Carolyn “Lyn” Campbell is working to keep more green in McHenry County
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We raised our three sons - now all adults - right here.
While they were growing up, I contributed to the community by volunteering in the local schools for many years. I then applied my appreciation of the natural world through several roles with the McHenry County Conservation District, monitoring District sites, participating in native plant seed collection efforts, and finally serving as a Trustee on the District’s board for almost five years.
As board members, we worked together in a non-partisan and fiscally responsible way to guide the District’s direction. And I worked hard to build and maintain community support for the District among McHenry County residents, business leaders, and government officials.
All of these experiences provided insight into opportunities and challenges associated with different aspects of life in McHenry County.
And, when combined with my professional work in public finance and administration, they provided the elements for a great fit when a vacancy on the McHenry County Board occurred earlier this year.
The Board recognized my hard work, collaborative approach, and commitment to McHenry County.
Two months later, here’s what the County Board Chairman had to say about me, my time on the Conservation District Board, and my performance as a McHenry County Board Member:
"The County Board is responsible for approving the Conservation District's annual budget, and as Chairman it is my job to nominate appointments to its Board of Trustees, which must be approved by the full County Board. We'll be doing that again shortly, as one of your former trustees, Carolyn Campbell, so impressed us that we selected her to fill a vacancy on our County Board."
"She's doing an excellent job.”
"I'll take this opportunity to thank the Board of Trustees for their hard work and dedication. They run a tight ship, and they do a great job of balancing their mission of environmental protection and education with fiscal prudence and the need to protect our taxpayers, especially in these challenging times."
"The McHenry County Conservation District comprises about two percent of McHenry County homeowners' property tax bill, and we get such tremendous value for a relatively nominal cost.
"The Conservation District's mission is a vital part of our mission as well - to ensure that McHenry County is the best place it can be for people to live, work, play, and start a business."
- From the McHenry County Board Chairman's Opening Remarks
Conservation Congress
McHenry County College
April 13, 2022
My Commitment
As your County Board Member, I’ll always work hard to keep more green in McHenry County.
That means I’ll take a leadership role and collaborate with my County Board colleagues to:
Create a vibrant, sustainable economy as a primary way to reduce our property tax burden
Promote manufacturing, industrial, and business development that’s relevant to local and regional markets
Encourage business practices that expand markets to a global scale
Provide educational and training opportunities that help our local workforce thrive
Support local business development of eco-cycle services
Promote our natural, agricultural, and cultural heritage as a revenue-producing destination economy
Partner with local and state agencies to expand tourism opportunities
Develop a viable, forward-looking transportation system to relieve congestion and enhance mobility for residents and visitors
Identify future trends to align road improvements with anticipated demand
Expand public transportation options to underserved areas
Enhance bike and pedestrian trails to reduce traffic volume and connect communities
Promote sustainability through development of electric vehicle infrastructure
Coordinate local and regional development with transportation system enhancements
Create supportive, safe, and healthy communities for families and workers
Enhance service coordination to improve prevention and treatment outcomes for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse
Build on efforts to train and re-equip displaced workers facing barriers to the labor market
Increase paratransit service levels to improve access to goods and services for individuals facing mobility challenges
Preserve our quality of life by protecting our natural, agricultural, and cultural resources
Develop sustainable management practices and public education programs to ensure access to fresh air and clean water
Protect natural areas and access to open space to promote improved mental and physical well-being
Encourage green infrastructure to reduce runoff, minimize flooding, and filter our drinking water
Promote policies that support local farms, preserve our agricultural heritage, and provide locally grown food for area restaurants and local consumption
Encourage opportunities and programs that make nature accessible to all
Support programs that connect area residents to the county’s cultural heritage
Carolyn Campbell has a long record of service to McHenry County
Current McHenry County Board Member
Planning, Environment and Development Committee
Law and Government/Liquor Committee
Emergency Management Agency Coordinating Council
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Professional/Community Organizations:
Board of Directors, McHenry County Conservation Foundation
Fox River Ecosystem Partnership Liaison (2018-2022); Executive Committee (2020-present)
Member of U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood’s Science, Technology, and Environment Advisory Council (2021-present)
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Environment Committee
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Member
Green Drinks International, McHenry County Chapter, Executive Committee
Friends of Hackmatack Member
Prior Work/Business Experience:
McHenry County Conservation District Trustee (2017-2022)
Local Government Professional in Finance and Administration
Registered Securities Representative with Non-Profit
Community Involvement:
McHenry County Conservation District - Volunteer (2008-2022)
School District 47 - Volunteer (13 years)
Cycling Without Age of McHenry County - Volunteer
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - completed after studying for two years at McHenry County College (which continues to be an excellent value for a great education!)
Two years full-time study at the graduate level in Public Administration, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Make a donation
Support Carolyn’s campaign for McHenry County Board
District 3
Or mail a check to:
Friends of Carolyn Campbell
P.O. Box 571
Crystal Lake, IL 60039