Nicki Sullivan: 2026 candidate for Lake County Board District 10

Bio

Office sought: Lake County Board District 10

Party: Democrat

City: Unincorporated Mundelein

Age: 46

Previous offices held: D76 Diamond Lake School Board

Q&A

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

I’m running because I’ve spent years advocating for my community and have seen firsthand how much decisions made by local government affect people’s everyday lives. I served seven years on my local school board, chaired the citizens committee in 2024 which helped to pass the Mundelein High School referendum, and have worked on a variety of other issues including pushing for fair impact fees, changing state law on illegal restrictive covenants, and fighting to prevent a gun store from opening near an elementary school in Mundelein. I didn’t set out to get involved in politics. I got involved because I saw things that I thought needed to be fixed or changed, and one issue led to another. I like finding practical, creative ways to solve problems.

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 seven years of governing experience on the Diamond Lake District 76 School Board, along with years of community advocacy. Both have taught me the importance of asking questions, doing the research, working with people who don’t always agree and speaking up when something doesn’t make sense. My priority would be making county government more responsive to the people it serves while being mindful that every dollar we spend comes from taxpayers. That means good customer service, better communication, and making county government easier for people to navigate.

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

I’m a strong believer in shared services and intergovernmental cooperation. We have a lot of units of local government providing similar services, purchasing similar equipment and contracting for similar work. There are opportunities to work together, share costs and find ways to make taxpayer dollars go further. I also think we should be aggressive about pursuing state and federal grants and supporting economic development that grows the tax base without putting more of the burden on existing residents. We need to create a culture where we are willing to question how things have always been done and look for more efficient ways to provide the same level of service.

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 I think we have significant room for improvement is transportation and connectivity, particularly in suburban and unincorporated areas. For people who don't drive, getting to work, medical appointments, shopping or even a neighboring community can be extremely difficult. Sidewalk and bicycle connections are also inconsistent, sometimes ending abruptly at municipal boundaries. The more options people have to get where they need to go without a car, the fewer cars we have on our roads, which benefits everyone. Additionally, as our population ages, the need for transportation options that don't depend on driving is only going to grow.

I would work with Pace, Metra, municipalities, townships, school districts, and other agencies to identify needs and gaps and coordinate investments rather than expecting the county to solve the problem alone. I would also prioritize state and federal transportation grants so we can improve connectivity without placing the entire cost on local property taxpayers.

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

Absolutely. Most of what the County Board deals with really isn’t partisan. Roads, drainage, public safety, transportation and responsible budgeting aren’t Democratic or Republican issues. I am willing to listen, ask questions and change my mind when the facts support it. You don’t have to agree on everything to have a good working relationship or work together to find solutions.

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

I think County Board compensation should be reasonable for taxpayers and reflect the time and responsibility the position requires. I don’t currently see it as an area that needs significant change.

Serving on a school board for seven years has made me go back and forth on this issue. If we want government that works for people, it should be representative of the people it serves. The reality is that not everyone has the privilege of being able to dedicate significant time to public service without being compensated for it. Holding elected office shouldn’t be limited to people who are independently wealthy, retired or otherwise in a position where they can afford to serve for little or no pay.

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

Affordability is the issue I hear about most. People are being squeezed from every direction, and in Lake County, property taxes are a big part of that conversation.

The County Board can’t solve a national affordability problem, but we can control what the county spends and how much it asks taxpayers to pay. We can make sure assessments are fair and transparent, look for ways to share services and reduce costs, and support responsible development that adds to the tax base rather than adding to the burden on existing residents.

At the same time, being fiscally responsible doesn’t always mean simply spending less. Putting off needed road, drainage or infrastructure work can create safety issues, cost taxpayers more in the long run and simply push the financial burden onto future taxpayers. Finding that balance is one of the most important responsibilities of serving in elected office.