New Lake County Board chairman tackles host of challenges

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"Every week, every day, there is something new happening," says Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman, who took on the role in December. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

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Updated: June 23, 2011 1:18PM

David Stolman has long been a familiar face on the Lake County Board, but in his first six months as board chairman, he’s taken on a much more active role in the day-to-day operations of the county.

Since taking over as chairman last December, Stolman and the board have faced a host of issues and challenges, including redistricting county board districts, finding a replacement for the coroner, considering a controversial plan to privatize Winchester House nursing home, and working to attract new businesses to the county in tough economic times.

“I devote full time and my best effort to the job and I mean that,” said Stolman. “When I invest myself into something, I jump right into it. There’s so much to do. The goal is to make everybody’s life a little better.”

Stolman, R-20th, of Buffalo Grove has served on the County Board since 1992, making him one of the longest-serving members. Stolman seems to revel in his new role as chairman but admits he is working harder than ever before. He jokes that’s been putting in “29-hour days, 19 days a week” since becoming chairman.

“Every week, every day, there is something new happening,” said Stolman. “It’s already been six months. The time has passed so quickly.”

Certainly, much has happened since Stolman’s been chairman. Less than three months into the job, Stolman was confronted with an unexpected decision when Coroner Richard Keller was convicted of felony charges in connection with his former role as director of a Waukegan methadone clinic and was forced to resign. Stolman appointed former Waukegan police chief Artis Yancey as Keller’s replacement.

Stolman has shown he has not been afraid to tackle difficult and sometimes controversial issues as chairman. He appointed a bipartisan committee to look at redistricting and has proposed a new redistricting plan for the County Board that would eliminate two board districts and also slightly reduce board salaries starting in 2013-2014.

Stolman said given the economy and the fact many residents are out of work, he believes it’s important for the County Board to set an example by attempting to reduce its own costs.

“We’re looking to save money wherever we can,” he said. “It’s just the right thing to do.”

In another effort to reduce expenses, the board is also currently considering a plan to privatize operations and management of the county’s Winchester House nursing home in Libertyville.

Stolman said given that the county is proposing to build a new nursing home the board felt it was the right time to explore privatization more seriously, while still maintaining county oversight and a commitment to resident care.

“We’re not looking to reduce patient services,” said Stolman. “We’re not going to close the institution and we’re not going to let patients fend for themselves. We’re going to protect everybody as best we can.”

On transportation, Stolman has long been a proponent of the extension of Illinois Route 53 into Lake County. He believes the new roadway would spur economic development and improve traffic flow in the western portion of the county and could be built in a way that would be sensitive to environmental concerns.

Stolman said he’s planning to organize a meeting in the near future with tollway officials, area legislators, county officials and community leaders to discuss the possibility of a new Route 53 roadway that would connect up with a proposed four-lane Route 120 bypass near Grayslake.

Former board chairman Suzi Schmidt, who is now a Republican state senator for the 31st District, believes Stolman deserves high marks for his first six months as chairman.

Schmidt said Stolman’s many years of experience on the board are an asset as chairman because he’s familiar with the key issues facing the county. Schmidt said she’s in frequent communication with Stolman on legislative matters and she knows Stolman has been attending many different community functions throughout the county to get input from residents and business leaders on different issues.

“I know he’s everywhere,” Schmidt said. “He’s very active in community events, which is something I did for years so I know how important that is. People like to see their chairman around.”