Sheahan resigning from DuPage County Board
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Citing a desire to spend more time with his toddler son, DuPage County Board member Brien Sheahan announced Wednesday that he’s going to resign from the board and won’t seek re-election in the March primary.
The 41-year-old Elmhurst Republican said he was vacationing over the holidays with his wife and their 14-month-old son when he made the decision to step down from the District 2 seat he’s held since 2002. Sheahan’s last day on the county board is Jan. 31.
“I’m a first-time dad, and I’m really enjoying it,” Sheahan said. “This is my 10th year on the board. I think it’s a good time to move on.”
Sheahan is the fifth incumbent not seeking another term on the county board. The other four are Debra Olson of Wheaton, Patrick O’Shea of Lombard, Jeff Redick of Elmhurst and Michael McMahon of Hinsdale.
Sheahan said he was “inspired” by the other board members who made a change.
“Even a local elected office like county board is extremely demanding on your time and emotional energy,” he said. “There are other things I’d rather be doing, to be honest.”
Sheahan said his decision wasn’t influenced by a crowded primary race. As the only incumbent, he said he felt confident about his chances to get the GOP nomination for one of three District 2 seats on the board. The Republican challengers are: Mike Loftus of Lisle; Lombard Trustee Zachary Wilson; Rafael Rivadeneira of Elmhurst; Sean Noonan of Elmhurst; Elmhurst Mayor Pete DiCianni; Jim Long of Downers Grove; Charles Mueller of Elmhurst; and Oak Brook Trustee Elaine Zannis.
County board Chairman Dan Cronin said in a statement Sheahan’s experience and leadership will be missed on the board.
“His contributions to increase transparency, keep county taxes low and improve fiscal management have been significant,” Cronin said. “We will miss Brien’s perspective and institutional knowledge. I wish him the best.”
Sheahan said he is proud of his record, adding that he “consistently supported smaller, more efficient county government.”
Officials said Sheahan was instrumental in changing county policy that made the budget process more open and transparent. That included making all budget documents available online.
As chairman of the technology committee, he pushed to get meeting agendas, minutes and financial statements on the county’s website.
Sheahan is an attorney specializing in election, real estate and small business law.
District 2 includes all or parts of Addison, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Woodridge.
