James F. “Jim” Zay: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 6

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 6

Party: Republican

City: Carol Stream

Age: 59

Previous offices held: DuPage County Board, DuPage County Forest Preserve, Wayne Township Trustee

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I run for office for the public service and wanting to help make our community a great place to live work and raise a family.

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 Chairman of the Stormwater Committee I have worked to bring multiple Stormwater facilities to our District in Carol Stream, Bartlett and Warrenville helping stop flooding. As Chairman of the DuPage Water Commission I worked with Bartlett to provide them Lake Michigan water. I was the last member to bring a property tax relief measure to the board abating 5 million dollars in 2022. Have worked with our Sheriff and States Attorney to provide them the tools they need to keep our communities safe.

What initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

The County is bringing in more sales tax revenue than that is budgeted, we need to look at abating property taxes again and providing some relief to our residents. We do not need more revenue we need to reduce spending on items that the County is not responsible for.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

The County has made a significant investment in mental health, we need to continue that effort and work with local providers to use the new CRC. We need to continue to help those residents who need help such as food insecurity and more job training for those who have found themselves out or work. I do not feel we need to increase and taxes to fund but to continue to budget responsibly. In District 6 we have a larger portion of County roads and we need to continue to update them and keep them safe. Also, we lack public transportation in the District and I will continue to push PACE and the new regional board to expend bus services to our area.

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 does not have partisan issue like Springfield and Washington, our issue are about our communities and I have always worked with my fellow board members on many issues and will continue to do so if re-elected.

What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?

Salaries are set before elections and the salaries where just changed are years of no increase. I feel the current structure is fine and needs not be changed.

What is the most important issue facing the county in your district and how should it be addressed?

Our District has a larger amount of lower income families than other districts in the county. We need to continue to help those families who need help and make sure they know what programs they can take advantage of to help them. Food pantry support along with social services for our seniors who need a helping hand. I would like to work in cooperation with the States Attorneys office to do more public meetings on scams that are targeting our seniors. We need to get them more information so they are not taken advantage of.