Alex Sofronas: 2024 candidate for Lake County Board District 18

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Lake County Board District 18

City: Kildeer

Age: 29

Occupation: Host of the Marketing x Analytics Podcast and Performance Marketing and Analytics Consultant

Previous offices held: None

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

I’m running for the Lake County Board to ensure our government spends money wisely and protects our local environment. Inflation peaked at 9.1% recently, making it crucial to manage our resources carefully. Unfortunately, the current board has allowed excessive administrative costs to balloon, diverting funds from essential services.

I believe we need to cut these unnecessary expenses and focus on what really matters, like improving our roads and preserving our green spaces. My goal is to ensure that Lake County remains a great place to live by balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

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 a challenger, I bring a commitment to cutting wasteful spending and focusing on what truly benefits our community. My priority is to reduce costs by eliminating bloated administrative expenses and ineffective programs.

For instance, the county’s spending on redundant consulting fees and underutilized public relations campaigns can be slashed without affecting essential services. These savings can be redirected to maintain our roads, protect our natural areas, and improve public safety.

The current board has failed to keep spending in check, allowing costs to spiral. I will ensure that every dollar is used wisely and that government processes are streamlined to empower local communities and businesses.

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.

Lake County’s budget is stretched thin, and rising costs, like the 31.7% increase in fuel expenses, are straining our finances. The current board has allowed spending to increase without addressing inefficiencies.

I believe we must cut nonessential spending, such as duplicative administrative roles and overlapping social programs, and refocus on core services like road maintenance and environmental protection. By reducing waste and consolidating services, we can maintain a balanced budget without raising taxes. This approach will also prepare us for future economic downturns, ensuring financial stability for our community.

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, bipartisanship is crucial, especially when managing a budget that affects over 700,000 residents. Unfortunately, the current board has been marked by partisan gridlock, which has prevented effective governance. I’ll work to build consensus around shared goals like fiscal responsibility, protecting our environment, and simplifying regulations.

We can start by cutting unnecessary spending on redundant studies and bureaucratic procedures, which have been a hallmark of the current administration. By focusing on efficiency and common-sense solutions, we can find common ground and make decisions that benefit all residents, regardless of political affiliation.

What do you see as the greatest need in your district from a county (roads, etc) and forest preserve (facilities, amenities) standpoint?

Our district needs better roads and protected green spaces. Nearly 40% of our roads are in fair or poor condition, yet the current board hasn’t prioritized these improvements. Instead, they’ve allowed spending to grow in areas like unnecessary consulting fees and underused public services. I propose cutting these costs and reallocating funds to fix our roads and preserve our green spaces.

By addressing these priorities, we can improve infrastructure, protect the environment, and ensure that our community’s needs are met without increasing taxes.

What have constituents in your district been asking about that you would like to see addressed in some fashion?

Constituents are concerned about traffic congestion, losing green spaces, and government inefficiency. Traffic has grown nearly 10% in the last decade, but the current board hasn’t done much to help. Meanwhile, our green spaces are under threat due to poor planning.

I plan to address these issues by improving road efficiency, protecting green spaces, and cutting unnecessary spending, like the millions spent on overlapping administrative services. By reallocating these funds, we can solve these problems without raising taxes and make our government more responsive to the people.

Is the county/forest board behind the pay curve compared to other jurisdictions and how can the county/forest board best strive to attract and retain key employees?

Yes, our county forest preserve employees earn about 10% less than their peers in other areas, leading to turnover and low morale. To fix this, I propose cutting costs in areas like redundant administrative roles and certain PR campaigns, which the current board has failed to address.

These savings can be redirected to offer competitive salaries without increasing the overall budget. By improving working conditions and focusing on essential services, we can attract and retain top talent while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.

Do you think the forest preserve should proceed with an agreement with Waukegan Port Authority for 52 acres of Waukegan Savanna? Why or why not?

I’m deeply concerned about the proposed agreement with the Waukegan Port Authority for 52 acres of the Waukegan Savanna. This area is vital for our environment, and the airport expansion could cause significant long-term damage. The current board seems too eager to push this through without adequate scrutiny, despite the risks.

Given Lake County’s higher asthma rates and the incomplete environmental impact report, moving forward could lead to unforeseen costs and harm our natural spaces. We need a thorough review, including community input, before making any decisions. This approach ensures we protect both our environment and our budget.

Is there a general issue or concern on your radar you would like to see the county/forest board address?

I’m focused on ensuring Lake County is financially responsible while promoting sustainable development. We’ve lost over 25% of our native plant species, but the current board hasn’t made conservation a priority.

I believe we can address this by cutting wasteful spending on nonessential county programs, like certain discretionary grants that have limited impact, and redirecting those funds to high-impact conservation projects.

Additionally, I advocate for streamlining government processes to make them more efficient and responsive to the needs of our communities. This approach will help us protect our environment while keeping our budget balanced.