Republican Chuck Bartels captures convincing win for Lake County Board

Republican Chuck Bartels will be the next representative for the Lake County Board's 10th District.

Bartels, of Mundelein, defeated Democrat Mike Jennings to win a 4-year term in Tuesday's election. The 10th District includes parts of Mundelein, Round Lake Park, Wauconda, Hawthorn Woods and Long Grove, as well as nearby unincorporated areas.

Veteran incumbent Diana O'Kelly, a Mundelein Republican, isn't seeking re-election. She also serves as Fremont Township's supervisor.

"I'm not sure I can replace Diana O'Kelly, but I hope I can do a good job of serving her constituents."

With ballots in all 24 precincts counted, unofficial results showed Bartels topped Jennings by 7,613 votes to 4,156.

During the campaign, Bartels said he also wants to bring more businesses to Lake County and keep current businesses here and help those companies expand jobs.

In addition to jobs, Bartels said transportation, promoting Lake County's natural beauty and reducing the cost of government are among the issues on his agenda.

Bartels said Lake County towns are serving as good examples by sharing services to reduce costs. He said the county and local governments can work together in the effort as well.

Bartels claimed endorsements from dozens of local politicians and GOP leaders, including O'Kelly and other county board members.

Jennings, a retired firefighter from the Lake Zurich area, was not nearly as visible as Bartels on the campaign trail.

Jennings, who was appointed to run for the post by Democratic Party leaders after no candidate surfaced for the spring primary, said he wanted to be a voice for Lake County's taxpayers.

Neither man has ever held elected office.

Once he's sworn in, Bartels also will serve on the Lake County Forest Preserve District board, which consists of the same 21 members as the county board.