County board candidates differ on new program creation

Lake County Board Republican incumbent Steve Carlson and his Democrat opponent differ on the idea of whether new programs should be created.

Carlson and criminal defense lawyer David Weinstein are running in the Nov. 2 election in county board District 7 that encompasses the Gurnee area. County board members also serve as Lake County Forest Preserve District commissioners.

Both candidates addressed a variety of issues in a Daily Herald questionnaire. One question was whether they have a specific new program they'd support and try to implement in an effort to better serve residents.

Carlson, 61, of unincorporated Grandwood Park on Gurnee's western boundary, said while there are many worthy causes, he can't foresee any new programs in today's shaky economic climate.

"In reality, it will be very difficult to continue the efforts that we have made over the years in affordable housing and the brownfield redevelopment program, for example," Carlson said. "We simply do not have the money, and we do not spend money we do not have."

Weinstein, 45, of Gurnee, who lost an election for Lake County circuit court judge in 2008, said he would push for greater use of the Illinois Head Start program for preschool children of low-income families. He said he also favors increased medical coverage through the Lake County Health Department.

"These investments can actually pay for themselves in the long run," Weinstein said.

On other issues, Carlson said job creation and retention are at the top of his list. He pointed to a recent deal involving Lake County government to bring a FedEx facility and a potential 400 jobs to Grayslake.

Weinstein said, if elected, he'd work with the Lake County assessor's office in an effort to base property taxes on current theme values "instead of the inflated prices of the past."