Cook County Health Board Meetings Will Continue on You-Tube
LWVCC sent a joint letter with the Civic Federation of Chicago to the CCH Chairman, board, and CEO on March 13, 2023 urging it to continue the live streaming and video taping it started with the COVID state statute allowing government bodies falling under the State's Sunshine Laws to meet virtually but provide internet accessibility to the public. We were very pleased to receive a response from Chair Taylor on March 14 stating his and the board's commitment to continue with these services now that the state is lifting the virtual meeting option effective May 2023. In-person board meetings will resume in May and live streaming and the post meeting recording will be available on You-Tube.
County Forest Preserve Referendum Passes!
Cook County League members helped to pass the Forest Preserve tax increase referendum in the Nov 8th election A group of interested members formed a special Forest Preserve interest group to promote the needed tax increase for our Forest Preserves. They held guided walks in the Forest Preserves throughout Cook County and provided speakers and information to all the local leagues. The increase will go to protecting wildlife habitat and native flora and fauna, as well as minimizing flooding.
Chicago Tribune Sunday November 20, 2022 League Letter Published
Thank you for Voting Yes on the Cook County Forest Preserve Referendum
Thank you to all Cook County voters who helped pass the tax increase referendum in support of the Cook County Forest Preserves. While votes are still being counted, it appears that the referendum passed with close to 70% of the vote.
We all benefit from open land that supports biodiversity, provides natural flood water storage and improves air quality. Additionally, the increased revenue will generate jobs and shore up the pension fund. Thank you to the voters for supporting Clean Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife.
Now let us all get out and enjoy our wonderful Forest Preserves.
Cynthia Schilsky - LaGrange
President, League of Women Voters of Cook County
Elections to Fill Vacancies of Elected Officials
Sept. 16, 2022: The League sent a letter to the Cook County Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee supporting two items on the September 21, 2022 agenda that provide for elections to fill vacancies in the positions of Cook County Commissioner and other Elected County Officials when the remaining term of the office is more than 28 months. Currently when there is a vacancy, the person appointed serves for the remaining term, no matter how long that is. The League said that approving these two items will bring greater democracy to the process. (Items 22-4661 and 22-4662)
Cook County Commissioners approved these changes at the September 22, 2022 Board meeting.
Salary Increases for County Elected Officials
The League took several different actions to support the proposed increase in salaries for all the county elected Officials who had not received any increases for 20 years, but to also oppose the proposal to continue to make yearly adjustments beyond 2026 without further review and affirmative votes by the Board. Ultimately, the Board passed the item with the perpetual yearly increases at the May 24th Board Meeting. Item 22-2825.
Cook County's Use of ARPA Funds
May 9, 2022: The League sent a letter to members of the Cook County Business & Economic Development Committee seeking confirmation that the expected outcomes and ways to measure whether those have been achieved were identified for the Commissioners as they are being asked to approve spending some of the American Rescue Plan Act funds on specific programs under the “Vital Communities” category. This is a follow-up to the League’s action taken on January 4, 2022 described below. (Item 22-2807)
Inspector General's 2021 4th Quarter Report
March 14, 2022: The League sent a letter to Cook County President Preckwinkle and the Board urging that the Board take appropriate steps to see that departments respond promptly to recommendations made by the Independent Inspector General following an investigation. The League provided examples contained in the 4th Quarter Report where departments had failed to respond timely as required by County ordinance. The League noted that the Inspector General's investigation of the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District and the findings of conflict of interest, waste, and institutional mismanagement demonstrates the importance of the office of the Inspector General.
