Hello Neighbors
Spring! Yes, spring election season is upon us, and we
are still talking about the November election. In so many ways, the April
4 Consolidated Election is a most important election.
"Consolidated" refers to the many bodies of
government for which we choose leaders who in turn determine service levels,
quality and the price we pay --property taxes, other fees and taxes.
Most constituents talk (complain) about property taxes, yet
far too few vote in the Consolidated Election. Please become informed about the
candidates and issues. Encourage your families and neighbors to do the
same. Then please vote, on or before April 4.
Your vote will help direct the course and cost of schools,
libraries, parks, townships, roads and more.
Our County Clerk's office VOTER POWER web page makes it easy to
be informed and prepared. Complete a simple online form to see all of your
government units, districts and incumbents. Also, view a candidate list,
election calendar, locations for voting in Fremont and Ela Townships; dates and
instructions for voting by mail and early voting.
Please plan to be an informed voter. Please research your
local candidates. Please use one of three methods to cast your ballot.
Snowbirds!! Use Voter Power to request your Vote by
Mail ballot. Your vote is important.
Please call or email me if you have questions or comments.
Regards,
 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.
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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.
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 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.
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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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 The
University Center of Lake County recently received the Innovative Initiative Award from
the Illinois Council on Continuing Higher Education (ICCHE) for its First Generation College Outreach Program. This program has three components, which work to strengthen the pipeline to college by collaborating with various schools, businesses and public libraries across Lake County. Learn more about the program.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 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
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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 |
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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. Learn more
about the Safety and Justice Challenge.
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. Saturday, Feb. 18 at
Community Park. The afternoon will be complete with refreshments,
entertainment, music, games, and more. Learn more
Mundelein hosts meeting to discuss summer street, utility
improvements
Mundelein residents are
invited to join the village's Public Works staff for an informal presentation
and discussion about the summer 2017 street and utility improvements planned in
key locations throughout Mundelein. The meeting will run from 6 to 7:30
p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 at the Mundelein Village Hall, 300 Plaza Circle. Learn more
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