Kirkwood seeks full MWRD term on flood, water quality platform

Beth McElroy Kirkwood, a Democrat and sitting Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioner, is running for a full term on the district's board in the Nov. 3 general election. Three seats are on the ballot, and voters choose up to three candidates.

Kirkwood is one of six candidates in the race. The others are Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda (Democratic), Precious W. Brady-Davis (Democratic), Jill B. Shestokas (Republican), Michelle Pennington (Republican) and Timothy E. Rueckert (Republican), according to BallotReady.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic
Residence area: Orland Park
Education: Bachelor of arts in education, Benedictine University
Professional background: Certified English as a Second Language teacher at Orland School District 135 since 2009, according to her district biography and BallotReady
Appointed: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Kirkwood to fill a vacant board seat in December 2024, according to her district biography

Experience and public service

Kirkwood has held elected and civic roles in the south suburbs. She has served as chair and vice chair of the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees, according to her district biography. BallotReady lists her as a board member at Moraine Valley Community College District 524 since 2019.

She has also served on the Orland Park Zoning Board of Appeals, the Orland Park Open Lands Fund Commission and the Orland Park Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, according to her district biography and campaign website. Kirkwood said in her WTTW voters guide response that she has been a committeeperson at the Orland Township Democratic Organization since December 2021.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Kirkwood's responses to the WTTW voters guide for the 2026 primary. All statements reflect the candidate's own views.

Stormwater and flooding: Kirkwood said reducing sewage overflows requires continued investment in existing infrastructure combined with expanded green infrastructure. She listed permeable pavement, green alleys, rain gardens, bioswales, detention basins and green schoolyards as tools to capture water before it reaches combined sewers.

Water quality and public health: Kirkwood said the district can improve waterway conditions by reducing nutrient pollution, investing in modern treatment technologies and expanding green infrastructure that filters pollutants. She called for real-time water quality monitoring and clear public alerts.

Emerging contaminants: Kirkwood said the district plays a role in addressing emerging contaminants through nutrient reduction, treatment upgrades and advocacy for source control. She said she supports legislation such as extended producer responsibility and the PFAS TRUST Act.

Invasive species: Kirkwood said preventing invasive species is essential to protecting the Chicago Area Waterway System and Lake Michigan. She said the district should work with state and federal partners on monitoring and infrastructure solutions.

Infrastructure investment priorities: Kirkwood said she would prioritize investments that reduce flooding, improve water quality and advance equity. She listed expanding green infrastructure in communities with chronic flooding, modernizing treatment plants, investing in water reuse projects and advocating for state and federal funding.