Jim Hart - County Board - District D (Incumbent)
Contact:
Jim Hart
815-267-1527
Link to video LWV Meet and Greet Introduction, (2 minutes), January 30, 2024
My name is Jim Hart, and I’m running for reelection to the County Board in District D. I was born and raised in Illinois and have lived in Freeport for over 10 years. My wife and I moved here so she could teach special education at FSD 145. We have been married for 38 years and have two adult children.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Lewis University and recently graduated from the University of Illinois' Extension Leadership Academy. I spent my career in commercial insurance and risk management. I was a vice president and officer at the largest such company in the world, and eventually left to found my own firm. I was subsequently a partner in a regional brokerage firm and went on to form two additional companies. As a young man, I worked for an insurance company owned by the Illinois Farm Bureau, of which I am still a member to this day. My well-rounded business experience has given me a good starting point for serving you on the County Board.
Despite my personal success, my path in life has not always easy. I grew up very poor, and had to overcome numerous obstacles to escape that life, put myself through school, and become a successful businessman and entrepreneur. Throughout that period of my life and continuing to today, I have done everything I can to stay grounded. I have been very fortunate, and many people aren’t as lucky. Because of this, I give back whenever I can. I’m always willing to lend my neighbors and community a helping hand whenever it’s needed. I am a supporter of the Humane Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Salvation Army.
I’m running for reelection so I can continue being a responsible, common-sense leader in Stephenson County. We need people in office who are open-minded, look at both sides of issues, and don’t just blindly follow party doctrine. I have been and will continue to be that County Board Member. I hope I will earn your vote on November 5th!
Jim Hart serves on the Court Services Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.
Issues and more
Walnut Acres Nursing Home
My passion is keeping Walnut Acres open and publicly owned. I have stood against attempts by some of my colleagues to sell the nursing home. This includes the revelation that County leaders misled the public for months about Walnut Acres being for sale which artificially suppressed our census and cost the County thousands of dollars. Walnut Acres is not for sale, and I will continue to fight for its residents as long as I am on the County Board. This is essential for all of our residents and community. Walnut Acres has a professional management company now and is back in the black. If the Board supports our professional nursing home management company we will remain profitable while providing the best possible care for all of our families. Walnut Acres has the ability to be a profit center for the County in addition to an essential social service that attracts and retains residents.
Community Involvement
I host monthly community meetings for Stephenson County residents. These meetings often include guests, like my colleague, Bill Hadley. We review the upcoming County Board agenda, provide information to residents, and answer any questions you may have. Moreover, we listen to your opinions, concerns, and ideas. We usually meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6 pm, at St. John United Church of Christ. These meetings are open to all.
Transparency and Accountability
Due to my background in risk management, commercial insurance, and years of business experience, I pay close attention to Stephenson County’s insurance premiums, exposures to loss, and financial well-being. Last year, I discovered that the County was not properly and competitively managing our insurance programs and competitively bidding our insurance as required by both state law and our fiduciary duty to our citizens and taxpayers. These premiums are millions of dollars annually. This is a huge amount of money for a small county like ours and a very large percentage of our annual budget. It is our job to make certain we are properly protected at the lowest cost to the taxpayers.
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