Sandy Hart: 2024 candidate for Lake County Board District 13
Bio
Party: Democrat
Office Sought: Lake County Board District 13
City: Lake Bluff
Age: 56
Occupation: Lake County Board District 13 since 2012
Previous offices held: Lake County Board District 13; Lake Bluff Park District
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 re-election because I love living in Lake County, where I have lived with my family for over 24 years. It has been an incredible honor to represent my district, and the county overall in my role as chair, for the last several years.
It is my only job, and I work full-time to ensure that the needs of my district are met so that we can continue to attract and retain businesses so Lake County remains a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
I am always inspired by our excellent staff and I am proud of what we’ve achieved together over the years in Lake County Government and our Forest Preserves. Being a part of making a difference in communities is a real privilege, whether it’s through supporting social services, improving infrastructure, restoring open spaces, or attracting new businesses, and I feel lucky to be a part of it.
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?
Just to name some of our accomplishments, we have:
• Utilized ARPA and COVID funds to support people in need through partnerships with social service agencies and other government entities
• Provided funding for many stormwater improvement projects, including the development of a study for the Knollwood area
• Created Ride Lake County, improving transportation for seniors and people with disabilities
• Building the Regional Operations and Communications Facility
• Helped launch 211
• Brought millions of dollars in grant money to Lake County
• Expanded behavioral health services
• Funded stormwater and road/paths infrastructure improvements
• Expanded the Summer Youth Employment Program
• Expanded our Forest Preserves
• Expanded our nonmotorized transportation system across Lake County
• Invested in closing the Digital Divide
• Formed Access Lake to provide medical care for people who are un- or underinsured.
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 Government, and the Forest Preserves, are AAA bond rated and consistently receive awards for our excellence in budgeting. We continue to be focused on opportunities for cost savings and we work closely with our municipal partners and the Great Lakes Naval Base, to save taxpayer money.
Given the inflationary threats, we budget and plan carefully and make changes when necessary. Flooding remains an enormous issue, and we continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners on critical infrastructure improvements to protect homes, schools, and businesses.
I support an asset utilization study to be conducted to ensure we are prepared for the future needs of our workforce and looking at new technologies that may enable us to reduce our footprint and operating costs
Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
We have excellent relationships on the county board, regardless of political party. All of our board members, and countywide elected officials, work very well together and are always focused on what is best for the people we serve.
What do you see as the greatest need in your district from a county (roads, etc) and forest preserve (facilities, amenities) standpoint?
Flooding is a big issue for my district, and I work closely with our municipal partners and Stormwater Management Commission on projects that will alleviate the flooding problems. It is also important that we stay focused and push for improvements in Halsey Village. Restoring our preserves and providing access to bike paths and walking trails is also important to the residents in my district.
What have constituents in your district been asking about that you would like to see addressed in some fashion?
In addition to the items outlined above, residents speak to me about their concerns with the lack of mental health resources, particularly for young people. I’m very pleased that the Lake County Health Department continues to be a key provider, and Dr. Michael Karner, Lake County’s Regional Superintendent of Schools, has been a strong leader in helping to connect young people with the help they need in partnership with the schools.
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?
We recently conducted a compensation study that will assist the board and staff in decisions about benefits, salaries, and classifications. We are always focused on ensuring that our excellent employees are compensated fairly.
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?
To date, we have not received any information on the Environmental Impact Study and it is premature to make any decisions until we better understand all of the impacts.
Is there a general issue or concern on your radar you would like to see the county/forest board address?
I am particularly proud to have drawn attention to the deplorable housing conditions at Halsey Village, and am thrilled that Sen. Duckworth has persuaded Dept. of Defense leadership to visit and commit to demolish the homes and work with local leaders on a plan that will benefit our military families and the community of North Chicago. If I am re-elected I look forward to working with the Naval Base and our federal partners on this important project.