County's Use of ARPA Funds
January 4, 2022: The League sent a letter to President Preckwinkle, the Board's Finance Committee, and the County's Chief Financial Officer urging that the County set forth up front what it expects to achieve through each of the programs to receive funding from the County's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies. In addition, the League said that County should identify how it plans to measure the effectiveness of the programs and who will provide the data and when. The Finance Committee will be considering the proposed spending plan at a Jan. 10 meeting. Item 22-0637,
Support for Merging Precincts in Same Polling Place
December 10, 2021: The League filed comments in support of the Cook County Clerk's proposal to merge precincts in the same polling place for upcoming elections, which will be on the Cook County Board's December 16 agenda (Item 22-0299), The League cited reduction in confusion for voters, increased likelihood of having full complements of judges for precincts leading to a more efficient voting experience, and the Clerk's estimated reduction in expenses. With more people utilizing early voting and voting by mail, there should not be any significant increase in waiting times for those voting at their local precincts on election day.
Request to Move the Place of Executive Sessions at the MWRD Board Meetings
October 18, 2021: A letter and attachment was sent to the MWRD Commissioners and the Executive Director requesting that they move the Executive Sessions from the middle of their semi-monthly board meetings to the end of the meetings. Testimony was also given at the October 21, 2021 board meeting. The attachment lists the number of Executive Sessions held to date in 2021. Of the 17 meetings, 8 included executive sessions ranging in length of time from 35 minutes to 145 minutes. Six [6] executive sessions lasted at least 55 minutes of which 2 were 145 minutes. LWVCC is in contact other Good Government organizations such as the Civic Federation and the BGA to request their support. Changing the placement to the end of the meeting is considered a "best practice" for government boards. Currently, public speakers, the staff, and observers are expected to either monitor their virtual devices or wait in the lobby outside of the board room for the Board to reconvene.
Redistricting
September 22, 2021: The League sent a letter to the Cook County Board setting forth the League's concerns with the process used in redrawing the Commissioner districts following the 2020 Census. The Letter stated the long-held League position that redistricting at all levels be done by an independent commission; that, rather than being this a transparent process, much of the redistricting work was done by Commissioners (individually and in small groups) working with the outside expert in private to determine boundaries; that, rather than continue to start from the existing boundaries, given the significant changes in population distribution since the original districts were drawn in 1990, a total redraft could have produced a better map that did not divide so many communities of interest; that towns and Chicago neighborhoods are better indicators of "communities of interest" than townships; and that more notice should be given the public of redistricting committee meetings and proposed maps in the future. The League did commend the Board for making it clear that the existing Commissioners will continue to represent their current districts, and the new districts will be used for the 2022 elections and thereafter. Our letter to the Cook County Board.
Redistricting
June 21, 2021: The League submitted written and provided verbal testimony at the public hearing on the Cook County redistricting process for the 17 Commissioner districts. The League praised the 2020 Census Redistricting Committee for planning to utilize Census data in drawing the final maps and for making the consultants, their data, and software available to help the public to draw their own proposed maps. The League urged that each municipality and each Chicago neighborhood be within a single district.The League questioned why the schedule still calls for drawing "framework" maps utilizing other data, and then revising once Census data is available. The League also questioned the short time frames for the public to review and provide comments on the draft framework maps (just 4 days) and the revised maps reflecting Census data (just 7 days).
Redistricting
May 17, 2021: The League submitted some questions and comments on the proposed schedule for the process for drawing the maps for the 17 Cook County Commissioner districts. Questions included what data is to be used for initially drawing the maps; will the public be able to see sufficient details on the maps to be posted on the County's web site; and, if the census data is not released by Aug. 16, as anticipated by this schedule in order to finalize the maps, is there an alternative plan. The League recommended several changes to the proposed schedule to allow more opportunity for the public to provide comments.
Clerk's Assumption of Recorder's Duties
May 6, 2021: The League submitted a statement of support to the Cook County Legislation & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee for the proposed resolution requesting progress updates on the assumption of duties from the Recorder of Deeds by the County Clerk.
Cook County Redistricting
April 14, 2021: LWVCC has sent testimony regarding the redistricting of Cook County commissioner districts. We advocated that public meetings be held both before and after maps are drawn as well as transparency on use of data sources due to the census not being completed on time. See the testimony for more recommendations/detail.
