Mary Rada Walters: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 2 (2-year term)

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 2 (2-year term)

Party: Democrat

City: Lombard

Age: 40

Previous offices held: N/A

Q&A

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

I’m running for the County Board because I believe local government should be both responsible with our money and genuinely committed to taking care of people. I feel that too often people experience government as distant or indifferent, especially when they’re struggling. When that happens, the policies stop reflecting the real cost of living for families. I want DuPage County to be a place where everyone can afford to not only work here, but to live here as well. What motivates me most is affordability and stability. In my work as a bankruptcy and Social Security disability attorney, I’ve seen how quickly people fall into crisis when housing, health care, or basic necessities become unaffordable. County programs, when done right, can be the difference between a temporary setback and a life-altering crisis. The County Board plays a critical role in funding mental health services, housing stability, public health, and public safety. I’m running to make sure those decisions are made responsibly, transparently, and with a clear focus on real people’s lives. DuPage can be fiscally sound while still being a county that truly takes care of its residents, and I want to help lead us there

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?

I would bring hands-on experience with programs the board funds and oversees. I've seen firsthand how county-funded services like mental health care, housing support, and public assistance programs actually operate in people's lives. I understand where these programs are working and where gaps remain.

I also bring practical financial experience. I work in the Chapter 13 Trustee's office, which handles all of the money that flows through the bankruptcy system. That background gives me a clear understanding of how financial decisions impact real people and translates well to evaluating county budgets and expenses.

As an attorney, I am trained to listen, analyze complex information, and work collaboratively to reach solutions. County board service requires building consensus, navigating disagreements, and advocating for constituents. I would bring professionalism, preparation, and clear communication to that work.

Most importantly, I bring a real-world understanding of the financial pressures facing families in DuPage today. That perspective would guide my decisions and help ensure the board's work reflects both fiscal responsibility and genuine support for the people it serves.

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

DuPage is in a strong financial position thanks to years of careful planning, an AAA bond rating, and long-term strategies like the county's Sustainability Initiative. That forward thinking is how the county should prepare for potential federal funding cuts.

I would focus first on protecting programs that prevent larger, more expensive crises down the road. Investments in public health, mental health and substance-use services, housing stability, food security, and public safety. These programs save money over time by reducing emergency responses, hospitalizations, and involvement in the justice system.

If budget reductions were needed, I would prioritize delaying non-urgent capital projects that do not affect immediate safety or infrastructure integrity. Responsible budgeting means planning ahead, using data to guide decisions, and avoiding short-sighted cuts that shift costs elsewhere. My goal is to maintain DuPage's fiscal strength while meeting residents' essential needs.

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 area where DuPage County can do better is transit, especially when it comes to last-mile connections. Many residents can get close to where they need to go using Metra or Pace, but the gap between a station and home, work, or medical appointments is often the biggest barrier.

With the transition from the RTA to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority, DuPage has a real opportunity to shape transit around how people actually move in our county, not just how systems have historically been designed. That means better coordination between Metra, Pace, paratransit, and local ride programs, and more flexible, community-based solutions that address first and last-mile needs. Funding should focus on leveraging NITA resources, expanding partnerships with Pace and municipalities, and building on existing county programs that already serve seniors and people with disabilities.

Improving transit access is not just about mobility. It supports independence, workforce participation, and aging in place, and it is a smart investment in the county's long-term economic health.

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

I think cooperation should always be a priority. The Board is an 18-member body, and nothing gets done without working with people who may not always agree with you. As a County Board member, I would represent every constituent in my district, regardless of their political party. That means listening to what people actually care about, being willing to hear different perspectives, and looking for areas where we can work together. Cooperation doesn't mean giving up your values. It means being willing to listen, ask questions, and find practical solutions when there is common ground. I've spent my career working with people who don't always agree with me and I think that experience will serve me well on the Board. I'd bring that same approach to representing District 2: listen first, find common ground, and fight for what residents actually need.

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

My priority is that any decisions about board pay are made transparently, consistently, and openly, with a clear explanation to the taxpayers who fund it. Public service should never be treated as a way to pad your own income.

I also think it matters that the pay makes it possible for regular working people to serve, not just the wealthy or those already well off. If we want a Board that truly represents DuPage County, we need to make sure the door is open to everyone, not just a select few.

In the end, what matters most to me is my record. I want people in District 2 to know I showed up, listened, and worked hard to make DuPage County more affordable, safer, and a more compassionate place for the people who live here.

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

The most important issue is affordability. Every day in my work, I see families paying far more than they can reasonably afford for housing, food, and utilities, often forcing impossible choices and threatening long-term community stability.

Affordability is a core focus of my campaign, and the county has a key role to play. DuPage has made progress with its land trust and land bank, supporting our local food banks, and funding programs to help address the affordability crisis and helping residents stay housed.

We should build on these efforts by supporting proven solutions that encourage attainable housing, such as offering incentives to developers, using county land strategically, and increasing Area Median Income thresholds so more residents qualify for programs like down payment assistance, energy help, and repair grants.

More importantly, we need to make sure residents know about programs the County offers. Too many people who qualify for help never apply simply because they are unaware of the resources available. Housing and food stability keeps families in DuPage and supports a strong local workforce. Addressing affordability is essential to a healthy, thriving county.