As Mike Repay saw results coming in for the 3rd District Lake County Board of Commissioners race, he felt optimistic.
“It’s pretty seldom in Lake County that the race would change,” said Repay, a Democrat. “I feel really good about it, and I’m happy with the outcome so far.”
Repay had 62% of the votes, according to unofficial totals.
As he leads, Repay said he’s most excited about continuing work on the Lake County convention center and continuing infrastructure work in unincorporated parts of the county.
Repay was first elected as commissioner in November 2012. Before that role, he served as a member of the Lake County Council for two years.
Mark Davis / Post-Tribune
Mike Repay, D-Hammond.
Repay plans to continue work on countywide infrastructure and sewer projects, including adding sewage to areas that don’t have it.
“Aside from carrying out those projects, as a general approach, I am a natural problem solver, and being on the Board of Commissioners again will help me tackle more issues that come forward,” Repay told the Post-Tribune in September.
Although Kimberly Poland, a Republican, trailed in the race Tuesday evening, she said that she’s grateful for the opportunity to participate.
“I’ll continue to be an involved Republican in Lake County,” Poland said.
Poland wanted to run for commissioner because she believes there’s not a large enough representation of the Republican party in Lake County government. Prior to her campaign, Poland was a member of Hammond City Council from 2008 to 2011, where she said she was the lone Republican.
“I feel like I made a difference,” Poland told the Post-Tribune. “It was a real honor to get to serve the people.”
Poland on Tuesday said she plans to be involved with the Highland Republican Party and to volunteer throughout the county. She is also grateful for those who supported her campaign.
“We had a great time,” Poland said. “It’s been promising to get some numbers up in the Republican party, and I’m just proud that I got to do it.”
