Jeffrey C. Issel: 2026 candidate for Lake County Board District 10

Bio

Office sought: Lake County Board District 10

Party: Republican

City: Mundelein

Age: 72

Previous offices held: Committeeman and Vice Chair for Fremont Township Republicans

Q&A

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

The cost of living in Lake County is rising at an alarming rate, putting increasing pressure on homeowners and families. Annual property reassessments add to that burden, and I believe we need to take a closer look at whether reassessing every year is necessary and how it affects taxpayers.

With significant new home construction coming online, particularly in and around District 10, we should be asking how that growth affects the overall property tax burden. As the tax base expands, taxing bodies should be held accountable for their spending and levy requests.

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 priorities are simple and straightforward: responsible spending, accountability, addressing property taxes and growth while protecting the quality of life that makes our community a fabulous place to live.

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

I would focus on making county government more efficient, controlling spending and identifying responsible ways of increasing revenue without placing an additional burden on taxpayers.

I would establish measurable goals and greater transparency. Residents deserve to know where their tax dollars are going, what county programs accomplish and whether spending is producing results.

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

I believe Lake County should focus on delivering essential services efficiently rather than expanding government simply for the sake of expansion. We need to identify gaps in services, eliminate waste and duplication, and make better use of the resources taxpayers already provide.

Before approving additional spending, I would require a clear demonstration of need, measurable results, and a plan for long-term sustainability.

Funding should come first from savings achieved through greater efficiency, better coordination of existing programs, and available state and federal grants. Any proposed tax increase should be a last resort, not the first solution.

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

Bipartisanship is important, but it must be built around results, not political compromise for its own sake. I'll have a clearer picture once I am able to get to know my peers and their ideological views.

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

I'm not in this for the money.

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

The T5 Data Center in Grayslake is a major topic of concern, and I believe residents deserve clear, fact-based answers — not vague responses from either side.

We need an open discussion of the potential benefits, including economic development and tax revenue, as well as the concerns surrounding water consumption, electricity demand, noise, environmental impacts, and the potential effect on nearby residents and property values.

I have already proposed bringing representatives from both sides together at a public event to discuss these issues in plain English, present the available facts, and answer residents' questions directly.

I intend to move forward with this event regardless of the outcome of the election. This issue is too important to become a political talking point that disappears after Election Day. Residents deserve transparency, honest answers, and the opportunity to make informed decisions about their community.

My goal is not to prejudge the outcome. It is to ensure that the facts are available, the difficult questions are answered, and the interests of Lake County residents remain at the center of the discussion.