Endorsement: Lake County Board Dist. 2 Democrat

The race between Democrats in Lake County Board District 2 pits Waukegan Township Highway Commissioner Mark Stricklin against Diane Hewitt, a precinct committeeman who is active in local politics and numerous community organizations.

In fact, it seems that Hewitt, 53, of Waukegan, has never met a cause she doesn't like. She's an active member of the Waukegan Township Democrats, but she's also dedicating time to local issues. Most recently, she has helped citizens form a Neighborhood Watch group and has worked with Waukegan city officials to organize a bone marrow drive.

Hewitt ran for the District 2 seat in 2004 and narrowly lost to Republican Randall Whitmore, but that hasn't stopped her from attending town meetings all across District 2 to keep on top of the issues and stay connected to residents. Hewitt has worked with local government for many years, and clearly has the connections at many levels to be able to serve District 2.

She pledges to be available to all residents in the district while working with fellow board members to protect open space, control growth and reduce traffic congestion. This all can be done, she says, without raising taxes.

Stricklin, 52, of Beach Park, has done an excellent job making the township highway department run more efficiently, and we certainly commend him for his work in helping others through his church.

But for the Democratic nomination in District 2, we give the nod to Hewitt. She's been serving residents through her community and political work, and deserves a chance to be nominated to a board seat.

The winners will face Whitmore on Nov. 4. District 2 serves part of Gurnee and all of Wadsworth, Beach Park, Zion and Winthrop Harbor.