With no Republican primary contest, 2 Democratic candidates are running for Lake County Board District 3

The Democratic primary for Lake County Board District 3 features an experienced candidate and a newcomer making her first run at elected public office.

Consultant Wendy Meister, a longtime Riverwoods resident, won the primary four years ago but lost to Republican incumbent Ann Maine, who has represented the district since 2002 but is not running for reelection. Meister faces Jacyln Rodriguez of Libertyville, a registered nurse who specializes as a forensic nurse.

A self-described whistleblower, Meister says she is running as an advocate for good government and to ensure the county is ready to deal with federal funding issues.

Rodriguez says she is running to build a “stronger, healthier future” for families, in part by investing in infrastructure that supports neighborhoods and ensuring equitable access to health care, including public health programs and mental health services.

Meister has a master’s degree in architecture and during her career planned a number of government buildings, including courthouses.

In April 2021, Lake County settled with Meister and another former employee of the county clerk’s office for $575,000. The pair brought suit saying they were fired for questioning government spending.

“People are concerned,” she said. “They see the federal government being very dysfunctional and unpredictable. They are looking to local government.”

She began volunteering with substance abuse and mental health programs and says the county board needs to be better prepared for losses of federal funding.

Meister said the county board must be ready to push back against President Donald Trump’s “dangerous agenda” of stripping safety net protections and programs.

“We run the risk of long-term damage if we don’t prepare now,” she said.

Rodriguez noted, if elected, she would be the only health care professional on the board.

She said she has 20 years experience in emergency medicine, forensic nursing, corporate health care and led a statewide program with the Illinois attorney general’s office to help improve medical and legal services for victims of violence.

That experience, she added, would be valuable to guide planning and county initiatives.

She said access to equitable health care and mental health services, ensuring forest preserves are enhanced and protected are motivating issues. She also said constituents are concerned about a potential Route 120 bypass that could impact Almond Marsh.

“Healthier communities are a priority for me but not at the expense of harming neighborhoods and forest preserves,” she said. Creating solutions to allow workers and seniors to stay in their communities, is another priority, Rodriguez added.

There is no Republican candidate on the ballot although the party can appoint a nominee after the primary. Democrats hold a 14-5 majority on the county board.

District 3 includes Green Oaks, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Riverwoods and portions of Buffalo Grove, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills and Waukegan. County board members double as Lake County Forest Preserve District commissioners.