Lucy Chang Evans: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Board District 3
Bio
Party: Democrat
Office Sought: DuPage County Board District 3
City: Naperville
Age: 52
Occupation: Civil engineer
Previous offices held: DuPage County Board, elected in 2022
Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?
I am running for reelection because I care about the future of DuPage County. My current priority is climate resilience in county infrastructure. DuPage County has invested heavily in stormwater management initiatives, which mitigates flooding, improves water quality, and preserves native habitats. I want to continue this work so my children and grandchildren can enjoy a healthy and prosperous life in the place where they are growing up.
If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?
As the chair of the DuPage County Judicial and Public Safety Committee, I have been committed to funding our Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court, State's Attorney, Public Defender, Coroner, and Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
As a former Secret Service agent, I understand the importance of a functioning judicial and public safety system.
I have worked with my fellow District 3 board members to bring community resources to our at-risk residents in the Hinsdale Lake Terrace community in District 3. We are helping local service organizations find community space to provide tutoring services, social services, and mental health services to the residents of this large apartment community. We are also working to build sidewalks in this landlocked area, and we are working with Pace to reintroduce public transportation to this area.
Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them.
DuPage County has a balanced budget, and I want to maintain our prudent spending habits. Possible threats looming are a global recession and natural disasters. In the event of an economic recession, our tax revenue may decrease.
If we need to reduce our spending, I will prioritize public safety and essential infrastructure projects. Public safety helps us maintain everyday living and keeps our businesses running.
Deferred maintenance on vital infrastructure, such as water distribution lines or bridges, has the potential to cost taxpayers even more money in the form of major repairs and disruption.
There is little that we can do to prevent natural disasters, however, building climate resilient infrastructure such as flood control facilities and fortifying our emergency management operations can help us prepare for the worst and make a faster recovery.
Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
Yes, bipartisan cooperation is essential. I have maintained a good working relationship with all members of the county board, and I keep our lines of communication open, even in times of disagreement.
Earlier this year, some suggested that the 1996 state law that established a separate forest preserve board in DuPage County should be undone and that the forest preserve should be returned to the control of the county board. Do you support that idea? Why or why not?
I do not support the suggestion of returning the forest preserve board to the county board. County board interests are sometimes in conflict with the interests of the forest preserve with regards to land use and funding.
Given that we are a county of almost one million residents, we need a separate board for the forest preserve so they can commit their time and energy to the multitude of forest preserve initiatives that help us maintain clean water, clean air, and wildlife habitat.
What are your thoughts about the condition of the county fairgrounds in Wheaton? Should the county play a greater role in improving and maintaining the structures on the property?
The DuPage County Fair is a time-honored tradition enjoyed by thousands of people each year. Although the fairgrounds could use some upgrades, any funding of upgrades that are not essential to public safety would not be high on my priority list.
What are your thoughts about the consolidation? Should the county play a greater role in streamlining and consolidating local government? Why or why not?
Consolidating government entities has the potential to increase or decrease efficiencies. If an organization is too large, it may lose its effectiveness on a local level. There has been talk of eliminating townships and rolling those responsibilities into countywide operations.
Although the concept makes sense, I do not believe DuPage County is currently in a position to absorb township operations. I would support a feasibility study for this initiative if the budget allows it though.
What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?
DuPage County Board has provided $15 million in funding for the construction of the Crisis Recovery Center in Wheaton. This is only one aspect to combating the opioid crisis. The county should support efforts from our public health and safety partners to combat the opioid crisis to the extent that our budget allows.
What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?
DuPage County has an ad hoc Affordable Housing Committee, and we are putting together a study to make recommendations for affordable housing initiatives.
DuPage County Board recently approved a zoning change to allow for an accessory dwelling unit on residential properties to allow a separate housing unit on a single-family residential parcel. This could enable a senior citizen to age in place while another family member or renter lives in either the home or the ADU.
This is a small contribution to the affordable housing crisis, but it is a good start.