As an economist, Jennifer knows that “there is no magic money”. Lake County Government provides essential government services to all our residents.
However, she also knows that it is vital to provide those services in the most efficient and transparent way possible. That is why Jennifer is very proud to have worked to pass a budget in both 2019 and 2020 that held the Lake County Property Tax Levy flat for the first time in at least two decades. Most taxpayers saw a very small decrease in the portion of their property taxes that support Lake County government.
The Lake County Forest Preserves received a AAA bond rating, the highest possible rating. Only a handful of rated recreation districts in the United States have received a AA rating. Having a AAA rating helps save taxpayers money since it allows the Forest Preserve District to receive lower interest rates on bonds.
In April 2021, the Lake County Forest Preserve District refinanced over $64 million in bonds and saved taxpayers over $11 million dollars in tax levies in the upcoming years. That is true fiscal responsibility!
Jennifer is focused on smart investment which helps support economic development, small businesses, and the wonderful quality of life for our Lake County community.
As a member of the newly created Energy and the Environment committee, Jennifer helped pass a joint resolution committing Lake County Government to “Net Zero” Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2020. The goal is to decrease energy emissions and waste by 90% by 2040. Plans are underway to achieve this goal include:
- Directing future capital projects to meet “Net Zero” standards
- Energy audits of all county departments
- Implementation of energy efficient materials and devices
- Increasing the use of electric and hybrid fleet vehicles
- Plans to expand the availability of electric charging stations throughout the County
- Building on the successful composting program at the Lake County Jail
- Contracting for sustainable energy for utilities
- Adding more efficient lighting to County buildings
- The use of native plants and trees in landscaping
- Developing “bird safe” design in new County buildings
- Drafting restrictions on the burning of yard waste to ensure cleaner air for all our residents
Jennifer knows that protecting our environmental is vital to the health and well being of our residents and the future of our planet. She is proud to do her part to address climate change here in Lake County.
Jennifer was proud to be a member of the CARES Financial and Administrative Committee on COVID Relief in 2020 that helped form the policy guidance for distributing the federal CARES money received by Lake County. Jennifer and the committee worked hard to support all our residents through programs for small business grants, rental assistance, food assistance, utility assistance, and funding for municipalities, school districts, park districts and day cares.
The CARES funds were also used to support the crucial mass vaccination program developed by the Lake County Health Department. The Health Department was ready to go the minute that the COVID-19 was approved and available to be given to residents. This allowed for a faster recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a member of the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee, Jennifer knows first hand the importance of investing in our Lake County infrastructure. Facing over $1 billion in deferred maintenance costs, Jennifer has supported increased funding for our roads, bridges, grade separations, storm water management and other vital infrastructure.
Jennifer knows that the key to Lake County’s continued economic development and increased quality of life for our residents is making sure that our infrastructure can support the needs of today and of the future. She has overseen greater investment in safer roads and bridges, eliminating many sidewalk gaps and smart investments like a seal coat that can be applied and keep our roads in good shapes for many extra years at minimal costs.
Jennifer supports investment in additional train grade separations. Increased train traffic has led to long delays at many crossings. This is a detriment for businesses and commuters and can lead to unsafe conditions for motorists. Lake County’s transportation plan includes more investments in grade separations in the very near future.
Jennifer knows how important protecting wetlands are for the protection of our homes and infrastructure and also for protecting wildlife and environmental sustainability.
Jennifer has supported funding for the Stormwater Management Commission and its programs that require proper design for new buildings, increased grant funding for projects including protection of our local watersheds and voluntary buy outs for residents living in flood prone areas.
Jennifer’s love for the Lake County Forest Preserves was a main motivator in her decision to run for the Lake County Board. She is very proud to have helped to increase its holdings, including several acres in Libertyville’s Wilmot Woods Forest Preserve, and to keep its operations running efficiently while providing the best service for Lake County residents.
Jennifer is also very proud of the Bess Bower Dunn Museum in Libertyville and its focus on the history of Lake County. Forest Preserve programs reach thousands of residents between educational programs, special exhibits and events like concerts at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Jennifer is committed to continuing to support these programs and to encourage more community support through the Forest Preserve Foundation.
Our Forest Preserves are a treasure and add increased quality of life to our community members. Jennifer will always stand up to protect them so that they are able to be enjoyed for generations to come.
As an economist, Jennifer knows that one way to increase efficiency and save taxpayer dollars is to consolidate services when appropriate. Jennifer has encouraged policies within Lake County Government to share services and equipment between departments.
Jennifer is also looking at the possibility of the consolidation of 911 and public safety services in a central location. This would allow for more efficient and reliable services for all our residents. A central location for emergency services and coordination would be an asset for any possible crisis or disaster in the future, including severe weather events or even pandemic related issues.
The Lake County Board has also recently consolidated and/or dissolved excessive taxing districts such as a mosquito abatement and sanitary sewer district to try and reduce the tax burden for our residents.
One of Jennifer’s accomplishments is that now all contractors bidding on Lake County contracts now must disclose family relationships with county board employees when they submit bids. New required vendor disclosure forms ensure that political contributions to companies that bid on county contracts are public record. This leads to a more open and fair bidding process.
Jennifer is very proud that Lake County now video records all meetings of standing committees which allows residents to see how their board member is representing them and to find out more details about board decisions and policies.
Must discussion and detailed information is provided at the committee meetings and now residents can get a true understanding of how decisions are made by watching the video.
Another achievement is that Board members are no longer given procurement cards for purchases, ensuring better oversight of spending. All Board Member purchases are made through County administrative staff and there is a very strict category of allowable purchases (such as office supplies or a mailing to constituents).
All spending done by Board Members is now posted on each Lake County Board Member’s website, allowing for increased transparency.