Martini seeks return to Lake County Board
Former Lake County Board member Judy Martini said she'll run for the 5th District seat that will be vacated next year by veteran Bonnie Thomson Carter.
"I am excited at the opportunity to represent District 5 and I know that I can provide the effective leadership this area deserves from day one," Martini said. "I will not need any on-the-job training and can hit the ground running to represent the needs of our area and our residents."
Martini, 63, a Fox Lake Republican, intends to run in the March 2016 GOP primary for the post. The 5th District includes Fox Lake, Lakemoor, Volo and parts of Round Lake, Wauconda, Antioch and Lake Villa.
Martini served on the county board from 1994 to 2008, representing the 1st District. Her tenure included a stint as the board's vice chairman.
She retired from the board to take care of some personal issues.
Martini lived in Antioch when she was on the county board. She moved to Kentucky in 2012 and returned to Lake County last fall.
"I missed Illinois so much," she said. "Once you move away, there's no place like home."
Martini now serves on Fox Lake's planning commission and is a commissioner with the Lake County Housing Authority.
Carter, an Ingleside Republican, is stepping down after 20 years on the job. She simultaneously served on the Lake County Forest Preserve District Board, an agency she led as president from 2002 to 2010.
Carter confirmed her plans to leave the board Monday, which led to Martini's announcement.
Martini is the first candidate, Republican or Democrat, to announce a campaign for the post.