Carey Won't Seek Re-election, Throws Support Behind John Wylie

Pat Carey announced Wednesday that she won't seek re-election to Lake County Board District 6 next year and is instead throwing her support behind new candidate John Wylie of Grayslake.

Both Carey and Wylie released statements Wednesday.

"When my current term ends, I will have served 18 years in local government," said Carey, who was elected to the Lake County Board and the Lake County Forest Preserve District in 2008 and was re-elected in 2012. "I have truly enjoyed all of my experiences working at the County and municipal level. I look forward to my remaining time on the Board to continue work on key projects at both the County and Forest Preserve. However, at this point in my life, I have other interests I wish to pursue and will not seek another four year term in 2014."

Carey previously served for 12 years with the village of Grayslake, first as trustee and then as mayor. 

Wylie, an Illinois lawyer for nearly 30 years, is a former member of the board of directors at Prairie Crossing Charter School and is a longtime member of the Chicago Bar Association. The 10-year Grayslake resident and his wife, Patsy Welch, have one daughter.

"In Lake County, we continue to confront issues involving job creation and economic development, roads and transportation, and environmental protection," said Wylie. "We have been privileged in this district to be represented by Pat Carey, who has worked tirelessly and creatively in dealing with these issues. She has been a leader in our community and throughout the county in promoting economic growth and sustainability and protecting the environment, and ensuring that these goals have been accomplished in a fiscally responsible manner. I hope to follow in her footsteps, building on her legacy as a member of the board and on the Forest Preserve, and I am grateful for her endorsement of my candidacy."

Carey said she believes Wylie "will bring energy and knowledge to the board, focusing on fiscal responsibility, transportation, and economic development, while providing a strong voice in support of the environment."

Lake County Board District 6 includes Grayslake and Hainesville, along with parts of Round Lake Park and Round Lake Beach.