Mary FitzGerald Ozog: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 4 (2-year term)

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 4 (2-year term)

Party: Democrat

City: Glen Ellyn

Age: 68

Previous offices held: Vice President, Glenbard Township District 87 High School Board 2011-2018

Q&A

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

I have always believed that government exists to help people. In ways both large and small I’ve been able to do exactly that as a member of the County Board and I want to continue to serve for this upcoming 2 year term. From large initiatives like planning for a new Maintenance Facility for the Transportation Division, helping the County get through COVID, addressing homelessness and food insecurity, to helping a constituent get an emergency permit to install windows in the dead of winter, I believe we have made a positive impact on life in DuPage County.

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?

During my eight years on the county board we’ve been able to improve the quality of life in DuPage County through various programs. I initiated a discussion to reduce the size of the Board from 12 to 18. We opened the new homeless shelter in the former Red Roof Inn in Downers Grove. To help the County get through COVID we responsibly used over $75 million of federal relief funds to help small businesses and respond to food insecurity. We opened the Crisis Recovery Center in 2025. As the Chair of the $164 million Transportation Committee we maintain and improve over 200 miles of roads and the Illinois Prairie path and the Great Western Trail. Next year we will break ground on a new County Maintenance Facility, replacing buildings almost 70 years old. I’ve been able to obtain several significant grants (utilizing interest earned on federal COVID funds) to contribute to efforts of local 501 3 Cs. All of these initiatives make life better in DuPage. Fiscal responsibility is very important to me, and as well as offering our constituents good government we’ve been able to do all of this without raising the property tax levy and with a balanced budget.

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

Currently the County operates under a balanced budget. The County share of your property tax bill is less than 2%, and we have not raised the County’s share of your property tax bill levy in over a decade. We have a healthy reserve, and receive significant sales tax income. I would like to see the County continue on this same path, not raising taxes and continuing prudent budgeting, meeting current needs while planning for the future.

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

The world is changing constantly and so are the transit requirements of our citizens here in DuPage County. As chair of the Transportation Committee we recently instituted a ride share program utilizing Uber to serve the Hinsdale Lake Terrace area which is a transit desert, not served by PACE bus service or Metra. Demand for this pilot service has been very high. I would like to see this program expanded to other areas of DuPage to help people get to work, medical appointments, and educational opportunities. Funding this type of program will require re-tooling of scarce public transportation funds, but I would welcome the opportunity to work with PACE and Metra to re-examine transportation use and see that more state and federal funding is allocated to DuPage.

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

I personally have a good working relationship with our Board members across the aisle. While occasional conflicts develop, this current Board generally respects and listens to other viewpoints, and I sincerely believe the Board generally acts (and votes) in a way that helps all our residents. Every two years the make up of the Board changes, and I plan to continue as I’ve started, respectfully working with everyone.

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

County Board salaries were frozen for over a decade. In 2024 six member positions received a 2% increase, and in 2026 the other 12 positions received the same increase. Considering how long the salary was frozen I think this is a reasonable increase. However, increases are slated for 2028 and 2029; as our residents pay more for basic items like gas and food every week I think we need to re-examine these further increases. Also I’m still more than willing to discuss reducing the size of this Board.

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

The most important issue facing my district, the County, and the Country is the rapidly escalating cost of living, especially since the start of the war with Iran. During COVID thanks to world-wide supply chain disruption and shortages, prices increased significantly; just when we had started to recover here we find ourselves in the same situation. The best way County government can address this crisis is to continue to use our resources responsibly and frugally, with special emphasis on helping our food and housing insecure constituents.