Politics
Republican Challengers Look To Break Democrats’ Lock on MWRD Board
Candidates for six-year terms on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Board of Commissioners (top row, from left): Eira Corral Sepúlveda, Precious Brady-Davis and Beth McElroy Kirkwood. Bottom row, from left: Michelle Pennington, Timothy Rueckert and Jill Shestokas. (Provided)
A trio of Republican challengers is looking to break Democrats’ hold on every commissioner seat on the board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, or MWRD. With polls now closed, will any of them manage to unseat an incumbent?
Six candidates — three Republicans and three Democratic incumbents — are vying to fill three available six-year terms. The top three vote-getters will win the seats.
The nine-member board is elected to staggered terms.
Incumbent Democrat Cameron “Cam” Davis is running unopposed to fill an unexpired two-year term on the board.
Democrats Eira Corral Sepúlveda, Precious Brady-Davis and Beth McElroy Kirkwood are all running to hold on to their seats.
Republican candidates are Michelle Pennington, Timothy Rueckert and Jill Shestokas.
The position of MWRD commissioner has become increasingly high profile as issues of stormwater management and wastewater treatment have gone mainstream.
Intense rainfalls have taxed the MWRD’s Deep Tunnel system to its current limit and left residents vulnerable to flooding. Meanwhile “forever chemicals” and other pollutants are challenging the capabilities of wastewater treatment plants not just in Chicago but across the country.
Candidates have promoted a variety of solutions, from the expansion of green infrastructure projects to the prioritization of prescription medication take-back events that will keep pharmaceuticals out of the wastewater stream.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
