About Cherryl Strathmann

Why I am Running

Cherryl has been an activist all of her life, starting with the Equal Rights Amendment in 1973. She has served her community over the years, always looking for ways to make a difference. When Barack Obama started his campaign, Cherryl started by making phone calls from home. But when asked if she wanted to go to Iowa to knock on doors for the campaign, she asked her husband Carl to join her , and they were off. Together they knocked on doors in four states. They held phone banks in their home, sometimes with so many people, some were outside on the deck, or standing at the kitchen counter. When the successful campaign was over, they were looking for the next way to be involved.

Then Former Senator Mike Noland invited several constituents to lunch, Cherryl and Carl among them. The take away from that lunch was, to quote former speaker of the house, Tip O’Neill, “All Politics Is Local.” Thus began the next chapter. Carl was elected as a precinct committeeman, then elected as Chair of the Elgin township Democrats. Cherryl was given the designation as Wingman. Never interested in grabbing the spotlight, or making the headlines, Cherryl worked to facilitate monthly meetings, helping in any way she could. She opened her home again, this time to host the annual Ice Cream Social, and National Night Out.

For several years their driveway was where the float was built for the 4th of July parade. Her job in the parade was to make sure the people along the parade route stayed cool. This was accomplished by riding in the back of the truck pulling the float, and using Supershooter squirt guns to cool the crowds. It was great fun for everyone!

Then in the fall of 2019, Cherryl and Carl were talking to Senator Cristina Castro. They were looking for someone to run for Kane County Board, District 20, a seat once held by Senator Castro herself. The incumbent, Penny Wegman had decided to run for County Auditor, creating a vacancy. When asked by Senator Castro if she would run, Cherryl took a day to seriously consider if she wanted to step up in a whole new way. Never one to shy away from a challenge or a job that needed to be done, she said yes.

Cherryl has been a Master Gardener for Kane County through the University of Illinois Extension service since 2012. Many of the skills she has used in this capacity will serve her well as a Kane County Commissioner. Gardens like Communities need good planning, persistent care, troubleshooting and an understanding of what is needed to make all this happen, Including patience and adaptability when a ‘Plan B’ is necessary. A cooperative attitude, and the ability to work with others assures success, both in gardening and governing. She is committed to helping to improve our community. A community like a garden functions best when there is diversity.

Cherryl is planting seeds for a better Kane county. Kane County grows stronger with Cherryl.