‘It’s about fairness and justice’: New era in Wheeling Township starts with swearing in of Democratic slate

A new era in Wheeling Township government began Monday with the swearing in of its newly elected leaders at the township’s Arlington Heights headquarters.

Supervisor Maria Zeller Brauer and Trustees John Geier, Lorri Grainawi, Austin Mejdrich and Sheri Williams were part of the Democratic slate of Progress for Wheeling Township that ousted former Supervisor Kathy Penner and defeated three Republican trustee incumbents and one Republican trustee challenger in the April election.

Republican Clerk Joanna Gauza, who ran unopposed, was also sworn in.

The ceremony attracted Democratic dignitaries, including state Sen. Mark Walker, state Rep. Nicolle Grasse, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who is campaigning for U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky's seat.

“I'm proud of the Democratic Party for flipping the township,” Biss said, calling it a sign of the area's commitment to Democratic values.

Walker said he thinks the new board, which includes his former chief of staff, Mejdrich, will be more accessible to residents.

“I think the old board, while good people, were in something of a rut,” he said.

Mejdrich said he was raised on the idea of helping one’s neighbors.

“What makes it even sweeter is that the motto of Wheeling Township is neighbors helping neighbors,” he said.

Brauer said the board will seek new legal counsel to replace attorney Kenneth Florey, who had advised against levying the voter-approved mental health board tax. She said Florey has been helpful in seeking a replacement.

“There’s no bad blood,” she said. “It’s just business and nothing personal. We’re going to part ways amicably.”

The new board is expected eventually to levy the tax the voters approved when they voted for the mental health board in November 2022.

Despite their political differences, Brauer said Republican Assessor Kenneth Jochum, who also ran unopposed, has been helpful.

The new trustees also praised township staff.

“At the end of the day, we are all sharing the same hearts, and that’s what we all want to build upon,” Williams said.

Grainawi said the new board will devote itself to transparency, including making meetings available online and instituting the mental health board.

“It's about fairness and justice to the people of Wheeling Township,” Geier said after taking the oath. “This is the closest thing in a government that serves real people in real ways in real time.”