Ben Grum: 2024 candidate for Lake County Board District 13

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Lake County Board District 13

City: Lake Bluff

Age: 39

Occupation: Police Commander

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 am running for office to continue my commitment to serving our community and to ensure our local government is responsive, transparent, and effective. With over two decades in public safety and community service, I know how strong leadership and collaboration can improve our community's safety and quality of life.

As a parent of two children, my primary motivation is to enhance neighborhood safety for my kids and everyone's kids. I am committed to community policing strategies, expanding mental health resources, and supporting proactive emergency responses. Ensuring our law enforcement agencies are well-staffed and equipped is crucial for maintaining public safety.

My experience in public safety, leadership, and community engagement uniquely positions me to advocate for policies that promote safety and address our challenges. I am driven by the desire to build a safer, more connected community where every resident feels heard and valued.

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 would bring vital public safety expertise to the board, which currently lacks law enforcement representation. With over 22 years in law enforcement, including my role as a police commander, I understand the challenges of keeping our community safe.

As a husband and father of two, I am committed to creating a secure environment for all families. My priority is to enhance safety through stronger community policing, better emergency response, and proactive crime prevention. I believe in collaboration between law enforcement, local government, and residents to build a safer, more resilient community.

Leveraging my leadership skills, I will provide valuable insights into public safety policy-making, ensuring decisions are based on real-world experience. Safety is the foundation of all community priorities, and I am committed to ensuring our board prioritizes it for the well-being of all residents.

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.

The current balance between county spending and revenues is unsustainable. Spending is too high, and a thorough review of county services is needed to ensure they are essential and appropriately funded by resident taxes. We must balance necessary services with minimizing the tax burden.

Key threats to the county’s financial health include inflation, economic downturns, rising service demands, pension liabilities, and unfunded mandates. To address these, the county should review services to find areas for spending cuts and optimization. We should prioritize funding for essential services that impact safety and well-being while exploring cost-saving measures, partnerships, and new revenue sources that don’t overburden taxpayers.

Recruiting new businesses to broaden the tax base is also vital for generating revenue and reducing reliance on resident taxes. This approach will help build a more financially resilient county prepared for future uncertainties.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

The county board needs more bipartisanship and cooperation. Effective governance relies on collaboration and dialogue among all members, regardless of political affiliation. Working together allows for balanced solutions that benefit the community.

To foster bipartisanship, I will focus on building relationships and finding common ground. Open communication and mutual respect are essential for bridging gaps and understanding each member's priorities, leading to well-rounded policies.

Committee assignments should be based on members' unique skills and talents, not party affiliation. I support a decision-making process driven by data, community input, and expert opinions rather than partisan agendas. By emphasizing transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the common good, we can build a more cooperative and productive county board that better serves our residents.

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

In addition to proper staffing for the sheriff's office and jail, I believe that ensuring adequate staffing for the state's attorney's office is also a critical need in our district. The state's attorney's office plays a vital role in upholding justice, prosecuting crimes, and maintaining public safety. Without sufficient personnel, the ability to effectively pursue justice, manage caseloads, and provide timely responses to legal matters could be compromised.

Combining this with a focus on infrastructure improvements, such as well-maintained roads and essential public facilities, will help ensure that our community remains safe, functional, and efficient. Prioritizing these areas will help create a balanced approach to meeting the most pressing needs of our district.

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

Constituents in my district have been asking for greater fiscal responsibility and accountability from the county. Many residents feel strongly that all county departments should be required to work within their budgets, just as families in our district must do every day.

I share this concern and believe it’s crucial to ensure every department operates efficiently and without overspending, so taxpayer dollars are used wisely. This means managing resources effectively without raising the taxes.

Additionally, my constituents are particularly concerned about the gas tax and the extra burden it places on small businesses and families. We need to be mindful of these impacts and seek ways to alleviate financial pressures. By holding departments accountable and making thoughtful budget decisions, we can maintain quality services while respecting the financial constraints faced by our community’s families and businesses.

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?

The county and forest preserve board need competitive compensation to attract and retain talented employees. Reviewing current pay and benefits compared to neighboring counties can identify where we are falling behind.

To address this, we should:

• Competitive Compensation: Align salaries and benefits with market standards, adjust pay scales, and provide incentives for hard-to-fill roles.

• Career Development: Offer professional growth, training, and clear paths for advancement to boost satisfaction and retention.

• Work Environment: Foster a positive, inclusive workplace with flexible arrangements, recognition programs, and a healthy work-life balance.

• Modern Recruitment: Streamline hiring and develop retention strategies, such as mentorship and feedback initiatives.

By focusing on these strategies, the county and forest preserve board can attract and retain skilled employees and ensure high-quality services for our community.

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 believe the forest preserve should consider proceeding with an agreement with the Waukegan Port Authority, but only if it aligns with the best interests of taxpayers. Promoting economic development can provide long-term benefits for the community, such as job creation and increased revenue.

However, it is essential to ensure that any sale is conducted transparently and that the terms are favorable to the public. The proceeds from such a sale should be used strategically, either to purchase new land that adds value to the forest preserve system or to improve and maintain existing lands to enhance their environmental and recreational benefits.

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

One of my primary concerns is the level of division in government today, which often hinders our ability to work together and be effective. When there is too much dissidence, it becomes challenging to address the needs of our communities. I believe my independence allows me to work across party lines, fostering a more collaborative and bipartisan approach to governance.

If elected, I am committed to bridging divides and focusing on what unites us rather than what separates us. By prioritizing open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals, we can develop balanced and effective solutions that truly benefit our residents. I am dedicated to being productive for our communities by working with all board members to ensure our government is responsive, transparent, and focused on the common good.