Performance Management
March 15, 2021: "Observations and Recommendations" for the 2020 Performance Management program for the Offices under the President were sent by the League to the Chief of the Bureau of Administration and the Director of the Office of Research, Operations, and Innovations, under whose auspices the program was revamped and is administered. The League reviewed the program (specifically the measures and goals and the form of the data provided) in light of the League's position on performance management, and not the departments' performances. The web site for viewing the missions, measures, goals, and actual reported performances of the departments under the President can be found here.
Proposed Rules Change
February 15, 2021: Letter sent to the Cook County Rules Committee and sponsors of a proposed change to the Board's rules that would allow "Subject Matter Reports" to originate in a Committee, rather than first being introduced at a Board meeting before then being referred to Committee. The League is concerned that eliminating the time between the Board meeting and Committee meeting would result in the public not having sufficient time to express thoughts on any issues raised by such "Subject Matter Reports." (Item 21-1273)
2021 Cook County Budget Process
January 19, 2021. Letter sent to the Chair of the Cook County Board Finance Committee, the Cook County Chief Financial Officer, and the Cook County Budget Director providing suggestions for improving the process and the budget books in the future, as well as thanking them for practices adopted as a result of past suggestions.
Board of Review
November 17, 2020: Letter sent as a public comment for Item 20-5462 on the November 19 Cook County Board Meeting agenda. The League is urging the Board to take appropriate steps to ensure the Board of Review both addresses and adopts each of the recommendations of the Independent Inspector General as detailed in both the 2nd and 3rd Quarter Reports. See the entry dated September 2, 2020 under "Board of Review" below.
Clerk's Proposed 2021 Budget Reflecting the Assumption of the Recorder's Duties
October 30, 2020: Letter sent to the Finance Committee of the Cook County Board providing observations and questions regarding the Clerk's proposed 2021 budget in light of the Final Plan for assuming the duties of the Recorder of Deeds. The League is asking the Commissioners to follow-up during the November 6 meeting on the Clerk's budget.
Health System Meetings
The League of Women Voters of Cook County and the Civic Federation collaborated on a joint letter to the Cook County Health Board and interim CEO to continue broadcasting health system meetings on the Internet after the current COVID-19 emergency ends. To expand public access to its deliberations, we also called on the Board to begin posting recordings of completed meetings at a convenient online location. The letter was delivered by email on October 15, 2020. This joint request reiterates separate recommendations on live streaming made by the LWVCC and the Civic Federation beginning in January 2018.
Inspector General Ordinance
UPDATE on August 25, 2020 acton: SUCCESS! The Cook County Board approved an amendment to the Inspector General (“IG”) ordinance on September 24 (Item 20-0016) which includes a requirement that the IG’s quarterly reports be submitted to the Board as an agenda item. This was the recommendation contained in the League’s August 25 letter.
2021 Budget
September 10, 2020: Letter sent to the Cook County President, Board, Chief Financial Officer, and Budget Director providing some suggestions at areas to look at as preparations continue in preparing the proposed 2021 budget for Cook County government.
Safeguards to Prevent Voter Fraud
September 4, 2020: The League sent a letter to the editor to the Sun-Times explaining that the election systems in Chicago and Suburban Cook County have safeguards to prevent someone from voting by mail and then also voting in person on election day.
Board of Review
September 2, 2020: Letter to the Cook County Board of Review Commissioners urging that they adopt all the recommendations made by the Office of the Independent Inspector General ("OIIG") regarding employment practices and practices related to soliciting employees to help with campaigns, as detailed in the OIIG's 2nd Quarterly Report dated July 15, 2020.
Inspector General Ordinance
August 25, 2020: Letter to the members of the Cook County Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee suggesting that the Inspector General Ordinance be amended to require that the Inspector General's quarterly reports be formally submitted to the Board for review and possible follow-up action. The letter provides an example of an item that would seem to require possible follow-up action, the 2nd Quarterly Report for 2020 which contains a summary of the investigation into the Board of Review's hiring practices.
