Lake County Gazette

Illinois 10th Congressional District candidate Jim Carris has expressed strong opposition to billboard messages along I-94. In an October 16 Facebook post, he said, "We must stand united in the fight against hate and ensure that such despicable displays are met with swift and resounding condemnation."

"I am deeply disturbed by the offensive billboard along Highway 94 that contains hate speech against Israel," said Carris, according to Facebook. "We need stronger leadership on this and so many other critical issues, yet Congressman Brad Schneider has been silent when it comes to quelling this rise in antisemitism. The time for inaction is over. We must stand united in the fight against hate and ensure that such despicable displays are met with swift and resounding condemnation."

According to an October 17 report from CBS News, the billboard is located near the Tri-State Tollway, between Lake Cook Road and Deerfield Road, near Northbrook. The billboard is owned by OutFront Media. Company representatives informed CBS that the messages appeared on October 16 and have since been removed. OutFront Media is currently investigating the incident.

Screenshot of Jim Carris' Oct. 6 Facebook post | Jim Carris for Congress Facebook page

Carris further elaborated in his Facebook post: "I am deeply disturbed by the offensive billboard along Highway that contains hate speech against Israel. This type of vile rhetoric must be condemned unilaterally and immediately. It has no place in our society, and it is not protected under the Constitution. This kind of hateful message not only harms our Jewish community but also further divides our nation," he wrote.

The Lake McHenry Scanner published a statement from OutFront Media on October 17 as part of its coverage of the billboard near Deerfield. OutFront Media acknowledged being aware of the incident where two of their billboards displayed what they described as "inappropriate and unapproved content" on October 16. "We take this matter very seriously. The copy, which was not approved or condoned by OUTFRONT or our advertisers, has been removed," said OutFront in its statement. The company also mentioned notifying local and national authorities about the incident.

Carris is a prominent figure in the local business community and a longtime resident of Lake County. His campaign website emphasizes his extensive business background rather than political experience, stating: "Jim has spent his life in business, not politics, practicing law, running his own company and as a corporate leader." He is an accomplished attorney serving as Managing Principal, Executive Managing Director, and Market Leader at Colliers International.