3 Will County Board Democrats back Bertino-Tarrant for county executive

Three Democratic members of the Will County Board have endorsed state Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant as she runs to become the next county executive.

Majority Leader Mark Ferry, D-Plainfield, Ken Harris, D-Bolingbrook, and Tyler Marcum, D-Joliet, are the members supporting Bertino-Tarrant, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed longtime Executive Larry Walsh, according to a news release.

“Jennifer has been an excellent partner in helping ensure Will County government is working in tune with the needs of the people,” Harris said in the release. “We need someone who understands the importance of prioritizing taxpayer dollars and the necessary steps to guarantee government is efficient and effective. That leader is Jennifer.”

Ferry, who has served on the board since 2012, pointed to Bertino-Tarrant’s support of working families throughout her years in elected office.

“Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has fought to ensure workers receive a living wage and the opportunity to be successful,” Ferry said. “She has secured millions of dollars to improve our roads, bridges and highways which will continue to generate good paying jobs for years to come.”

Marcum cited Bertino-Tarrant’s service to the residents of the 49th Illinois Senate District, where she’s served since 2013.

“Jennifer and her office work incredibly hard to be easily accessible and transparent to constituents,” Marcum said. “She is constantly out and about in the community, listening to resident’s concerns and sharing information about government programs and services – I know Jennifer will bring that level of service to all of the people of Will County as our next county executive.”

Bertino-Tarrant is running against Nick Palmer, Walsh's chief of staff, for the Democratic nomination. Palmer also earned support from Will County Board members.

Nick Ficarello, the former Braidwood police chief, is running for the Republican nomination.

The Illinois primary election will be March 17, although early voting has started.