LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, visited the Radical Roots Organic Farm in Libertyville on Earth Day to learn about their conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and nutrient pollution.

“The opportunity to tour a local farm and learn about their initiatives to care for the soil while harvesting organic products helps me learn how I can help support local sustainable, forward-thinking businesses in our community,” said Edly-Allen. “The efforts of local farms are a reminder that our contributions and work as a community today have long-lasting effects for tomorrow.”

To advocate for environmental wellness Edly-Allen is hosting her Environmental Issues Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Thursday, April 25 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center, located at 135 W. Church St. in Libertyville. In addition to her committee on Environmental Issues, Edly-Allen will also form committees focused on healthcare, senior citizens, women’s issues, economic development, public safety, opioid abuse, and veterans’ issues.

“As a member of the House Energy and Environment Committee, I strive to work towards the state’s goals that will create good paying jobs right here in Illinois,” said Edly-Allen. “I invite anyone interested in learning about these issues and how they affect our community to join my Environmental Issues Citizens Advisory Council.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To provide more transparency and an additional layer of accountability to local governments, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, co-sponsored legislation to allow for the removal of a Lake County Board Chairperson.

“Like most counties in Illinois, in Lake County the county board chairperson is chosen by the members of the county board and not directly elected to that leadership position by the people,” said Edly-Allen. “This legislation creates a process by which members of the county board can vote to remove and replace the chairperson they have chosen.”

Edly-Allen co-sponsored House Bill 3593, which recently passed the House unanimously. The measure allows a county board to vote to remove a county board chairperson with a four-fifths majority vote. The law would not apply in the 9 counties where the county board chairperson is directly elected by the voters rather than chosen by the members of the county board.  

Last year, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor took an extended leave of absence amid allegations of misuse of a government-issued credit card. The Lake County Board did not have the authority under state law to appoint a different board member as chairperson in his absence, creating a vacancy that could not legally be filled. House Bill 3593 additionally grants county boards the ability to appoint a new chairman in cases of a vacancy of office.

“When a public official abuses their power and misuses taxpayer funds, it undermines the taxpayers’ ability to trust their county government and limits the ability of the county government to do the work of the people.” Edly-Allen added. “As we’ve seen firsthand in Lake County, it’s important to have this added layer of accountability to ensure that the board chairperson can be replaced in extenuating circumstances involving mismanagement and abuse of power.”

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Outraged by the deaths of three state troopers on Illinois roadways this year, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, is promoting April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month and reminding drivers to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles and emergency personnel.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our families and communities safe,” Edly-Allen said. “Motorists must drive responsibly and thoughtfully so that our police, firefighters, and other first responders return home to their families after work each day.”

Since the beginning of the year, 16 Illinois State Police vehicles have been struck and three troopers have lost their lives. Edly-Allen is urging drivers to adhere to the state’s “Move Over” law which requires drivers to change lanes and reduce speed if they see emergency vehicles on the roadside. In addition, Edly Allen is reminding residents that everything from cellphones to dashboard computers can serve as a distraction and take drivers attention off of the road.

“These tragedies are entirely preventable and are occurring because reckless drivers continue to make dangerous choices,” Edly-Allen said. “It only takes a split second off a motorist taking their eyes off the road to change someone’s life forever. No call, text, email or picture is worth putting someone in danger.”