Cook County property owners who pay into the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will choose three commissioners on Nov. 3. Democrat Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, a sitting commissioner, is seeking reelection to the board that oversees wastewater treatment and stormwater management across Cook County.
The district's decisions hit close to home. Its nine-member board sets policy on flood control, water quality and infrastructure spending that affects local tax bills and neighborhood drainage, including stormwater management along the North Branch of the Chicago River through Northfield and Glencoe.
The following profile is based on the candidate's public statements, MWRD board biography, BallotReady data and the candidate's responses to the WTTW Voters' Guide questionnaire. Policy positions reflect the candidate's own claims unless otherwise noted.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners (3 seats; voters choose up to 3)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Latino and Latin American studies and political science, DePaul University (2007); high school diploma, Driscoll College Prep High School
According to her district biography, Corral Sepúlveda is the first Latina elected to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board. She is also the youngest and first commissioner in recent history to come from the northwest suburbs of Cook County. She has described herself as a mother and the daughter of immigrants.
Experience and public service
Corral Sepúlveda has served as a district commissioner since 2020, according to BallotReady data. She previously served as clerk of Hanover Park from 2009 to 2021, a post she first won at age 23 as a single mother, according to her district biography.
She has also worked as a media relations and field coordinator at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, according to BallotReady. Her civic roles include membership on the Northwest Municipal Conference, the Illinois Census Commission and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Human Relations Committee. She has also served on the Metropolitan Mayors Conference Diversity Taskforce, according to her district biography.
On the issues
Water reuse and clean water: Corral Sepúlveda said she has advocated for the district to lead on water reuse policy. She said she worked with staff to help establish an Illinois chapter of the Water Reuse Association in 2023-2024 and supported the district's 2025 Water Reuse Resolution, which she said formalized the district's commitment to pursue water reuse strategies.
Contaminants and PFAS: The candidate said she has worked with legislators to support a "polluters pay" model that would hold manufacturers accountable for PFAS and other contaminants in consumer products. She also said she wants to reduce plastics and pharmaceuticals in waterways and expand the district's pharmaceutical takeback program through public engagement.
Flooding and green infrastructure: Corral Sepúlveda said she supports greater district investment in green infrastructure to protect neighborhoods from flooding as climate change increases storm risk. She said projects should prioritize equity across the region and engage local neighborhoods.
Equity and community engagement: The candidate said she advocates for equitable inclusion of diverse communities in infrastructure investments and economic opportunities at the district. She said she supports community-led planning and green job training to build local buy-in.
Endorsements
The following endorsements were claimed by the endorsers, according to BallotReady data:
- IUOE Local 150
- Illinois Sierra Club
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134
- Chicago Federation of Labour
- Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600
- Citizen Action Illinois
- Cook County Democrats
- Northside Democracy for America
The race
Five other candidates are certified for the ballot: Beth McElroy Kirkwood (Democratic), Precious W. Brady-Davis (Democratic), Jill B. Shestokas (Republican), Michelle Pennington (Republican) and Timothy E. Rueckert (Republican). Voters will select up to three candidates on Nov. 3.
