PENNINGTON, RUECKERT, SHESTOKAS SECURE REPUBLICAN BALLOT POSITION FOR MWRD BOARD

L to R: Michelle Pennington, Tim Rueckert, Jill Shestokas

Frivolous objection withdrawn, giving Cook County voters a choice

CHICAGO — Republican candidates Michelle Pennington, Timothy Rueckert and Jill Shestokas officially launched their campaigns Monday for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Board of Commissioners after a politically motivated objection to their candidacies was withdrawn, securing their place on the Nov. 3 ballot.

“These candidates understand how critical MWRD is to protecting our water supply, improving water quality and reducing destructive flooding,” Cook County Republican Party Chairman Terry Carr said. “I am proud to have slated Michelle Pennington, Timothy Rueckert and Jill Shestokas, who will bring a wealth of expertise, public-service experience and fiscal responsibility to the board.”

Just two weeks after being elected Cook County Republican Chairman, Carr and his team recruited the candidates and slated them at a special meeting in McCook, Ill., on April 29. The slate filed 5,385 petition signatures, well over the minimum threshold for ballot access.

An objection was later filed by a Democratic operative and attorney from Edgewater, seizing on a scrivener’s error misstating the date of the slating meeting despite sworn statements and other evidence confirming the correct date. After attorney David Shestokas filed a brief detailing evidence showing the slating meeting occurred April 29, not May 29, the objector withdrew the complaint just 90 minutes before the evidentiary hearing.

“When candidates submit significantly more signatures than required by law — signatures gathered by more than 100 volunteers who believe voters deserve a choice — an objection that never even attempts to challenge those signatures is not about protecting election integrity,” said David Shestokas, an outspoken advocate for election and ballot integrity. “We did everything the process asked of us. We filed our affidavits and witness list on time. We showed up ready to prove our case. The objectors filed nothing, then waited until everyone was already on their way downtown to quietly withdraw rather than face a hearing they knew they would lose.

“Candidates and witnesses paid for parking they did not need to prove a case the objectors already knew they would not contest. If that is not an admission that the objection was never made in good faith, it is hard to know what would be.”

The result gives Cook County voters more than a choice, but an opportunity to see improved services with experienced board members who believe in MWRD’s mission providing oversight.

Pennington is Managing Director of Medill Partners, a real estate holding company and developer. She also has worked with nonprofits benefiting Chicago Public Schools and has been active in neighborhood organizations such as Friends of Holstein Park. She attended DePaul University, where she studied Economics.

“MWRD’s mission of protecting our water supply, improving water quality and reducing flooding is critically important,” Pennington said. “I also believe MWRD must ensure that not a penny of taxpayers’ money is wasted. Fiscal responsibility is especially critical because carrying out MWRD’s charge is so important.”

Rueckert was the Northfield Township Highway Commissioner for eight years. During his term, he secured grant money for several projects the Road District initiated in conjunction with MWRD, including flood mitigation at Citation Lake and Northbrook West, and continued drainage projects in the Central Road Drainage District in unincorporated Glenview. In addition to maintaining the township’s 23 miles of roads, Rueckert expanded an already popular recycling program for township residents that became the envy of neighboring townships. He and his wife also own a small business near their home in unincorporated Glenview. Rueckert is a former law enforcement agent for the Secretary of State’s Office, Illinois Gaming Board and Illinois Department of Revenue. He earned his Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance from Arizona State University.

“MWRD’s charge to protect our water and prevent flooding is very important to me,” Rueckert said. “Having worked on flood mitigation, first as a member of the Glenview Countryside Homeowner’s Association and then as highway commissioner, I understand how MWRD can work effectively with local, state and federal governments to protect our residents and our water.”

Jill Shestokas previously served as Public Affairs Manager for MWRD, providing nationally recognized, award-winning leadership in policy and legislative affairs and public education. Her work earned multiple national awards recognizing excellence in environmental education and public affairs. She holds a degree in Journalism and Human Ecology from the University of Maryland.

“Most Cook County residents do not think about the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District until heavy rains threaten their homes, streets begin to flood or beaches close after major storms,” Jill Shestokas said. “Yet every day this agency protects public health, improves water quality, reduces flooding and responsibly manages billions of taxpayer dollars in public infrastructure.

“I spent my career helping residents, legislators and local governments understand why MWRD’s work matters. As Commissioner, I will continue making sure taxpayers understand how their investment protects their families, their homes and their future. This agency deserves commissioners who understand its mission, communicate openly with the public and are committed to making it stronger for the people it serves — not treating it as a stepping stone to another office.”

The General Election is Nov. 3, 2026. Countywide early voting begins Oct. 19.

L to R: Jill Shestokas, Michelle Pennington, Tim Rueckert pose in the Cook County

Clerk's Office after confirming that they will be on the

November Republican ballot, running for MWRD positions