Mihalec won’t seek re-election to county board

Kane County Board member Jeanette Mihalec announced Monday she will not seek re-election, meaning Elgin will have almost entirely new representation come the next general election.

Mihalec cited additional work pressures as the reason for bowing out of the race. She works for the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, a job with many business connections that have caused her to frequently abstain from votes during her tenure on the board. On Monday, Mihalec said lack of time to campaign is her major conflict with staying on the board.

“Over the last couple of months, I have struggled schedule-wise with being able to move my campaign at an effective pace,” Mihalec said in a written statement. “The additional personal, professional and community responsibilities that have been added to my plate over the past year, in addition to my incredibly demanding job at the Elgin Area Chamber, have given me little time to do so.”

Mihalec was facing one of the more competitive county board races for the upcoming re-election season. The board’s redistricting process, following the census, targeted the elimination of two county board seats.

That elimination led to Mihalec and board member Deb Allan, both Democrats, ending up in a primary fight for the same seat. Mihalec didn’t mention Allan in bowing out of the race, but said she no longer has the time to put up a fight.

“Without the required dedication on my part to a campaign, I can’t see taking advantage of the amazing support that has been offered to me — time, influence and money,” Mihalec wrote.

Mihalec’s departure also ensures there will be new leadership of the county board’s Public Health Committee. She is chairman of that committee and has led several contentious meetings in recent months about the county’s animal control functions. Mihalec’s decision adds to what already will be a significant turnover for Elgin representation on the board.

Longtime board member Jackie Tredup, of Elgin, recently announced she won’t seek another term. And board veteran Cathy Hurlbut is relinquishing her board seat to run for Kane County Circuit Court Clerk.