REDISTRICTING IN LAKE COUNTY, IL: Letter to Reapportionment Committee

May 3, 2011

Lake County Board Members and Reapportionment Committee:

On a national, state, and local level, the League of Women Voters considers the redistricting process of paramount importance and one critical to democracy.

The League of Women Voters of Lake County was pleased with the Lake County Board's outreach to it and two other organizations: NAACP and MALDEF. However, given the impact that the results of this process will have over the next 10 years, we are disappointed with the Board's attempt to make its work transparent.

We encourage the Committee to engage in: more outreach, more communication with the public, and providing more opportunity for public input into the process.

There is very little redistricting information on the County's web site. Considering its importance, the Committee's redistricting work should be more visible and prominent on the web site and include regular status reports and notice of upcoming meetings. We also suggest newspapers and other media be made aware of your schedule, purpose, and locations of future meetings.

While the demographer and lawyer were introduced at your last meeting, we would like to see more information about them made available to the public. Who are they? Do they have any political connections?

The demographer was the same one who drew the maps ten years ago, when the County was sued. What did he learn, what will he do differently? We would like to see more information about the people actively involved in the map drawing.

We were satisfied that the Committee voted to reduce the number of districts to 21. Since 1989 the League of Women Voters of Lake County has supported the idea of fewer districts. There was some implication that as two commissioners were retiring, the reduced number of districts could be easier to draw as their districts will be enclosed with others. This information is irrelevant to the approach the demographer should take.

During the meeting, Committee members often referred to districts by the name of the current commissioner. We would like to be assured that was only meant as a way to refer to a district, rather than using its district number. The demographer should not start the process with the current districts and move the lines according to the population changes. He should start by dividing the county into 21 equal-sized districts and then move the lines according to population, community of interest, and other criteria. This may result in some new districts without a current commissioner residing within the new lines. We must remember that the districts are to be drawn for the voter to choose representation and not to protect a commissioner's job.

We suggest there be a number of meetings/hearings at different locations throughout Lake County, both during the day and evening so more people can be informed and involved. Residents, organizations, and public officials may want to view and comment on any proposed maps. As there was standing-room-only at the last meeting, a larger room is needed for Waukegan meetings.

Kane County has posted a draft map to the internet. Lake County should consider the same.

The League looks forward to working with the Committee and other interested parties in providing the best possible outcome for the residents of Lake County.

Sincerely,

League of Women Voters - Lake County

LWV MEMBERS MEET WITH CONGRESSMAN ROBERT DOLD

LWV MEMBERS MEET WITH CONGRESSMAN ROBERT DOLD

On Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 1 p.m., representatives from 10 different Leagues in the 10th Congressional District met with U.S. Rep. Robert Dold. The meeting was chaired by Joan Kaltsas, League of Women Voters - Lake County. Ms. Kaltsas explained that the League of Women Voters is a large organization, in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Hong Kong and that there are 44 Leagues in Illinois. She said that we are non‐partisan, and advocate positions on issues but do not support specific candidates. The 15 League representatives then introduced themselves.

Dold Introduces Himself and states his priorities

Congressman Dold described himself as owner of a family business in pest management who grew up in this district. He has been a scoutmaster for 11 years and is an Eagle Scout himself. Congressman Dold's priorities are Great Lakes protection, human rights, jobs and the economy, and reducing federal spending. Along with Democratic Rep. Lipinski, he introduced the Great Lakes Water Protection Act. It was referred to the Transportation Infrastructure Committee. It is also supported by U.S. Senators Kirk and Durbin.