MWRD Roll-Call Voting
August 17, 2020. A letter was sent to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Board President, Commissioners, and Executive Director regarding its interpretation of the Illinois Public Act 101-9640. The act was signed by Governor Pritzker three months ago requiring a roll-call vote on agenda items during the Covid-19 pandemic when boards meet remotely. The League noted that all other county-wide boards and committees that it observes adhere to the roll-call vote requirement, but bundle a number of items together for each roll-call vote or votes. The MWRD does not bundle but requires a roll-call vote on anywhere from 30 to 60 individual items before the board. This practice has added 45-60 minutes to each of the last three monthly board meetings. LWVCC also followed up on its suggestion that the MWRD board schedule executive sessions near the end of the board meetings but before it adjourns.
Merger of Cook County Recorder of Deeds' Office into the Cook County Clerk's
July 24, 2020: A letter was sent to the Cook County Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee regarding the "Final Recommended Implementation Plan for the Assumption of Duties of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds by the Cook County Clerk" ("Plan"), Item 20-2745 on the Committee's July 29, 2020 Meeting Agenda. The League resent the questions previously provided on June 15 (see below) and stated that this meeting would provide an opportunity for the Clerk and Recorder to answer the over-arching questions as to how this Plan will result in reduced costs and improved services for the people of Cook County.
Voter Advocacy
July 8, 2020: A letter was sent to the members of the Cook County Board's Rules Committee requesting that representatives of the Chicago Board of Elections be invited to participate in the hearing the Committee will be having with the Cook County Clerk's Office on voter equity and the upcoming November election. The League wants both election authorities that cover all voters in Cook County to participate. Item 20-2906.
June 16, 2020: An email was sent to the Cook County Deputy Clerk for Elections, Edmund Michalowski, with suggestions regarding Vote By Mail Ballot (VBM) applications.
LWVCC sent a joint letter with the Civic Federation of Chicago to the CCH Chairman, board, and CEO on March 13, 2023 urging it to continue the live streaming and video taping it started with the COVID state statute allowing government bodies falling under the State's Sunshine Laws to meet virtually but provide internet accessibility to the public. We were very pleased to receive a response from Chair Taylor on March 14 stating his and the board's commitment to continue with these services now that the state is lifting the virtual meeting option effective May 2023. In-person board meetings will resume in May and live streaming and the post meeting recording will be available on You-Tube.
County Forest Preserve Referendum Passes!
Cook County League members helped to pass the Forest Preserve tax increase referendum in the Nov 8th election A group of interested members formed a special Forest Preserve interest group to promote the needed tax increase for our Forest Preserves. They held guided walks in the Forest Preserves throughout Cook County and provided speakers and information to all the local leagues. The increase will go to protecting wildlife habitat and native flora and fauna, as well as minimizing flooding.
Chicago Tribune Sunday November 20, 2022 League Letter Published
Thank you for Voting Yes on the Cook County Forest Preserve Referendum
Thank you to all Cook County voters who helped pass the tax increase referendum in support of the Cook County Forest Preserves. While votes are still being counted, it appears that the referendum passed with close to 70% of the vote.
We all benefit from open land that supports biodiversity, provides natural flood water storage and improves air quality. Additionally, the increased revenue will generate jobs and shore up the pension fund. Thank you to the voters for supporting Clean Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife.
Now let us all get out and enjoy our wonderful Forest Preserves.
Cynthia Schilsky - LaGrange
President, League of Women Voters of Cook County
Elections to Fill Vacancies of Elected Officials
Sept. 16, 2022: The League sent a letter to the Cook County Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee supporting two items on the September 21, 2022 agenda that provide for elections to fill vacancies in the positions of Cook County Commissioner and other Elected County Officials when the remaining term of the office is more than 28 months. Currently when there is a vacancy, the person appointed serves for the remaining term, no matter how long that is. The League said that approving these two items will bring greater democracy to the process. (Items 22-4661 and 22-4662)
Cook County Commissioners approved these changes at the September 22, 2022 Board meeting.
