Paula McGowen: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 4

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 4 (4-Year Term)

City: Glen Ellyn

Age: 71

Occupation: Rentals

Previous offices held: DuPage Regional School Board Trustee, Milton Township Trustee

Q&A

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

I am seeking this office because I want to help the county thrive while ensuring that no one is left behind. A strong county is built on safe neighborhoods, a healthy local economy, and access to essential services for all residents. I am motivated by the belief that effective, compassionate leadership can improve quality of life, strengthen public trust and create opportunities for long-term growth.

A particular issue that motivates me is the need to support our most vulnerable citizens — including seniors, children, individuals with disabilities and families facing economic hardship.

When we invest in people who need help the most, the entire community benefits. I am committed to listening to residents, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions that balance fiscal responsibility with empathy and fairness, so our county can continue to grow stronger together.

If you are an incumbent, describe a few important initiatives you’ve led. If you’re not an incumbent, describe a few ways you would contribute to the board.

I would contribute to the board by making sure every resident has a real seat at the table — especially those who have not always felt included in county decisions.

To do that, I would focus on listening first. That means showing up in neighborhoods, meeting people where they are and creating spaces where folks feel comfortable speaking honestly about what they need.

I would work with local groups, churches and community leaders to reach residents who might not come to formal meetings, and I would make sure we follow up so people know their input truly matters. When people feel seen and heard, we make better decisions and build a stronger, more connected community.

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 service that is clearly lacking in the county is adequate access to safe, affordable housing — especially for residents facing economic hardship, seniors and families in crisis. Too many people struggle to find stable housing or navigate the systems meant to help them.

To address this, I would expand affordable and emergency housing options through strong partnerships with local organizations, churches, nonprofits and volunteers already doing this work.

By coordinating efforts, we can better connect individuals and families with rental assistance, temporary housing and supportive services that help them regain stability.

Funding would come from a mix of state and federal grants, more efficient use of existing housing funds and public-private partnerships to stretch resources further.

I would also work to cut unnecessary red tape so services reach people faster and more effectively. By listening to residents and collaborating across sectors, we can invest responsibly in practical housing solutions that deliver long-term benefits and help our neighbors rebuild, grow and thrive.

With the county’s budget being squeezed by federal funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

DuPage is in a strong position, but with federal dollars being cut, we must be even more careful with taxpayer money. I would start by making sure we are spending smarter — reviewing programs to confirm they are working, cutting duplication between departments, and taking a hard look at contracts to ensure we are getting the best price and real performance from vendors.

On the revenue side, I would focus on responsible, long-term approaches that do not raise taxes on working families. That means being aggressive about applying for grants when they are available and supporting redevelopment that brings jobs and strengthens the commercial tax base.

I would also prioritize shared services partnerships with municipalities and neighboring agencies — things like joint purchasing, coordinated IT, fleet management and public safety support — so we can reduce overhead and deliver the same or better service at a lower cost.

What is the single most important issue facing your district, and how should the county address it?

The single most important issue facing our district is affordable housing. Too many of our neighbors — seniors on fixed incomes, children growing up in unstable conditions, individuals with disabilities and hardworking families facing economic hardship — are being priced out of safe, accessible places to live.

Housing instability touches everything: health, education, employment and dignity. The county must address this by investing in a full range of affordable and accessible housing options, protecting existing residents from displacement, supporting supportive housing for seniors and people with disabilities, and partnering with nonprofits and developers to ensure new housing is truly affordable.

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and our policies should reflect that basic human need.

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

I am the best person to serve in this role because I have already shown I will stand up for residents, ask tough questions and protect taxpayers.

I was instrumental in leading the initiative to stop an unnecessary $70 million expansion of the DuPage County Jail, saving taxpayers real money. I didn’t do that for politics — I did it because it was the right thing to do.

I am here for the people, not special interests. I have also been attending county board meetings for the last 25 years, which shows my long-term commitment to understanding the issues and doing the job the right way.

I will listen, show up, and make sure decisions are transparent, practical and focused on what residents need — protecting the public’s trust and the taxpayers’ interest while building a stronger, safer and more connected DuPage.