A mayoral race in Waukegan that has featured sharp disagreement over a proposed casino will be settled in Tuesday’s election along with controversial issues about building a library in Vernon Hills and raising more money for schools.
A lower turnout at the polls is likely because a large number of voters–nearly 11,500–mailed absentee ballots by late Monday, Lake County Clerk Willard Helander said. Only 5,200 absentee ballots were returned in the 2001 election.
“I’m just stunned at how many people voted absentee,” Helander said. “It shows a concerted effort for people to get to vote before the polls are open.”
In Waukegan, acting Mayor Richard Hyde backs a proposal to bring a casino to Lakehurst Mall near the Tri-State Tollway. The casino would provide needed revenue and create jobs, says Hyde, a Democrat.
Dan Hirsch, his Republican opponent, says a casino would tarnish the city’s image.
Among the key school issues, Gurnee School District 56 is seeking for the third time a 50-cent increase in the maximum tax rate for its education fund to be phased in over three years. If approved, the owner of a $200,000 home would pay about $316 more in property taxes to help the district hire teachers, buy textbooks and enhance programs, officials said.
In the North Shore, New Trier High School District 203 is asking voters to approve a 41-cent increase in the maximum tax rate for its education fund. If approved, the owner of an $800,000 home would pay about $555 more a year in property taxes, district officials said.
Winnetka Elementary School District 36 seeks a 52-cent increase for every $100 of assessed valuation, which would generate about $4 million, officials said.
Without the tax increases, officials at both schools said they would lay off teachers, increase class sizes and cut programs.
Voters also will decide the fate of several municipal issues.
In Highwood, a referendum measure would give the city home-rule authority. If approved, it will likely pave the way for a sales tax increase to 7.5 percent from 6.5 percent.
Long Grove seeks to institute a village property tax to pay for its own police department. If the measure is approved, the owner of a $550,000 home would pay about $1,040 a year to generate the estimated $2.1 million needed to support a police force.
The polls will be open in Lake and Cook Counties from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lake County residents should contact the Lake County clerk’s office at 847-377-2410 to find out where to vote, or whether they are registered. Call 847-377-2328 with concerns about voting irregularities. Additional information is available at www.co.lake.il.us/cntyclk/.
North Shore voters living in Cook County should contact the Cook County clerk’s office at 312-603-0906 for more information on voting and polling locations. They can also check www.voterinfonet.com.
