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Dear Neighbor,
It has been just over one year since I took office as your Lake County Board representative and Forest Preserve Commissioner and it has been a rewarding and incredible learning experience.
I am happy to say that everyone I work with is fully committed to ensuring that Lake County remains a great place to live and work. I am also inspired and impressed by the countless number of volunteers who give their time and energy to many different areas of our county, whether it be working with our veterans, serving on a board or commission, cleaning up our rivers and streams, or other projects. If you are interested in giving your time, you can contact me or click here for a listing of just some of the volunteer opportunities.
Listed below are just some of the things accomplished by Lake County government in 2013, as well as some initiatives that are in process. If you would like more information on any of the following, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
- Approved the 2014 balanced budget, which is $10 million less than five years ago
- Transportation: Kicked off the largest year of road work in the history of Lake County, including the following multi-million projects, funded through grants and 1/4% sales tax:
- Route 53/120: The Tollway's feasibility analysis is anticipated to be complete in early 2015. While this effort will not determine the exact location and configuration of the route nor a construction timeline, it may provide a foundation for future design and construction efforts.
- Courthouse expansion project: This new 9-story courthouse is designed to increase the efficiency of the justice system and support growth to 2030 and beyond. The County planned and saved for this project, paying for it with 30% cash and bonding the balance.
- Creation of a foreclosure mediation program by the 19th Judicial Circuit Court and HUD
- Established a Buy Local program, aiming to connect Lake County businesses with government procurement opportunities. Lake County government invests $186 million/year on goods and services.
- Expanded our shared services and joint contracting with other local governments, saving money and resources. Some examples are bulk purchases on paper and salt, and contracts for law enforcement, plan reviews, inspections, etc.
- Amended ordinance to allow the keeping of bees, hens, and hoophouses on residential properties in unincorporated areas, promoting local sustainability.
- Approved funding for Director of Sustainability position which will help ensure that Lake County is doing our part to lessen our environmental impact.
- Partnered with Rosalind Franklin to enable our severely mentally ill clients in the criminal courts system to see a doctor much faster, stabilizing mental health issues and reducing recidivism
- Lake County's Circuit Court Office now gives the public online access to certain criminal, civil, and traffic public records and allows people to register online to file pleadings, complaints and motions.
- Provided over 1,000 residents unemployed and dislocated residents occupational training through Workforce Development
- Provided summer employment to over 700 low-income residents through the Summer Youth Program
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