February 28 election, Senior citizen tax deferral program and More

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February 17, 2017

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Waukegan Voters Can Now Preview February 28 Ballot Online

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City of Waukegan and Waukegan Township residents will nominate city mayor, city clerk, and township highway commissioner candidates in the Feb. 28 Consolidated Primary Election. Only voters in these two districts are eligible to vote in this primary.

Visit the County Clerk’s Feb. 28 Primary Election page to find comprehensive registration and voting information for the upcoming election.

Voter Registration

Grace voter registration until Feb. 28
In-person grace voter registration is now available at the two early voting sites. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of their precinct for 30 days before Election Day, 18 years old on or before the general election, provide two forms of valid identification, and vote at the time of registration. Confirm your voter registration status at LakeVoterPower.info

Preview Your Ballot

Log onto LakeVoterPower.info and click on the “What is on my Ballot -- February Election" tab to preview a personalized ballot. Sample ballots may be printed, marked with the voter’s choices, and taken into the polls for reference when voting. 

How To Vote

Vote by mail until Feb. 23
Waukegan Township and City of Waukegan registered voters must request a ballot by mail before noon on Feb. 23. Voted ballots returning to the County Clerk’s office are required to have a postmark no later than midnight on Election Day.

Early voting through Feb. 27
The two early voting sites will be open now through Feb. 27 and offer weekday, evening, and weekend hours. Select a location and time that’s convenient as you can use any either voting site, regardless of where you live.

Election Day, Feb. 28
Voting sites are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Log on to find your assigned polling place.

For information on Lake County Clerk services and up-to-the-minute election news, visit the County Clerk's website, follow us at Twitter, join them on Facebook, or call 847-377-2400.


Provide Feedback About Travel Needs in Lake County

paratransit meeting Waukegan

A Paratransit Market Study is now underway in Lake County to evaluate transportation options for seniors, people with disabilities, and the general public. We are looking for people to participate in an upcoming focus group or provide feedback online.

Are you able to get to and from medical appointments, places of employment and other daily activities? We want to hear about your experiences, identify gaps in service, understand your needs, and hear your recommendations for improvements. Take the online survey or sign up for the focus group

Provide Your Input to State’s Long Range Transportation Plan

The Illinois Department of Transportation wants your input in developing its Long Range Transportation Plan. This plan will identify policies to provide Illinois residents and businesses with innovative, sustainable and multimodal transportation solutions that support local goals and grow the economy. Provide your feedback through March 8, and learn more about IDOT's long-range planning process


Students Get Firsthand Look at the Criminal Justice System

Knowledge is Power! Students from Neal Math & Science Academy in North Chicago 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.

Knowledge is power 2017

Senior Citizen Tax Deferral Program

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.


Apply Now for Summer Youth Employment Program

summer youth employment program

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.


Chairman Lawlor Proposes Sweeping Reforms to County Government

Chairman Lawlor reforms

Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor is proposing 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. Learn more by visiting the Lake County website and by watching the video as he outlines his position on the new legislation at a recent Financial and Administrative Committee meeting.


Lake County Chosen to Join Safety and Justice Challenge

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. Learn more about the Safety and Justice Challenge.


There’s No Need to Be Bored This Winter!

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.

indoor winter fun

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Forest Preserve News

pop up museum forest preserves

Pop-Up Museum: Shelf Indulgence
Share a book from your prized collection at a Pop-Up Museum hosted by our Museum staff from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4 at the Wauconda Area Library. Our Pop-Up Museums are temporary exhibits created by you to share objects and stories. This Pop-Up Museum's theme is Shelf Indulgence, centered around your favorite books. Bring a treasured book, such as the one you have read a thousand times, a cookbook from your grandmother, or a children's book with the best illustrations. The program is free, open to all ages, and no registration is required. Learn more

Book your event at a Forest Preserve picnic shelter
Reservations for 2017 picnic permits are now available. Choose from 31 picnic shelters located in scenic forest preserves throughout the county. Picnic shelter permits ensure exclusive use of a shelter for your family reunion, company picnic or other group gathering. Plan early to help ensure your first choice of shelter and date. Learn more

forest preserve picnic shelter

Community News

Join Young People's Concert Feb. 25
The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra will hold its Young People’s Concert at 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at Waukegan High School, 2325 Brookside Ave. This concert will be a musical tour of the sections of the orchestra along with a glimpse into the world of music making. For information, call 847-360-4740.

Watch a free movie at Waukegan Public Library
Enjoy winter family movies at 1:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 19 and 26 at the Waukegan Public Library. Admission is free.  

Join Craft Beer Festival Saturday in Grayslake
Join winter's best indoor fest, the third annual Lake County Craft Beer Festival from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Enjoy a night of music, games, photo booths and interactive activities as well as food and offerings from craft breweries. Details

Fifth Ward meeting planned March 4
Fifth Ward Alderman Torrance Markham, Sr. will host a ward meeting from 10 a.m. to noon March 4 at the North Chicago Public Library. The meeting will include representatives from the North Chicago police and fire departments, North Chicago Public Works, Shields Township and the Foss Park District. 


Mary Ross Cunningham

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@lakecountyil.gov

I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Sign up for my mailing list here” button at the top of the newsletter.

Thank you,

Mary Ross Cunningham

Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:

Lake County Board, 9th District:
Diversity and Inclusion Committee, (Ad-Hoc), Chair
Lake County Law and Judicial Committee, Vice Chair 
Lake County Health and Community Services 
Lake County Rules Committee 

Lake County Forest Preserves, 9th District: 
Operations Committee, Vice Chair
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee

Other appointed positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo), Board Representative
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council, Vice Chair
Lake County Board of Health Personnel Committee, Chair
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member

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