Dold on Human Rights, the Economy, Spending Reduction

On human rights, he introduced bills supporting the Bahais in Iran and recognizing the Armenian genocide. On jobs and the economy, he supports pro‐growth strategies for the private sector, not government. He works with the nine Democratic freshmen on this, as well as the 86 other Republican freshmen. He wants only smart regulation of business, not constraining regulations such as the 1099 requirement for small business. He supported repeal of this requirement. On spending reduction, Dold believes the Republican interests, e.g. in defense and agricultural subsidies, should be cut first, to show good faith to the Democrats. Every federal department should be cut except aid to Israel since it is our "only ally" in the Middle East. Dold believes overspending must be stopped by both parties "if the American dream is to come true for our children and grandchildren."

Dold on the Clean Air Act, Voting Rights, Transparency in Government

On the Clean Air Act, Dold said the EPA "fills a role" and that the carbon footprint must be reduced, but only in ways that don't put companies out of business. Some regulation is needed but it must pay off for business. He favors extension of the renewable energy tax credits due to expire in 2012. On voting rights, Dold favors making it easier to vote. A signature, not a picture, should be required to identify voters. On transparency, due to the Citizens United decision, he fears that shell corporations are cropping up to enable rich individuals to influence elections.

Dold on Civility in Discourse

On civility, i.e. partisan bickering, he seemed proud of working with Illinois Democrats (e.g. Gutierrez, Lipinski, etc.), the nine freshmen Democrats, and the "blue dog" Democrats on legislation. He said moderates like himself in Congress are rare due to redistricting that protects safe districts for both parties. He also said that independent voters determine elections, and they will swing to the other party if incumbents don't produce. When asked about dissension within the Republican party, he said that across‐the‐board cuts are needed but again, not in aid to Israel. This aid also must be audited to ensure that it doesn't go to terrorists (Hamas). He believes both parties are angry that the Administration didn't consult Congress before entering the conflict in Libya. He supported ending the Joint Strike Force Fighter program.

Dold on the Affordable Health Care Act

On the Affordable Health Care Act, he criticized the process by which it was written without Republican input more than the content. He said we need health care reform, citing that cost for health care in his company has risen 44% in a short period. He would replace/reform provisions rather than repeal it. He favors the pre‐existing conditions provision but wants malpractice reform and competition across state lines so that employers can purchase plans anywhere in the country.

Lake County Women’s Coalition Honors Local Area Women's Organization Founders

On March 26, 2011, The Lake County Women's Coalition (LCWC) celebrated Women's History Month with a brunch honoring founders of local area women's organizations. Held at State Bank of the Lakes in Grayslake, a near-capacity crowd feted 12 women, including League of Women Voters of Lake County board member, Sally Zeit. As women often wear many hats in life, each woman was humorously "crowned" by former coroner and LCWC founder Barbara Richardson with a hat that was in style duringthe era in which she served.

The other honorees were: Margaret Kaiser (AAUW Waukegan Area Branch and YWCA Lake County), Stephanie Sulthin (Altrusa International Lake County), Sue DeWulf (Aux Plaines Chapter 99s), Eleanor Luby (Beta Sigma Phi), Ann Hughes Johnson (GFWC 10th District), Virginia Blomquist (Waukegan Area Church Women United), Doris Devore (Waukegan Area Church Women United), Emily Rees Wilcox (Waukegan Area Church Women United), Virginia Fredrick (Women Interested in Government), Mary Leben (Women's Business Exchange).

Click here to read the Lake County News Sun article about the event.

Fall 2010 Candidate Forums

Grayslake High School Students preparing for forum (top)

8th Congressional District Candidates (bottom)

October 20,2010 forum

Lake County Clerk candidates (top)

Regional Superintendent of Schools candidates (bottom)

October 7 candidate forum

Candidate Forum at Grayslake High School, Wed., Oct. 20, 2010

Candidate Forum at Grayslake High School

On Wed., Oct. 20, 2010 the League of Women Voters of Lake County and Grayslake Community High School District 127 will hold a Forum with candidates running for the 8^th Congressional District, the 31^st State Senate, and the 62^nd State Representative.