Salary Increases for County Elected Officials
The League took several different actions to support the proposed increase in salaries for all the county elected Officials who had not received any increases for 20 years, but to also oppose the proposal to continue to make yearly adjustments beyond 2026 without further review and affirmative votes by the Board. Ultimately, the Board passed the item with the perpetual yearly increases at the May 24th Board Meeting. Item 22-2825.
- Member Action Alert On County Officials Salary Increase May 7, 2022 LWVCC sent out an Action Alert to all League members in Cook County to act on a proposed ordinance (22-2825) that would raise the salaries on County officials and institute ongoing annual cost of living increases for all Cook County offices. Members were asked to contact their Commissioner to ask that any cost of living increases must be reviewed and voted on at least every four years. LWVCC was also concerned that the timing of the ordinance did not allow for sufficient review and comment by the public.
- Letters to Cook County Finance Committee May 2,9,24, 2022 The League sent letters to the members of the Cook County Finance Committee (1) supporting the proposal to increase salaries of all the elected officials, (2) opposing the inclusion of a sentence in the proposed Substitute which would continue adjusting the salaries each year beyond 2026 in perpetuity via a cost of living adjustment without any further votes being taken by the Board, and (3) urging that no vote be taken on the matter at the May 11 meeting, but that the vote be delayed to a later meeting to provide the public with more notice and an opportunity to comment.
- League Testifies at Finance Committee meeting May 11, 2022 The League testified at the Finance Committee meeting emphasizing the main points of the letter sent on May 9. The Finance Committee delayed the vote on the salary ordinance until a Special Meeting that was called later in May.
- Letters To News Outlets Were Sent A letter opposing the continual cost of living increases was published in the Daily Herald
Cook County's Use of ARPA Funds
May 9, 2022: The League sent a letter to members of the Cook County Business & Economic Development Committee seeking confirmation that the expected outcomes and ways to measure whether those have been achieved were identified for the Commissioners as they are being asked to approve spending some of the American Rescue Plan Act funds on specific programs under the “Vital Communities” category. This is a follow-up to the League’s action taken on January 4, 2022 described below. (Item 22-2807)
Inspector General's 2021 4th Quarter Report
March 14, 2022: The League sent a letter to Cook County President Preckwinkle and the Board urging that the Board take appropriate steps to see that departments respond promptly to recommendations made by the Independent Inspector General following an investigation. The League provided examples contained in the 4th Quarter Report where departments had failed to respond timely as required by County ordinance. The League noted that the Inspector General's investigation of the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District and the findings of conflict of interest, waste, and institutional mismanagement demonstrates the importance of the office of the Inspector General.
County's Use of ARPA Funds
January 4, 2022: The League sent a letter to President Preckwinkle, the Board's Finance Committee, and the County's Chief Financial Officer urging that the County set forth up front what it expects to achieve through each of the programs to receive funding from the County's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies. In addition, the League said that County should identify how it plans to measure the effectiveness of the programs and who will provide the data and when. The Finance Committee will be considering the proposed spending plan at a Jan. 10 meeting. Item 22-0637,
Support for Merging Precincts in Same Polling Place
December 10, 2021: The League filed comments in support of the Cook County Clerk's proposal to merge precincts in the same polling place for upcoming elections, which will be on the Cook County Board's December 16 agenda (Item 22-0299), The League cited reduction in confusion for voters, increased likelihood of having full complements of judges for precincts leading to a more efficient voting experience, and the Clerk's estimated reduction in expenses. With more people utilizing early voting and voting by mail, there should not be any significant increase in waiting times for those voting at their local precincts on election day.
