Friends,

My motivation to run for reelection is to continue to serve you and work hand in hand with you on important issues protecting your quality of life. I have a proven track record of working with residents and homeowner associations fighting special interest. Together we have challenged over-development that causes congested highways, crowded schools and increased taxes. We have teamed up to address issues of public health and protection of our natural resources. One of the most gratifying aspects of my job has been the people whom I have met while working on issues.

Since first being elected we have secured over $33,200,000 of transportation projects alone in District #5; acquired 3600 acres of open space for forest preserve land that otherwise would have been thousands of more homes; and added 6 new preserves such as Singing Hills, Marl Flat, Tanager Kames, Black Crown & Nippersink and our newest preserve in Wauconda Township.

We also secured over $11.3 million in funding for neighborhood projects such as: safe drinking water, affordable senior housing, protection of aquifers, fire suppression, flood reduction, water quality improvements and watershed planning. We also defeated 3 power plants that would have affected the water supply and air quality we all depend on.

We progressively worked to expand the use of school impact fees, allowing schools to not only buy land but to make capital improvements to existing school buildings. We were also successful in bringing the 4-year University Center to Lake County.

Since first being elected, the county budget remains balanced while lowering the tax rate every year plus we secured a AAA bond rating.

In looking towards the next term, my energy will be devoted to: bringing a hospital to District #5; continuing county road improvements; developing a water resource framework to meet current needs without compromising the opportunities of future generations to meet their needs; securing needed land for the Forest Preserve's millennium trail and purchasing additional open space.

A little progress has been made on school funding but much more needs to be done in Springfield. On average, Lake County receives just 7 cents of each property tax dollar while the schools average 68%. I will continue to fight that battle with you!

It has been a pleasure meeting you and a pleasure working with you on many of these projects. I look forward to continuing our work together.

Don't forget the 2008 Primary is now on February 5th!  Illinois House Bill 426 was signed June 20th, moving up Illinois' primary date for even-numbered years to the first Tuesday in February. Illinois' 2008 Primary Election will be held on February 5, six weeks earlier than usual. For more information on this change and early voting, click here.

It's an honor serving you. Thank you for your support.

Bonnie