Yesenia Jaycee Ochoa: 2022 candidate for Lake County Board District 16

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office sought: Lake County Board District 16

City: Round Lake Beach

Age: 42

Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Previous offices held: N/A

Q&A

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am a mom, a wife and small business owner and I know the needs of a diverse community like District 16. I am proud to be a strong voice advocating for my community. I am a long time volunteer for many organizations that support our residents. During the pandemic I delivered food and care packages to many community members I also provided technical support to small businesses to help them get grants to keep their businesses going. I am a servant by heart, and believe we need more and better representation in government for our community.

That is why I decided to run for the Lake County Board. I know what essential services that Lake County provides to our residents, and I want to ensure that the residents in my district are truly represented. I understand their needs and I will work hard to make sure they get support they need.

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?

My priorities as a Lake County Member will be to increase government transparency and accountability, to ensure fiscal responsibility, to improve roads and infrasctructure in District 16 and also to invest in our Forest Preserves. I will bring much needed representation and diversity experience and background to the Board. As a realtor in Lake County, I know first hand the challenges that our residents face finding quality and affordable housing. We need to encourage more investments in housing for our workforce and for seniors.

Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.

Lake County has worked hard to keep a balanced budget while still providing vital services to county residents throughout COVID pandemic. However, the support from the federal government (CARES, ARPA) will be ending but the increased needs for many programs will continue. High cost for food and rent along with the possibility of increased access to health care could be a challenge for years to come. Lake County government will need to be able to prioritize these essential support services for out community while still being mindful of its effect on taxpayers.

How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If it's adequate, explain why. If you think improvements are needed, delineate them.

The Lake County Board has increased transparency and accessibility in the past few years by recording all committee and board meetings. However, greater accessibility would be provided if these meetings had captions in both English and Spanish for residents who have hearing difficulty and for those whom English is not their first language.

What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?

To further accessibility and customer service for out residents, forms and documents should be available in different languages. I believe that the county should look into new technology that can provide immediate translations of documents and forms so that people understand what is provided to them. New technology can quickly translate documents into most any language allowing people to understand in their native language.