November’s election saw the Lake County Board turn Democratic for the first time in its history, and members elected Sandy Hart as the first ever Democratic chairwoman Monday morning.
Hart, who was up against Republican Mike Rummel of Lake Forest for the chair, was voted in by the new Democratic majority and also garnered the vote of one Republican, Steve Carlson of Grandwood Park, for a total of 13 to 8.
“I look forward to serving you for the next two years, Thank you so much for your faith in me,” Hart said after a loud round of applause. She has been on the board since 2012, serving the area of Lake Bluff, Wildwood, unincorporated Grayslake and portions of North Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville and Gurnee.
“I’m very proud to serve this destiny with the board,” she said of the historic election. “Newly elected members bring energy and ideas and a fresh outlook, and current board members offer a wealth of experience, knowledge and consistency that is so important.
“I’m confident we can work together as a team and, when there are differences of opinion, we will listen to understand, debate respectfully and search for common ground.”
Hart went on to thank her family and other female political mentors, including former state Sen. Susan Garrett and current state Sen. Melinda Bush.
“Moving forward, we have a lot of work to do and I know you are all committed to achieving positive results for the residents of Lake County,” Hart said.
The new board then voted 12-9 to name Mary Ross Cunningham, a Waukegan Democrat, as vice chairman. She topped Fox River Grove Republican Michael Danforth for the post.
Cunningham has been on the board since 2002, has served on numerous committees and has been recognized for her work for Waukegan and North Chicago residents.
“I just want to thank those who voted for me. We have to come together and work together — that’s what the whole solution is,” she said. “I’ve done a lot for this county and voted for whatever party.”
Cunningham thanked her family and gave a special shout-out to her son, Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, who was in attendance, “because we have to work with him. We’re here to work together.”
At the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners meeting immediately following the County Board meeting, Democrat County Board member Angelo Kyle was elected president, replacing Republican County Board member Ann Maine of Lincolnshire.
The vote to appoint Kyle chair of the forest district board was 11-10 over Maine, and Board member Diane Hewitt of Waukegan voted for Maine.
“I want to thank God for this opportunity. Only God could make this happen,” said Kyle, who made a political comeback after serving on the board six years ago. He thanked those who voted for him and said he would still work with those who did not.
He remembered words from his father and mother as to how he would conduct himself.
“He always said the office was bigger than the officeholder,” Kyle said. “And my mother, of course, taught me a lot. She always said leadership starts with service. Your service determines how successful your leadership will become.
“So, we are all public servants first before we are leaders.”
Kyle also quoted former President Barack Obama, saying we are the change we have been waiting for.
“Look around the room, and you’ll see about half of the board changed two weeks ago,” he said. “Therefore, the voters of Lake County were requesting change, and we are the change that they were looking for.”
He also thanked Waukegan Township Supervisor Patricia Jones and State Rep Rita Mayfield, among others.
Democrat County Board member Julie Simpson of Vernon Hills was elected vice chairman in another 11-10 vote, when Hewitt voted for County Board member Linda Pedersen of Antioch.
The day began with Lake County Chief Judge Jay Ukena swearing in the 14 County Board members, Treasurer Holly Kim and Clerk Robin O’Connor. Kim is a Mundelein Democrat and O’Connor is a Libertyville Democrat. Democrat Sheriff John Idleburg of Zion was sworn in Saturday.
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December 3, 2018 at 04:09PM
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