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Aaron Lawlor gets second term as Lake County Board chairman

In accepting his nomination to a second term as chairman of the Lake County Board on Monday, Aaron Lawlor talked of the challenges the panel has faced, as well as the opportunities ahead.

Lawlor also thanked the person without whom his political service would be impossible: his mom, Sheryl Olson.

The Vernon Hills Republican gave her a hug on his way to his seat at the front of the boardroom in Waukegan.

“I do it every time,” Lawlor said. “She hasn't missed any of my swearing-ins.”

As expected, Lawlor was the only nominee for the post, which he's held since 2012. The chairmanship carries a two-year term.

Ingleside Republican Bonnie Thomson Carter nominated Lawlor for the post. She praised his integrity, character and judgment.

“He has brought confidence, a conscience and an understanding heart” to the office, Carter said.

In his remarks, Lawlor pledged to work closely with the business community to keep employers and employees in Lake County.

Libertyville Republican Carol Calabresa will return as the board's vice chairman. She'll serve as the panel's leader if Lawlor ever is unavailable.

That wasn't the meeting's only important business. Before those votes, newly elected county commissioners Jeff Werfel of Grayslake and Chuck Bartels of Mundelein were sworn in and began their service.

The five incumbents who were re-elected this month recited their oaths, too.

After a short break, the commissioners came back to the room as the Lake County Forest Preserve District board, which is comprised of the same members.

They unanimously selected Lincolnshire Republican Ann B. Maine to serve as their president for a third term.

Maine thanked the commissioners for their continued confidence.

“It means a lot to me,” she said.

Upon stepping to the dais, Maine talked about the pin she wore Monday. It was a pheasant, a gift from a grandmother who instilled in her a love of the outdoors.

Being re-elected president “would make her happy,” Maine said.

Carter, who was Maine's immediate predecessor as forest board president, ran the meeting temporarily before Maine's selection. She brought some levity to the proceeding.

“Wow. This feels good being back up here,” Carter said from the dais. “I might just take my time.”

Antioch Republican Linda Pedersen again was named the forest board's vice president.

As with the county board leadership, the posts carry two-year terms.

The boards currently consist of 20 members, one short of the usual total. That's because Buffalo Grove Republican David Stolman resigned earlier this month after he was elected county treasurer.

Lawlor plans to nominate a replacement by January. By law, the nominee must also be a Republican.

Lawlor to challenge Stolman for board leadership, officials say

Lawlor, Maine expected to retain Lake County leadership posts

Ann B. Maine
Aaron Lawlor
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