McMahon won’t run again for DuPage board

Another longtime DuPage County Board member has decided not to run for re-election in the March primary.

Michael McMahon, who has served on the county board since 2000, said he’s going to step down once his current term ends in November 2012 to spend more time with his four children. The 43-year-old Hinsdale resident is the fourth incumbent not to seek another term on the board. The other three are Debra Olson of Wheaton, Patrick O’Shea of Lombard and Jeff Redick of Elmhurst.

Last week, McMahon filed nominating petitions to enter the Republican primary for one of three District 3 seats. Incumbents John Curran and Brian Krajewski and four challengers — Woodridge Trustee Greg Abbott, retired DuPage Judge Ken Moy of Hinsdale, Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso and Joe Wozniak of Naperville — also entered the race.

But on Tuesday, McMahon made the decision to withdraw his name from the ballot. He first broke the news to his family, his District 3 colleagues and county board Chairman Dan Cronin.

“I’ve been mulling it over ever since I filed,” McMahon said on Wednesday. “I’ve got four little kids. At this point in their formative years, I’ve been spending a lot more time with them. I’ve had a nice run, and it feels like it’s the right time (to leave the board).”

McMahon, a criminal defense attorney, is chairman of the board’s judicial and public safety committee.

“It was a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “I really did enjoy doing the work of the people, and I enjoyed all my constituent interaction. The voters put their trust in me in three different election cycles, and I took that to heart ... I did the best job that I could.”

Cronin said in a statement that McMahon’s leadership on the judicial and public safety committee “has been an integral part in maintaining the high level of safety that residents of DuPage County deserve and expect.”

“Although his experience will be missed on the county board, I know he will continue to serve DuPage residents in his future endeavors,” Cronin said.

Curran said McMahon has been a valued friend and colleague. “It has been a privilege serving the people of District 3 with Mike,” he said.

District 3 includes all or portions of Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Naperville, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge.