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David Barkhausen

Updated: September 17, 2011 12:16AM

Newton announces: Lake County Board member Jim Newton of Lindenhurst announced Monday he will run to retain his District 3 seat next year. Newton, a Republican who was unanimously appointed in March to complete the term of state Sen. Suzi Schmidt, R-Lake Villa, after the former longtime board chairman was elected to the Legislature, voted last month to decrease the yearly salary for board members as the board established salary figures for the new board, which will take office in December 2012. Economic development remains the single most important goal in District 3 and across the county as unemployment and the recession continue to impact the quality of life for residents, he said. Prior to his appointment, Newton was an award-winning reporter in Lake County for more than 25 years, covering all levels of county government, from local municipalities to the County Board.

Barkhausen to run: David Barkhausen, 61, of Lake Bluff announced Monday his candidacy for the Lake County Board for the new 13th District, which stretches from Lake Bluff to the Great Lakes Naval Base, through parts of southern Gurnee and west to Gages Lake in central Lake County. No incumbent is seeking election to the 13th District. An attorney and independent financial consultant, Barkhausen said he represented the entire new district during 10 years of his 16-year tenure in the Legislature. He served one term in the House and then 14 years in the Senate from 1981 to 1997. Barkhausen said his top priority would be maintaining strict controls on county spending. “County government is the second largest item on our property tax bills after public schools,” Barkhausen said. “County Board members have an obligation to maintain the county’s strong fiscal position without adding to this burden.” Currently, Barkhausen serves as Shields Township clerk.

Sullivan award: The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has announced this year’s recipients of their “Champions of Free Enterprise” Awards for the 2010-11 legislative session. Among those selected was state Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein, for his continued advocacy for the interests of employers and businesses in Illinois. To be considered for the award, a legislator must maintain an 85 percent record of voting with what the Illinois Chamber considers to be their top legislative priorities in Springfield. Sullivan currently serves as the Republican spokesman on the House Consumer Protection Committee and a member of the House Revenue & Finance Committee.