Request to Move the Place of Executive Sessions at the MWRD Board Meetings
October 18, 2021: A letter and attachment was sent to the MWRD Commissioners and the Executive Director requesting that they move the Executive Sessions from the middle of their semi-monthly board meetings to the end of the meetings. Testimony was also given at the October 21, 2021 board meeting. The attachment lists the number of Executive Sessions held to date in 2021. Of the 17 meetings, 8 included executive sessions ranging in length of time from 35 minutes to 145 minutes. Six [6] executive sessions lasted at least 55 minutes of which 2 were 145 minutes. LWVCC is in contact other Good Government organizations such as the Civic Federation and the BGA to request their support. Changing the placement to the end of the meeting is considered a "best practice" for government boards. Currently, public speakers, the staff, and observers are expected to either monitor their virtual devices or wait in the lobby outside of the board room for the Board to reconvene.
Redistricting
September 22, 2021: The League sent a letter to the Cook County Board setting forth the League's concerns with the process used in redrawing the Commissioner districts following the 2020 Census. The Letter stated the long-held League position that redistricting at all levels be done by an independent commission; that, rather than being this a transparent process, much of the redistricting work was done by Commissioners (individually and in small groups) working with the outside expert in private to determine boundaries; that, rather than continue to start from the existing boundaries, given the significant changes in population distribution since the original districts were drawn in 1990, a total redraft could have produced a better map that did not divide so many communities of interest; that towns and Chicago neighborhoods are better indicators of "communities of interest" than townships; and that more notice should be given the public of redistricting committee meetings and proposed maps in the future. The League did commend the Board for making it clear that the existing Commissioners will continue to represent their current districts, and the new districts will be used for the 2022 elections and thereafter. Our letter to the Cook County Board.
Redistricting
June 21, 2021: The League submitted written and provided verbal testimony at the public hearing on the Cook County redistricting process for the 17 Commissioner districts. The League praised the 2020 Census Redistricting Committee for planning to utilize Census data in drawing the final maps and for making the consultants, their data, and software available to help the public to draw their own proposed maps. The League urged that each municipality and each Chicago neighborhood be within a single district.The League questioned why the schedule still calls for drawing "framework" maps utilizing other data, and then revising once Census data is available. The League also questioned the short time frames for the public to review and provide comments on the draft framework maps (just 4 days) and the revised maps reflecting Census data (just 7 days).
Redistricting
May 17, 2021: The League submitted some questions and comments on the proposed schedule for the process for drawing the maps for the 17 Cook County Commissioner districts. Questions included what data is to be used for initially drawing the maps; will the public be able to see sufficient details on the maps to be posted on the County's web site; and, if the census data is not released by Aug. 16, as anticipated by this schedule in order to finalize the maps, is there an alternative plan. The League recommended several changes to the proposed schedule to allow more opportunity for the public to provide comments.
Clerk's Assumption of Recorder's Duties
May 6, 2021: The League submitted a statement of support to the Cook County Legislation & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee for the proposed resolution requesting progress updates on the assumption of duties from the Recorder of Deeds by the County Clerk.
Cook County Redistricting
April 14, 2021: LWVCC has sent testimony regarding the redistricting of Cook County commissioner districts. We advocated that public meetings be held both before and after maps are drawn as well as transparency on use of data sources due to the census not being completed on time. See the testimony for more recommendations/detail.
Performance Management
March 15, 2021: "Observations and Recommendations" for the 2020 Performance Management program for the Offices under the President were sent by the League to the Chief of the Bureau of Administration and the Director of the Office of Research, Operations, and Innovations, under whose auspices the program was revamped and is administered. The League reviewed the program (specifically the measures and goals and the form of the data provided) in light of the League's position on performance management, and not the departments' performances. The web site for viewing the missions, measures, goals, and actual reported performances of the departments under the President can be found here.
