January 4, 2023
In this Issue: New Year, New Beginnings, New Lake Dems Weekly Update ● Lake County Has a New State Senator! ● Daily Herald Names Lake County Dems Suburban History Makers of 2022 ● Volunteer Spotlight ● In Case You Missed It ● Upcoming Events Below
.
.
New Year, New Beginnings, New “Lake Dems Weekly Update”
In keeping with the spirit of the New Year holiday and new beginnings, we are excited to announce that we have rebranded and renamed the Lake County Democrats’ weekly newsletter. News, Notes & Events will now come to you as the Lake Dems Weekly Update.
We feel that our new name reflects what our publication is more accurately than the old name did. Every week we UPDATE our subscribers with items of interest to all Lake County Democrats. These items include articles related to countywide, statewide, and national political news; profiles of our amazing Democratic candidates and elected officials; and photos and details of recent events from across the county.
We shine a spotlight on our amazing volunteers and in our “In Case You Missed It” (ICYMI) section, we provide links to items you may not have seen from other publications or news outlets. In addition, and in response to your requests, we publish a comprehensive list of upcoming events that you might want to attend.
In short, we want to provide you with a source of information you’ll be glad to have–all in a compact package–not just another email. So look for the Lake Dems Weekly Update most Wednesdays, and let us know if you’d like to join our all-volunteer team.
To quote Oprah Winfrey, “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
–Lake Dems Weekly Update Team
.
Lake County Has a New State Senator!
Terry Hall, D-Gurnee, is sworn in by Appellate Court Justice Chris Kennedy as the new Illinois State Senator representing the 31st District as the Chair of the Lake County Democrats, Lauren Beth Gash and Lake Villa Township Democratic Chair Kasia Kondracki look on.
.
Gurnee resident Terry Hall was appointed this week to the State Senate seat formerly held by Melinda Bush. The Legislative Committee of the 31st Senate District, who by Illinois statute is required to fill such vacancies, voted unanimously to appoint Hall to the seat during a public meeting in Gurnee where 10 applicants presented their qualifications. The Committee is composed of Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash, Warren Township Democratic Chair Jim Neel, and Lake Villa Township Democratic Chair Kasia Kondracki.
Senator Bush submitted an official letter of resignation effective December 31, 2022. Her resignation created a vacancy in the 31st District State Senate seat she held. By state law, the replacement must be of the same political party as the person being replaced. Hall will serve until the next legislature is sworn in (scheduled for January 11, 2023) when Senator-elect Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, takes her seat in the new General Assembly.
Lauren Beth Gash, Chair of the Lake County Democrats, said that incoming 31st District State Senator Mary Edly-Allen was ineligible to be appointed to this position. The law requires that the appointee be at least 18 years old and live in the district. While Edly-Allen lives in the newly-drawn 31st District her home is not in the current (pre-redistricting) 31st District which will be in effect until January 11th.
Although legally the seat could remain vacant until the new legislature is sworn in, Gash said, “Since the current State Senate is now in session and significant votes, like the assault weapons ban and reproductive rights, are expected to be called, the constituents of the 31st Senate District deserve a Senator who is able to cast votes that reflect their values. The Committee was impressed by the quality of all of the applicants. As I stated during the meeting, we wished we could appoint every one of the applicants. We are grateful that there are so many outstanding and accomplished Democratic leaders to choose from. Terry is a great choice and I know that she will serve us well.”
Terry Hall is a CPA, has served 12 years on her local school board, and is a long-time community volunteer. She has served in significant professional leadership roles in her field and has extensive experience working with local, state, and federal elected officials in various capacities.
“Sensible gun control is one of the most important issues facing Illinois and our whole country,” Hall told the Lake County News-Sun. “Saving lives by getting dangerous guns off the streets is the right thing to do. If I am instrumental in passing of an assault weapons ban, I will be incredibly proud and count my short tenure as time well-spent.”
.
Applicants for the State Senate seat give their presentations of qualifications to the 31st District Legislative Committee and the public.
.
Terry Hall signs the Oath of Office to become a State Senator as Lake County Democrats Chair Lauren Beth Gash witnesses.
.
Daily Herald Names Lake County Dems Suburban History Makers of 2022
History-makers of the year include 23-year-old Palatine native Nabeela Syed, who became the first Indian American woman and one of the first Muslims to be elected to the General Assembly. Syed, who lives in Inverness, will represent the 51st State House District. (Credit Daily Herald)
.
Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega of Grayslake is the first Latino and openly gay person to hold a countywide office.
.
Justice Elizabeth Rochford was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in November. The Supreme Court for the first time has a majority of women by a 5-2 count.
.
Democrat Esiah Campos is the first Latino on the Lake County Board, representing District 16. (Credit Daily Herald)
.
Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers:
Quenton Galvin is a longtime Democratic volunteer and Warren Township Precinct Committeeperson. He helps candidates by notarizing and vetting their petitions. He regularly uses his talents as a photographer to promote candidates and capture events. Among other things, he creates and maintains websites and manages social media for candidates and Democratic causes.
.
In Case You Missed It
10 New Illinois Laws Taking Effect in 2023
Kevin McCarthy loses a sixth vote as the GOP struggles to agree on a leader
.
Upcoming Events
Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. To submit your event for consideration, click here.
THURSDAY, JAN. 5
Sex Trafficking Film Premier, “Lost N Found”. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm, Waukegan. More.
SATURDAY, JAN. 7
July 4th Mass Shooting Aftermath: Facing Adversity Together. 10:30am, Highland Park. More.
MONDAY, JAN. 9
Antioch & Grant Township Democrats Monthly Membership Meeting. 6:30-7:30pm, Lake Villa. More.
.
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 or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
.
