DeKALB – With increasing crime rates and deteriorating housing hurting DeKalb, candidates for DeKalb County Board in District 5 see opportunities to use the position to help the county’s largest city.

Although County Board members have little control over municipal issues, incumbent Democrats Stephen Reid and Derek Tyson, along with Republican challenger Philip Young say there is no reason the county and DeKalb could not form stronger partnerships to address serious issues that affect everyone.

The three candidates are running for two spots in District 5, which includes parts of Northern Illinois University. The district starts just north of Rich Road and extends south to Laurel Lane before dropping off to Lucinda Avenue in a small portion. It runs east from North Annie Glidden Road to First Street.