There are three candidates running for the 8^th Congressional seat. Melissa Bean, the Democratic incumbent, will attend. Her Republican opponent Joe Walsh, who participated in the League's January Candidate Forum for the primary, also will attend. The third candidate to participate is Bill Scheurer for the Green Party. He has run against Bean previously.

The candidates for State Senate 31^st District are the Democratic incumbent Michael Bond and his opponent Suzi Schmidt. Currently Schmidt is the Lake County Board Chair. Her term does not expire until 2012. Both will participate.

The candidates for the 62^nd State Representative race are participating. They are Sandy Cole, the Republican incumbent, and her Democratic opponent Rich Voltair.

The forum will start promptly at 6:30 pm at the Grayslake Central High School, 400 N. Lake St., Grayslake.

Grayslake Honors and Advanced Placement Government students will play an active role in the forum. Social Studies Department teachers are pleased with the opportunity for students, after thoroughly researching pertinent topics at both the federal and state levels, to question candidates in person.

(additional contact – Tracey Landry, Social Studies Dept. Chair, Grayslake North H.S. 847-986-3100 ext 5604)

Candidate Forum in Waukegan on Thurs., Oct. 7, 2010

Candidate Forum in Waukegan


On Thurs., Oct 7, 2010, the League of Women Voters of Lake County and AAUW-Waukegan Area Branch are co-sponsoring a Candidate Forum. Candidates running for Lake County Board Member District #8, Lake County Sheriff, Clerk, and Regional School Superintendent are participating. Some of these are hotly contested races and candidates should be prepared to answer many questions from the audience.

The Forum will be held in Waukegan City Hall Council Chambers, at 100 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. Waukegan. It will begin at 6:00 p.m.

There are four candidates for the Lake County Board district #8. They are Kevin Gartley, Green party; Bill Durkin, Democrat; Keith Turner, Independent; and Gregory Flesher, a write-in.

Candidates running to lead various Lake County Departments are participating. The candidates for County Clerk are Willard Helander, Republican incumbent, and Laura Tomsky, Democrat. Mark Curran, Republican incumbent, is running for Sheriff again. Mr. Curran won the 2006 election as a Democrat but changed parties in 2008. His Democratic opponent is Douglas Roberts. Campaigning for Regional Superintendent are Roycealee Wood, Republican incumbent and Dan McDermott, Democrat.

Candidates for the 60th State Representative seat also were invited. Rita Mayfield has declined participating due to a scheduling conflict. Valerie De Vost, who is a write-in candidate, will briefly introduce herself and will be available to meet with voters.

Candidate Forum at Grayslake High School on Wed., Oct. 20, 2010

Candidate Forum at Grayslake High School

On Wed. Oct. 20, 2010 the League of Women Voters of Lake County and Grayslake Community High School District 127 will hold a Forum with candidates running for the 8th Congressional District, the 31st State Senate, and the 62nd State Representative.

There are three candidates running for the 8th Congressional seat. Melissa Bean, the Democratic incumbent, will attend. Her Republican opponent Joe Walsh, who participated in the League's January Candidate Forum for the primary, also will attend. The third candidate to participate is Bill Scheurer for the Green Party. He has run against Bean previously.

The candidates for State Senate 31st District are the Democratic incumbent Michael Bond and his opponent Suzi Schmidt. Currently Schmidt is the Lake County Board Chair. Her term does not expire until 2012. Both will participate.

The candidates for the 62nd State Representative race are participating. They are Sandy Cole, the Republican incumbent, and her Democratic opponent Rich Voltair.

The forum will start promptly at 6:30 pm at the Grayslake Central High School, 400 N. Lake St., Grayslake.

Grayslake Honors and Advanced Placement Government students will play an active role in the forum. Social Studies Department teachers are pleased with the opportunity for students, after thoroughly researching pertinent topics at both the federal and state levels, to question candidates in person.

(additional contact – Tracey Landry, Social Studies Dept. Chair, Grayslake North H.S. 847-986-3100 ext 5604)