Lake Dems Weekly Update Newsletter (April 10, 2024)

A Democratic Eclipse in Lake County

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Wednesday, April 10, 2024

In this Issue: Lake County Democrats Eclipse Republicans ● Why I Became a Precinct Committeeperson ● Yes, Biden Can Brag About the Economy ● Democratic Countywide Elected Officials Are Working for Us! ● April is National Volunteer Month ● Lake Dems Attend Events ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events

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Lake County Democrats Eclipse Republicans

Congratulations to the more than 200 Lake County Democratic Precinct Committeepersons (PCs) elected in the March 19 primary. Our numbers totally eclipsed Republicans, as we elected almost 100 more committeepersons than they did.

 

Recently, each of our newly elected Democratic PCs received a letter of congratulations from Lauren Beth Gash, Chair of the 

Lake County Democrats. The mailing included examples of Lake Dems trifold brochures, and door-to-door handouts. It also explained some of the other resources that Lake Dems provides to PCs, including training about effective voter contact.

 

Although PCs are primarily responsible for voter contact in their precincts, we're always looking for help. Any Lake County Democrat is welcome to volunteer to canvass (knock on doors and/or drop off literature). It's also fun to walk through a neighborhood and knock on doors with a like-minded companion (we can pair you up with another volunteer).

 

This election season we Democrats must go all in, as our very democracy is at stake. We again congratulate our newly elected PCs. Lake Dems looks forward to working together with them to elect more Democrats.

 

Why I Became a Precinct Committeeperson

Written by Allison "AJ" Johnson, Lake Villa Township Precinct Committeeperson

Becoming a Precinct Committeeperson (PC) and active participant in the Democratic Party is a fulfilling endeavor for me, offering a direct pathway to engage in the political process and enact positive change. I have seized the opportunity to make a tangible impact in my neighborhood.

In my role as a PC, I serve as a crucial liaison between the Democratic Party and the community I represent. Advocating for the concerns and interests of my neighbors and fellow party members is not only a responsibility but also a privilege.

 

My position enables me to influence party platforms, endorse candidates aligned with our Democratic values, and rally voters to our cause. Witnessing the gradual shift from red to purple, and the potential for further progress towards a blue majority in western Lake County, is both inspiring and motivating.

 

Moreover, serving as a PC has provided invaluable networking opportunities. Interacting with like-minded individuals, party leaders, and elected officials has not only broadened my perspective but also opened doors to future endeavors in politics and public service.

 

For me, participating in the political process is not just a choice but a civic duty. It's a tangible way to contribute to the functioning of our democracy and effect positive change. Through my involvement as a PC, I actively fulfill this duty and strive to leave a lasting impact on my community.

 

Overall, being a PC offers a platform for meaningful civic engagement, community involvement, and grassroots political influence. It's an avenue through which individuals can play an active role in shaping the future of their community and our political landscape.

 

If you’re interested in making a difference and being “boots on the ground,” I encourage you to consider becoming a Precinct Committeeperson. You can initiate this journey by reaching out to Lake County Democrats at info@lakedems.org. Members of our team will be happy to talk to you about this opportunity.

 

Yes, Biden Can Brag About the Economy

The U.S. economy is now the envy of the world, going stronger, with less unemployment and inflation than any other developed country.

 

On Friday, the much-watched unemployment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the U.S. economy gained 303,000 jobs and the unemployment rate dropped from 3.9% to 3.8%. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.1%. Importantly, according to the Consumer Price Index released last month, wage gains have outpaced the average annual inflation rate for all items at 3.2%. 

 

According to Steve Rattner, economic analyst and former head of President Obama’s Auto Task Force, the unemployment rate is under 4% for the 26th consecutive month – the longest stretch at that level since the late 1960s.

 

A statement released by President Biden on Friday says, “With today’s report of 303,000 new jobs in March, we have passed the milestone of 15 million jobs created since I took office. That’s 15 million more people who have the dignity and respect that comes with a paycheck.”

 

Let’s keep up the good work, and re-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2024. 

 

Democratic Countywide Elected Officials Are Working for Us!

Do you know who your Democratic countywide officials are? Have you ever wondered what each office does and what services they provide? Here is a snapshot to answer these questions:

Lake County State’s Attorney, Eric Rinehart

 

As State’s Attorney, Eric Rinehart is fighting to make our beautiful county safer and fairer for all people — regardless of race, class, gender, or sexual orientation. Under his leadership, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to seeking justice with integrity; acting with empathy and compassion for victims and unwavering respect for the rights of the accused; working with our criminal justice partners to make our communities safer and fairer; and providing exceptional and professional legal representation to Lake County. The Lake County State's Attorney’s office is located at 18 N. County St., 3rd Floor, Waukegan, IL 60085. Phone: 847-377-3000. Email: statesattorney@lakecountyil.gov. Access State’s Attorney Rinehart’s monthly newsletters here: https://il-lakecountystateattorney.civicplus.com/271/Justice-For-All-Newsletter

Lake County Coroner, Jennifer Banek

 

The Lake County Coroner's Office mission is to conduct honest and independent death investigations based on the facts and evidence and to protect and serve those who have gone before us, their families, and the general public. Coroner Banek’s office also provides programs and services related to education and awareness, grief support, and organ donation. The office is located at 26 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085. Phone 847-377-2200. Email: LCCO@lakecountyil.gov. The Lake County Coroner's Office produces an annual report which can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4177/Annual-Reports.

Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein 

 

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official keeper of records for all judicial matters brought into the Circuit Court of Lake County. The Clerk’s Office maintains Waukegan, Mundelein, Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, and Park City locations. Click here for a full list of facilities and services provided or send an email to CircuitClerk@Lakecountyil.gov. Clerk of the Circuit Court news releases can be found here: https://www.lakecountycircuitclerk.org/news-releases.

Lake County Clerk, Anthony Vega

 

Our Lake County Clerk not only supervises our local and county elections, but also oversees the countywide systems for information and services related to vital records, including birth, marriage, and death, election information, property taxes, and other resources. The Clerk’s office is located at 18 N. County St., Waukegan, IL 60085. Phone: 847-377-2400. Sign up for Anthony Vega’s newsletter here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/467/Newsletters.

Lake County Sheriff, John Idleburg

 

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has the constitutional and statutory responsibility to enforce Illinois State statutes and County ordinances for unincorporated Lake County and contract communities including the Villages of Beach Park, Deer Park, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Mettawa, and Volo. Sheriff Idleburg and his staff maintain peace and order, arrest offenders, issue traffic citations, serve civil process, maintain the Lake County Adult Correctional facility, and provide security for the courts. The sheriff’s office is located at 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085. Phone 847-377-4000 or 847-549-5200 (non-business hours). Email: sheriff@lakecountyil.gov. Access Sheriff Idleburg’s press releases and newsletters here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4527/Newsletters.

Lake County Treasurer, Holly Kim


As your Treasurer, Holly Kim serves as the county's banker, responsible for the safekeeping and prudent investing of public funds. She is responsible for receiving and distributing the revenue and public monies of the county. Among her many duties, the county treasurer also serves as county collector of taxes and is responsible for the preparation of tax bills and the collection and distribution of property taxes. The Treasurer’s office is located at 18 N. County St., Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085. Phone 847-377-2323. Email treasurer@lakecountyil.gov. Subscribe to or read Holly Kim’s monthly newsletter here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/615/Newsletter-Email-Subscription

Dr. Michael Karner, Regional Superintendent of Schools


The Regional Superintendent of Schools exercises supervision and control over all school districts within the county. The Regional Superintendent works in cooperation with the Illinois State Board of Education and local districts in the region to initiate, refine, and fulfill both local and statewide directives. The Regional Superintendent visits public schools in the county noting such things as the methods of teaching, the textbooks used and the general condition of the school – this includes enforcing health and life safety standards. The Superintendent’s office is located at 300 Center Dr., Suite 100, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Phone: 847.543.7833. Email: mkarner@lake.k12.il.us. Subscribe to or read the Lake County Regional Office of Education newsletter here: https://www.lake.k12.il.us/

Lake County Dems will provide useful information for our Lake County Board members soon.

 

April is National Volunteer Month

 

Did you know that Lake County Democrats is volunteer-led and volunteer-driven? We depend on our volunteers to do all the fulfilling work that is required to elect Democrats.

 

We need more volunteer leaders!! Please click here to join this remarkable team of Democrats working to defeat right-wingers in 2024 and beyond.

 

Lake Dems Attend Events

We are grateful to our Democratic township organizations that send event photos to info@lakedems.org for sharing in our newsletter. Have an event coming up? Please click here to submit your event for posting on our website and in this publication.

Ela Dems Monthly Meeting with Eric Rinehart

Pictured above (center) is Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, who spoke at the Ela Dems monthly meeting.

 

Dan and Holly’s Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Things were definitely looking up for Lake Dems attending Holly Kim and Dan Didech’s Eclipse Viewing Party in Mundelein. Pictured above left are Congressman Brad Schneider, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, and Representative Dan Didech. Pictured above right with Holly Kim is Ela Library Board Trustee Alicia Timm.

 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Regional Office of Education Program is Named Top 10 Finalist in National Education Showcase

 

The Lake County Regional Office of Education’s Illinois Virtual Schools and Academy (IVSA) program under Dr. Michael Karner was announced as one of the Top 10 finalists in the 2024 Education Innovation Showcase. The IVSA was chosen as a Top 5 finalist in the impact category. The Education Innovation Showcase honors K-12 education system leaders advancing innovation in their community and fostering meaningful change. Congratulations and thank you to Dr. Karner and his team for your leadership!  Learn more.

Deadline for NAACP Lake County Scholarship Application is April 18, 2024. Download the application here.

 

 

Upcoming Events

WEDNESDAY, APR. 10

New Waukegan Precinct Committeepersons (PCs) Meet & Greet. 6:00pm, Waukegan. More.

 

SATURDAY APR. 13

Ela Township Democrats Spring Highway Cleanup. 10:00am, Hawthorn Woods. More.

 

WEDNESDAY APR. 17

Zion-Benton Senior Resource Expo. 9:00am, Zion. More.

 

2024 Future Outlook Conference on LGBTQ+ Youth. 9:00am, Joliet. More.

For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events. Click here to submit your event for consideration.

 

How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?

 

Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now (individual: $35/couples $60 - though more is always appreciated), or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.

Paid for by the Lake County Democrats (lakedems.org). A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board's official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois

 

Lake County Democrats
P.O. Box 671
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
United States

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