Kari Galassi: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 3

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 3

Party: Republican

City: Hinsdale

Age: 54

Previous offices held: DuPage County Board

Q&A

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

I am running for reelection because county government should deliver results that improve residents’ lives while respecting every tax dollar. During my first term, I have worked across party lines to advance public safety, fiscal responsibility, economic opportunity and essential services for District 3 and all residents of DuPage County. I want to continue that progress with the experience I have gained and a results-driven approach.

Public safety remains my strongest motivation. That means supporting law enforcement and first responders, protecting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, improving access to mental health treatment and ensuring residents feel secure in their communities. I am equally committed to holding county government accountable. As a former CPA and auditor, I examine budgets, question unnecessary spending and push departments and elected officials to justify taxpayer-funded positions and requests.

I am running to keep DuPage County safe, financially strong and focused on practical solutions. My record shows that I will work with anyone who shares those goals and faithfully serve District 3 and all residents of DuPage County.

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?

My work serves District 3 and all DuPage County residents. I created and spearheaded WorkNet DuPage’s “Back to School, Back to Work” initiative, connecting parents reentering the workforce with training and employers. It earned a NACo Achievement Award. I helped establish a shared police social worker pilot, led a District 3 food pantry drive for people and pets, and mentor high school students through local government job shadowing.

I supported DuPage County’s first of its kind Crisis Recovery Center for residents facing mental health or substance use crises. I also champion the JUST of DuPage jail rehabilitation program, helping participants rebuild their lives. Because of my advocacy,

I was invited to present JUST to the 2025 Edgar Fellows class. I was selected as an Edgar Fellow, joining Illinois leaders from across the political spectrum. The experience strengthened my commitment to bipartisan governing and built relationships that help turn ideas into results. As a former CPA and auditor, I insist on transparent, disciplined budgeting and accountability. I work across party lines to deliver results for District 3 and all DuPage County residents.

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

DuPage County should pursue savings and responsible growth, not higher taxes. As a former CPA and auditor, I believe every expense and position must be justified. I have pushed elected officials and departments to eliminate positions that remain vacant year after year rather than preserving inflated budgets.

We should expand shared services and purchasing among local governments, consolidate duplicative functions, competitively bid contracts and use technology to streamline operations. We should pursue grants while ensuring temporary funding does not create permanent expenses.

The best way to increase revenue is to grow our tax base without raising tax rates. As Vice Chair of the Economic Development Committee, I work with Choose DuPage to attract and retain businesses, help employers expand and connect residents with jobs and training. I also support increasing tourism by promoting DuPage’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, events and forest preserves. Bringing more visitors and employers into DuPage generates outside spending, supports local businesses and broadens our revenue base. These efforts benefit District 3 and all residents of DuPage County.

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

One service I would like to expand is business incubator support for entrepreneurs throughout DuPage County. Innovation DuPage does an outstanding job in Glen Ellyn by helping startups and small businesses access mentoring, training, professional resources and connections. However, entrepreneurs in other parts of the county would benefit from having similar services closer to home.

I believe we should develop satellite incubators in different areas of DuPage County through partnerships with municipalities, chambers of commerce, educational institutions and local employers. Supporting entrepreneurs is a powerful way to encourage innovation, attract investment and create local jobs.

Rather than building an entirely new county program, we can expand access through public private partnerships, shared facilities, grants and existing economic development resources. As vice chair of the Economic Development Committee, I am currently working to bring this initiative to life and make entrepreneurial support more accessible across DuPage County.

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

Generally, I believe the DuPage County Board works very well together, and many of our most important accomplishments have been bipartisan. At the same time, there is always room for more cooperation, especially on issues where residents expect us to focus on results rather than party labels.

My experience in the Edgar Fellows program strengthened my ability to work across the aisle, listen to different perspectives and find common ground. I bring that same approach to the County Board by building relationships before disagreements arise, encouraging respectful discussion and focusing on shared goals such as public safety, fiscal responsibility and effective services. I have also encouraged the rest of the Board to work across party lines when appropriate.

Bipartisanship does not mean avoiding honest debate. It means being willing to consider good ideas regardless of where they come from, involve all members in the process and support solutions that benefit residents. By keeping communication open and putting DuPage County first, we can continue working together effectively and strengthen the Board’s ability to serve the community.

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

I believe County Board members’ pay was adequate before the recent raises. I voted against those increases because this is a part-time position, and the compensation already fairly reflected the responsibilities of serving on the Board.

County Board members are public servants. Our focus should be on serving residents, managing taxpayer dollars responsibly and delivering effective county services, not increasing our own compensation. Particularly when so many families are struggling with the rising cost of everyday necessities, I believe it is irresponsible to ask taxpayers to pay more to fund raises for elected officials. County government must tighten its belt just as families throughout DuPage County are being forced to do.

While I respect the work required of every Board member, I did not believe these raises were necessary, and I would not propose additional increases. Any future changes to compensation should be considered carefully, transparently and separately from the Board members who would personally benefit. Raising our own pay sends the wrong message and weakens residents’ confidence in our ability to put their interests first.

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

Two of the most important issues facing District 3 are access to localized mental health services and stormwater management.

I supported the creation of DuPage County’s Crisis Recovery Center, which provides an important countywide resource for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis. However, localized needs remain in District 3. We need stronger partnerships with municipalities, schools, law enforcement and community organizations to expand access to social workers and crisis-response services closer to where residents live.

Stormwater management is also a major concern. This summer’s severe storms caused significant flooding and highlighted the need for stronger preparation and investment. I would support dedicating a portion of the county’s year-end surplus to a stormwater fund that helps municipalities advance shovel-ready drainage and flood-control projects. By prioritizing areas with the greatest risk and coordinating county, state and federal resources, we can better protect homes, businesses and public infrastructure.