I fight for health care

All Cook County residents deserve affordable, quality health care. Every day we see the struggles of so many to obtain basic care, and we are all aware of the devastating consequences when that care is delayed or denied. I have supported Cook County's efforts to improve access to affordable health care, including behavioral health services, in all our communities. And I will continue the fight to maintain that access for all county residents in the face of policies at the federal level that are raising new barriers to essential care.

I fight for the environment

The economy. Property values. Our very well-being. They all depend on a robust environment. I have fought for good stewardship of our precious resource, the Cook County Forest Preserve system. And I've passed important legislation that limits the use of carcinogenic coal tar sealants on driveways throughout Cook County. I will continue to fight for environmental safeguards to ensure that our water, air and natural areas can be enjoyed for generations to come.

I fight for better transportation

Public transportation deserts and aging infrastructure threaten our ability to get to and from work, school and home safely and efficiently. Even as likely cuts in funding loom, I have been a strong voice for addressing gaps in Cook County’s public transportation systems. And working with the county and my colleagues in federal, state and local governments, I have successfully advocated for transportation infrastructure funding for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians throughout the 9th District. I will continue to advocate for improved public transit options, infrastructure that is friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists, and policies to get people where they need to go.

I fight for safe communities

We must confront the epidemic of gun violence that has shaken our communities. I support commonsense efforts to regulate firearms as part of our effort to address this public health emergency while respecting the right to gun ownership for sport and self-defense. Our law enforcement must have the resources and training to prevent crime and effectively prosecute violent offenders. Our communities must have the behavioral health services, gun violence prevention and other social supports necessary for an appropriate and effective response to each call for help.  As 9th District Commissioner I’ve supported these efforts, and I will continue to seek effective solutions.

I fight for efficient use of tax dollars

Smarter use of our tax dollars will better meet the needs of our communities. That's why the Cook County Board of Commissioners must continue to work to coordinate municipal and county services. I’ve worked to bring county resources to transportation projects across the 9th District to leverage municipal and township funding for cost-effective improvements to local roads, bike paths and public transit options. At the same time, I’ve helped pass responsible county budgets that properly fund pensions and have not increased the county’s proportion of your property tax levy.