters if they would support these measures:
- A countywide elected chairman starting in 2022;
- Streamlining county government
by reducing the size of the county board by at least four;
- Implementing redistricting
reform based on the “Independent Map Amendment”
This proposal has the
opportunity to create an annual savings of at least $250,000 annually by
implementing a countywide elected chairmanship along with reducing the size of
the county board.
Learn more by visiting the Lake County website
and by watching the
video as I outline my position on the new legislation at our recent
Financial and Administrative Committee meeting. You also can also read out more
about this by viewing the recent story
and editorial
published in the Daily Herald.
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Senior citizens may defer part or all of
their property taxes on their personal residence if they qualify for the Senior Citizen Tax
Deferral program.
Applications
are available at the Lake County Treasurer’s Office, 18 N. County St.,
Waukegan, and must be notarized and submitted to the Treasurer’s Office by
March 1. To learn more about the program, please contact the Treasurer’s Office
at 847-377-2323, or visit the Treasurer’s Office website.
 Applications are now
available for the Lake County Board’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which
offers youth, ages 14 to 18 (or ages 14 to 22 with an Individualized Education
Plan) the opportunity for a paid, part-time work experience over the summer.
Youth are matched with local worksites and gain valuable experience while
earning a paycheck. Apply online,
or pick up an application at the Lake County Job Center in Waukegan and at many
local township offices and schools. Applications will be accepted until Feb.
28. Learn more
about the Summer Youth Employment program.
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Lake County will be one of 20 additional jurisdictions that will
join the Safety
and Justice Challenge, a national $100 million initiative. Lake
County and the other jurisdictions will design and test innovative local
justice reforms designed to safely drive down jail usage and reduce racial and
ethnic disparities in their local justice systems. Lake County was chosen
following a highly competitive selection process that drew applications from
across the country.
Lake
County and other jurisdictions will receive short-term support of $50,000 each,
are eligible for future funding opportunities, and will have access to
resources, peer learning opportunities, and expertise of the Safety and
Justice Challenge Network.
 75 volunteers. 17
teams. 26 people sleeping outside.
This year’s Point-In-Time Count yielded the
highest numbers on record, going back to 2005, as volunteers found 26 people
sleeping outside. This event is one of many initiatives bringing people
together to work toward ending chronic homelessness in Lake County. Help make a
difference by connecting with the
member organizations of the Lake County Homeless Coalition.
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Don’t stay cooped
up when it’s cold outside. There’s no room to be bored when there’s so much to
do in Lake County. Go to Visit Lake County,
and check out so many family-friendly indoor activities. |
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 Forest Preserve News
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Maple Syrup Hikes
Stroll
through a maple woodland while learning about the sweet sap of sugar
maples. Ryerson Woods in
Riverwoods is one of few places in Lake County where conditions are right
for maple syrup production and where trees grow to a diameter and height that
allows for tapping. Hikes will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. every half hour
the last three weekends in March. Registration is required. Learn more |
 Volunteer at the Native Seed Nursery
Volunteers,
including individuals, school, corporate and scout groups, donated more than
2,974 hours, equivalent to 1.5 full-time employees, last year at the Native Seed Nursery in
Rollins Savanna in Grayslake. Many of the native grasses and wildflowers used
in forest preserve restoration projects get their start at the nursery.
Volunteers may propagate plants, plant plugs, maintain plant beds, and collect
and process seed. Learn how
you can get involved.
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Knowledge is Power!
Students from Neal Math & Science Academy recently came to the Lake County
Courthouse in Waukegan to get a firsthand look at what it's like working in the
criminal justice system. Watch
this video to find out what the students learned. |
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Join Hawthorn Woods' winter carnival Feb. 18
Hawthorn Woods' winter carnival will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at Community Park. The afternoon will be complete with refreshments, entertainment, music, games, and more. Learn more
Hawthorn District 73 seeks business leaders to join Education Foundation
Business leaders are being sought to provide expertise on the creation of a Hawthorn School District 73 Education Foundation. Hawthorn District 73 is starting an Education Foundation to support the goals of its Strategic Plan and is looking for inaugural board members to kick off this year. Board members would be expected to commit to three meetings per year. Learn more about the Education Foundation.
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