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Ken Lewellen, a 68-year-old retired resident of Kankakee, is campaigning for the County Board seat in District 14 with a platform focused on job creation, fiscal restraint and protecting local farmland. With decades of volunteer service on school, park and historical boards, Lewellen argues his experience positions him to address economic and community needs facing Kankakee County today.
Background and community ties
Lewellen is retired and lists a long record of civic involvement: previous terms on the school board and park board, service with the Red Cross and credit union boards, and leadership roles with two historical societies. He also participates with regional conservation groups, including the Will County Forest Preserve and Lake County Parks.
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He graduated from Kankakee Community College and lives in Kankakee. Lewellen describes his primary personal role now as a caregiver and notes he has been married for more than 50 years. He has three children — two daughters remain active in work and volunteering in Kankakee County.
What he says he will focus on
Lewellen emphasizes practical outcomes rather than policy theory. He frames his top priorities as expanding local employment, keeping a close eye on county spending, and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community for residents of all ages.
- Jobs: attract businesses and reuse existing buildings where possible to increase employment.
- Fiscal oversight: maintain essential services while monitoring expenditures to avoid waste.
- Community wellbeing: improve supports for veterans and seniors and promote overall livability.
Land use and development
On the tension between development and agriculture, Lewellen says farmland should be preserved whenever feasible. He favors redevelopment of existing structures over converting productive fields, and is cautious about large-scale solar projects — suggesting they belong on land that is otherwise unsuitable for farming.
Those remarks highlight a broader concern in the county: balancing long-term economic growth with protection of agricultural assets that sustain local livelihoods.
Stance on elections, investment and legislation
Lewellen affirms his commitment to accepting election outcomes as part of democratic governance. When it comes to outside investment, he prefers strong local ownership but warns that state-level tax policy can push businesses away.
Asked about the proposed BUILD Act, he said the final legislation will determine its effects and expressed skepticism, comparing it to past laws he believes caused unintended consequences.
County engagement and oversight
Lewellen says he attends the regular board meetings consistently and joins subcommittees to stay informed; he missed a few sessions earlier this year due to his wife’s surgery but followed proceedings via Zoom.
He praises current elected and appointed officials for working within budget constraints while urging continued vigilance on spending decisions.
Strengths and weaknesses of Kankakee County
Lewellen points to the county’s natural and human assets — the river, fertile farmland and local residents — as core strengths. At the same time, he warns the area faces declining business activity and population pressures tied to affordability.
He also calls for improved services for veterans and seniors, describing better care for these groups as an urgent local responsibility.
Key details at a glance:
- Office sought: County Board, District 14
- Age: 68
- Occupation: Retired
- Previous public service: School Board, Park Board
- Community roles: Red Cross, credit union and historical society boards; regional parks involvement
- Education: Kankakee Community College
- Campaign website: none listed
