Kelly, Regovich vying for unexpired Lake County commissioner seat

Maureen Kelly and Richard Regovich will face each other for a Lake County commissioner seat — an unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2025 — in the Nov. 8 General Election.

Regovich secured the designation as the Republican nominee by defeating Morris Beverage III in the May 3 primary. Kelly, a Democrat, ran unopposed.

The winning candidate will begin serving in the role once the race’s results are certified locally and by the governor’s commission.

Commissioner John Plecnik, who was appointed to the board in February 2021, will vacate the unexpired seat as he is running for the full four-year-termed seat, previously held by Commissioner Ron Young, who retired in May. Plecnik is facing Democratic challenger Adam Dudziak.

Young’s seat is currently held by Commissioner Mark Tyler, who was appointed in late June to complete the term.

The position pays an annual salary of $98,563 for 2023, the Lake County Auditor’s Office confirmed.

According to the Lake County Elections Board, 162,265 people are eligible to vote in the race as of Oct. 20.

Here are some of the answers the candidates provided

in response to questionnaires sent to them by The News-Herald:

Maureen Kelly

If elected, Kelly plans to ensure all resources are available to law enforcement to continue keeping residents safe.

“I will work to protect families and seniors, and interact with all departments to reinforce goals that will benefit the community,” she wrote. “I will also tightly manage finances and make sure that tax dollars are put to work where they are needed most.

“I have solid leadership skills and a proven track record of sensible decisionmaking,” Kelly added.

Richard Regovich

If elected, Regovich noted he will work to keep residents

safe while attracting new businesses and allowing seniors to enjoy healthy lifestyles in the neighborhoods they love.

“We can do this by supporting our police and fire departments, developing training for a skilled workforce, and utilizing the latest technology,” he wrote. “We should work with all of the school systems, trade schools, and universities to give our young talent the skills to join the workforce here in Lake County.

“I have experience as a mayor, and a record of working well with others to serve the community,” Regovich added. “My ability to manage a budget and employees and my ability to manage during a crisis have been proven — I am a problem solver, and I will work to make Lake County a premier place to work, live and play.”