Citing health, Adam Didech resigning from Lake County Board
Citing unspecified health issues, Lake County Board member Adam Didech announced his resignation Monday.
Didech, a Buffalo Grove Democrat, also is stepping down from the Lake County Forest Preserve District board. The two boards consist of the same 21 members.
"Unfortunately, my health has declined to the point where I can no longer serve," Didech said in a brief letter to county board Chairwoman Sandy Hart and forest district President Angelo Kyle. "I thank the people of the 20th District for the opportunity to represent them, and I wish my fellow Board Members all the best."
Didech's resignation will be effective Feb. 10 - the day before the next meetings of both boards.
Hart, a Lake Bluff Democrat, said she'll miss serving with Didech.
"He is a smart, kind, funny and caring person who I know will go on to do great things," she said. "I do understand, though, that his health must come first."
Didech was elected to the county board in November 2018, defeating Republican incumbent Sidney Mathias. His victory was part of a leftward shift that gave the Democratic Party majority control of the county board for the first time.
Didech - the younger brother of Democratic state Rep. Daniel Didech - has served on the county board's health and human services committee as well as its financial and administrative, legislative and rules committee.
On the forest district side, he's led the legislative committee and served on the planning, rules and diversity committees.
Didech has been a prominent voice at meetings. He was among the board members who opposed the extension of Route 53 into Lake County and advocated for its removal from the county's strategic plan.
He also was part of a successful push to record and televise all county board committee meetings, and he was among the board members who've supported strengthening their ethics rules.
County board member Paul Frank, a Highland Park Democrat, called Didech "a thoughtful and dedicated public servant."
"I hope someday he returns to public service, because he has a lot to offer," Frank said.
Board member Dick Barr, a Round Lake Beach Republican, was surprised by Didech's resignation.
"Member Didech took his role seriously and dedicated a lot of time and energy into his role," said Barr, who also was elected in 2018. "Many came into this role not understanding the time commitment and pressure involved, so I applaud member Didech putting his family and health as a priority."
Didech was elected to a 4-year term that expires in 2022. It'll be up to Hart to nominate a Democrat to replace Didech as the representative for the 20th District, which includes Buffalo Grove, part of Long Grove and nearby unincorporated areas.
The county board will vote on the nomination.