Democratic candidates for Lake County Board to debate
Voters in Lake County Board District 1 can see what their Democratic candidates stand for Wednesday during the first debate.
The candidates -- Gene Kryczka Jr., 36, Peter Grant, 55, and Steve Skinner, 48, all of Antioch -- have agreed to co-sponsor and participate in the issue-orientated debate.
They will take questions from the public.
The event will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Antioch Meeting Hall, 977 Main St., across the street from Dairy Queen.
"It's a very exciting time for us," Kryczka said. "This is the first time we've even had a Democratic primary in Antioch. People are excited to have some new blood on the county board."
District 1 represents Antioch and portions of Fox Lake, Spring Grove, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst and Old Mill Creek.
The winner of the Feb. 5 primary will face Republican Linda Pedersen in November for the seat left vacant by Judy Martini, who announced this summer she would not seek re-election. Martini has represented District 1 for the past 14 years.
Grant is looking forward to getting his message across to voters Wednesday.
"I've lived here for 22 years, and I've had so many people tell me they have a desire to participate in local government," Grant said. "I want to help them do that by giving them a voice."
Skinner said his main focus if elected will be property tax assessment reform.
"Obviously there are other issues: roads, getting the (Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board) to decide what hospital location they prefer," Skinner said. "But property taxes are a big issue."
Kryczka said he will focus on three things: property tax reform, bringing Chicago water to Antioch and better water management when there are heavy rains.
"That is what I'll be concentrating on, and I have plans for all three things," he said.
The District 1 candidates are also scheduled to participate in the Lake Villa Democrats and Independents "Meet the Candidates Forum," from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Lake Villa District Library, 1001 East Grand Ave.