John Muellner: 2026 candidate for Lake County Board District 1
Bio
Office sought: Lake County Board District 1
Party: Republican
City: Antioch
Age: 28
Previous offices held: Veteran's Memorial Commission - Village of Lindenhurst
Q&A
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
I’m running for Lake County Board because residents across District 1 — including working families, retirees, small business owners, and longtime community members — are feeling the strain of high taxes, rising costs, and a county government that too often overreaches.
I’m a former educator, small-business professional, and community volunteer who believes government should live within its means and stick to its core responsibilities. Too often, county government expands into areas it doesn’t need to be, creating wasteful spending and unnecessary programs that drive up costs for everyone.
What motivates me is restoring common-sense leadership. I will fight to stop government overreach, eliminate wasteful spending, refocus the county on essential services, and protect our parks and conservation areas — all while keeping a tight rein on the budget.
District 1 deserves practical representation that respects taxpayers, protects our quality of life, and keeps Lake County affordable for all who call it home. That’s why I’m running.
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’m running for Lake County Board because residents across District 1 — including working families, retirees, small business owners, and longtime community members — are feeling the strain of high taxes, rising costs, and a county government that too often overreaches.
I’m a former educator, small-business professional, and community volunteer who believes government should live within its means and stick to its core responsibilities. Too often, county government expands into areas it doesn’t need to be, creating wasteful spending and unnecessary programs that drive up costs for everyone.
What motivates me is restoring common-sense leadership. I will fight to stop government overreach, eliminate wasteful spending, refocus the county on essential services, and protect our parks and conservation areas — all while keeping a tight rein on the budget.
District 1 deserves practical representation that respects taxpayers, protects our quality of life, and keeps Lake County affordable for all who call it home. That’s why I’m running.
What initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?
My priority is saving money through discipline and better management — not raising taxes. Residents of District 1 are already burdened by high costs.
I will support:
Eliminating wasteful and non-essential programs that fall outside core county responsibilities
Reducing administrative overhead and duplication
Streamlining operations and improving procurement
Prioritizing public safety, roads, and essential services
Using outsourcing or partnerships when they deliver better value
Controlling long-term personnel and benefit costs
Greater transparency and performance accountability
On revenue, I oppose higher property taxes or new broad-based taxes. I support limited approaches that protect residents: reasonable user fees for specialized services, stronger collection of existing revenues, and economic growth that expands the tax base without raising rates.
Government’s first instinct should be to spend existing dollars more wisely. I will focus on cutting waste, improving efficiency, and protecting taxpayers while delivering essential services. That is how we keep Lake County affordable.
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 the most pressing need is not a brand-new amenity, but stronger performance in core services residents already rely on — particularly road maintenance, traffic safety, and efficient delivery of basic county functions.
Too often, existing resources are stretched by non-essential spending. My approach is to free up capacity by cutting waste and refocusing the budget on priorities that affect daily life in District 1.
I would provide improvements by:
Redirecting savings from reduced administrative overhead and low-value programs Improving operational efficiency and accountability within current departments Prioritizing maintenance and practical upgrades over new initiatives
I do not support creating new programs that require tax increases. Any enhancement must be funded through better management of existing dollars. Residents deserve reliable core services delivered efficiently, not expanded government that costs more.
Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
Yes, there needs to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the Lake County Board. With a strong one-party majority, it is easy for the Board to move forward with limited input from the minority. That does not serve residents well. Good ideas can come from either side, and major decisions on taxes, spending, public safety, and land use affect everyone in District 1 regardless of party.
If elected, I will work to improve cooperation by:
Focusing on practical, results-oriented solutions rather than partisan talking points
Building relationships with colleagues across the aisle based on shared goals like fiscal responsibility and quality services
Clearly communicating the concerns of District 1 residents in a respectful and constructive manner
Looking for common ground on issues such as road maintenance, public safety, and protecting our parks while controlling costs
Standing firm on core principles while remaining willing to listen and negotiate in good faith
Residents deserve a Board that prioritizes problem-solving over party control. I will bring a collaborative but principled approach focused on delivering better results for the people we serve.
What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?
Board members currently receive just over $43,000, with the chair at about $101,000. The Board recently approved raises of roughly 4% for members and about 3% for the chair, effective December 1, 2026.
I oppose Board members voting themselves pay increases while residents continue to face high property taxes and rising costs. It sends the wrong message. Elected officials should lead by example on fiscal discipline, not reward themselves first.
If elected, I will not support future increases in Board compensation. Public service is not supposed to be a high-paying career. We should focus on controlling spending and delivering value to taxpayers rather than increasing our own pay.
What is the most important issue facing the county in your district and how should it be addressed?
District 1 faces many pressing issues, including high taxes, infrastructure challenges, water quality problems, and decisions that affect private property rights.
The Dutch Gap restoration is reshaping the drainage canal in ways that raise legitimate concerns for nearby property owners. Impacts on residents must be carefully addressed.
The $186 million Waukegan Airport project was called “de minimis” by the Forest Preserve Board, yet it involves land acquisition and potential resident relocation. This raises serious eminent domain questions. I oppose unnecessary takings of private property — it should be a last resort only for true public necessity.
On the Chain of Lakes, the Health Department has identified over 300 homes contributing raw or poorly treated sewage. The Chain is vital to our economy and quality of life. We need practical sewer solutions delivered with fiscal discipline.
I will push for transparency, respect for property rights, and better stewardship of taxpayer funds — without government overreach or higher taxes.