Endorsement: Hart for Lake County treasurer

Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart is competing against political newcomer David Peñaherrera to replace Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim.

Kim, who has been the Lake County treasurer since winning in 2018, is not seeking reelection. She unsuccessfully campaigned during the spring primary for Illinois comptroller.

Hart is running on her lengthy political resume and her position on the county board. The Lake Bluff Democrat was first elected to the board in 2012 and later elected to serve as board chair in 2018.

Her years of experience working with the county’s department heads, including the treasurer, and her connections to leaders locally and at the state level give her an edge.

Lake County has seen countywide positions go to Democrats by steadily increasing margins during midterm and general elections.

Peñaherrera, a Barrington Republican, is running on his conservative values, but distances himself from President Donald Trump saying he will negatively affect local Republican races. He has lived in Lake County since 2017 and is a loan officer by trade.

Peñaherrera said he entered politics because of affordability issues and says high costs are driving county residents away. He has criticized the county board for not practicing fiscal responsibility.

During Hart’s time as board chair, the county held the property tax levy flat for four years, launched the Ethics Commission, began recording meetings, and required those bidding for county work to disclose any campaign funds contributed to people in county government.

Hart views the treasurer’s job as a “new opportunity” to serve county residents, “managing county investments, safeguarding public funds, and ensuring transparent financial reporting.”

She is endorsed.