Longtime Schaumburg Township deputy assessor succeeds Lawson

For the first time in more than two decades, there’s a new Schaumburg Township assessor as 2026 begins.

Victor Morales, who’s been chief deputy assessor since 2018, succeeded 21-year incumbent John Lawson on New Year’s Day.

Running as a Democrat, Morales defeated Republican candidate and former township trustee Char Kegarise in the April election. The term began Jan. 1.

Lawson, who moved to Huntley early in his final term, chose to serve for its entirety — though he donated his salary to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry for the last six months.

For the office of township assessor, the law dictates one must be a resident of the jurisdiction to be elected but not necessarily to serve.

However, the law also prohibits Morales from continuing his full-time employment as chief deputy assessor now that he’s the elected head of the office.

He’s hired Annette White, a nine-year employee of the Elk Grove Township assessor’s office, to serve as deputy as he narrows his search for a full-time job.

Lawson, a Republican, said he didn’t endorse in the April election because of his positive experience with both candidates.

He said he’s proud of the non-partisan nature of the work the office has done since he was appointed to succeed Paul Froehlich in the spring of 2004.

Knowing nothing about the job before he was asked to consider it and take the required classes, he made educating the public a goal. His public events grew from five people sitting around a table to larger gatherings at Schaumburg High School’s gym.

“We probably educated thousands of homeowners,” Lawson said.

Morales wants to make reviews of property assessment appeals available remotely for constituents unable to come to the office during business hours. Information on how to do that is available through the office’s website and the township’s quarterly Town Crier newsletter.

Morales said he always knew this was the kind of work he wanted to do, but he never expected to run for office.

“It’s something that I enjoy doing,” he added. “I don’t see my role in political terms.”

A native of the area, Morales began volunteering with the village government of Hanover Park as a teen. Married and a father of four, he currently serves on the boards of both the District 54 Education Foundation and St. Hubert Catholic School.