Paula McGowen: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 4

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 4

Party: Democrat

City: Glen Ellyn

Age: 72

Previous offices held: Milton Township Trustee and Regional Board of Education

Q&A

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

I’m running to help make our community a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Mental health and affordable housing are important priorities, but so are strong services, responsible government and making sure every resident feels heard and represented.

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 a collaborative approach, a willingness to listen, and a strong commitment to addressing the needs of our residents. One of my priorities would be expanding our mental health resources. While the Crisis Recovery Center is serving an important purpose for individuals experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, there is also a need for longer-term care. I would like to explore making long-term mental health treatment more accessible to those who need it.

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

I would support initiatives that make government more efficient while protecting the services residents rely on. That includes reviewing programs and contracts for cost savings, eliminating duplication, pursuing grants, and looking for opportunities to share services and resources with other units of local government. Any new spending should demonstrate a clear benefit to residents, and we should look for ways to strengthen our financial position without placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

Affordable housing. Down payment assistance can help people purchase a home, but it does not address the underlying shortage of affordable housing in DuPage County. We need to work with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and responsible developers to increase housing options for working families, seniors and young adults. Dupage United has demonstrated that workforce housing is possible in our communities, and I believe the County Board should work with them and other community partners to identify opportunities and overcome barriers to creating more affordable and workforce housing throughout DuPage County.

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

Board members should be able to ask difficult questions, express opposing views and fully participate in discussions, regardless of whether their position aligns with leadership or the majority. No one should feel that speaking up or challenging an idea limits their ability to have a voice at the table. I also believe the conflict between the County Board and countywide elected officials is unnecessary and does a disservice to the residents. I would work to foster a culture where differing views are respected and communication is open.

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

I believe County Board salaries are too high.

The Board recently approved salary increases that will bring the pay for part-time Board members to $62,000 by 2030, in addition long-time members will receive a pension. At a time when residents are struggling with rising costs of living, I believe those increases show real disconnect from what many families in our community are experiencing. Public service should be about serving the community, not the compensation. At the next opportunity to set Board salaries, I would support reducing them to better reflect the part-time nature of the position and our responsibility to the taxpayers.

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

Food insecurity is one of the most important issues facing our district. As a current Milton Township Trustee, I have seen firsthand the growing number of families and seniors seeking assistance. Our food pantry has extended hours, and we have increased our senior lunches from once every three months to once a month. At one time we had an open schedule, appointments now fill quickly and resources are limited. These are our neighbors, seniors, and working families who are struggling with the rising cost of everyday necessities. We need to strengthen partnerships among the county, townships, nonprofits and community organizations to make sure resources are reaching the people who need them most.