Proposed Rules Change
February 15, 2021: Letter sent to the Cook County Rules Committee and sponsors of a proposed change to the Board's rules that would allow "Subject Matter Reports" to originate in a Committee, rather than first being introduced at a Board meeting before then being referred to Committee. The League is concerned that eliminating the time between the Board meeting and Committee meeting would result in the public not having sufficient time to express thoughts on any issues raised by such "Subject Matter Reports." (Item 21-1273)
2021 Cook County Budget Process
January 19, 2021. Letter sent to the Chair of the Cook County Board Finance Committee, the Cook County Chief Financial Officer, and the Cook County Budget Director providing suggestions for improving the process and the budget books in the future, as well as thanking them for practices adopted as a result of past suggestions.
Board of Review
November 17, 2020: Letter sent as a public comment for Item 20-5462 on the November 19 Cook County Board Meeting agenda. The League is urging the Board to take appropriate steps to ensure the Board of Review both addresses and adopts each of the recommendations of the Independent Inspector General as detailed in both the 2nd and 3rd Quarter Reports. See the entry dated September 2, 2020 under "Board of Review" below.
Clerk's Proposed 2021 Budget Reflecting the Assumption of the Recorder's Duties
October 30, 2020: Letter sent to the Finance Committee of the Cook County Board providing observations and questions regarding the Clerk's proposed 2021 budget in light of the Final Plan for assuming the duties of the Recorder of Deeds. The League is asking the Commissioners to follow-up during the November 6 meeting on the Clerk's budget.
Health System Meetings
The League of Women Voters of Cook County and the Civic Federation collaborated on a joint letter to the Cook County Health Board and interim CEO to continue broadcasting health system meetings on the Internet after the current COVID-19 emergency ends. To expand public access to its deliberations, we also called on the Board to begin posting recordings of completed meetings at a convenient online location. The letter was delivered by email on October 15, 2020. This joint request reiterates separate recommendations on live streaming made by the LWVCC and the Civic Federation beginning in January 2018.
Inspector General Ordinance
UPDATE on August 25, 2020 acton: SUCCESS! The Cook County Board approved an amendment to the Inspector General (“IG”) ordinance on September 24 (Item 20-0016) which includes a requirement that the IG’s quarterly reports be submitted to the Board as an agenda item. This was the recommendation contained in the League’s August 25 letter.
2021 Budget
September 10, 2020: Letter sent to the Cook County President, Board, Chief Financial Officer, and Budget Director providing some suggestions at areas to look at as preparations continue in preparing the proposed 2021 budget for Cook County government.
Safeguards to Prevent Voter Fraud
September 4, 2020: The League sent a letter to the editor to the Sun-Times explaining that the election systems in Chicago and Suburban Cook County have safeguards to prevent someone from voting by mail and then also voting in person on election day.
Board of Review
September 2, 2020: Letter to the Cook County Board of Review Commissioners urging that they adopt all the recommendations made by the Office of the Independent Inspector General ("OIIG") regarding employment practices and practices related to soliciting employees to help with campaigns, as detailed in the OIIG's 2nd Quarterly Report dated July 15, 2020.
Inspector General Ordinance
August 25, 2020: Letter to the members of the Cook County Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee suggesting that the Inspector General Ordinance be amended to require that the Inspector General's quarterly reports be formally submitted to the Board for review and possible follow-up action. The letter provides an example of an item that would seem to require possible follow-up action, the 2nd Quarterly Report for 2020 which contains a summary of the investigation into the Board of Review's hiring practices.
MWRD Roll-Call Voting
August 17, 2020. A letter was sent to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Board President, Commissioners, and Executive Director regarding its interpretation of the Illinois Public Act 101-9640. The act was signed by Governor Pritzker three months ago requiring a roll-call vote on agenda items during the Covid-19 pandemic when boards meet remotely. The League noted that all other county-wide boards and committees that it observes adhere to the roll-call vote requirement, but bundle a number of items together for each roll-call vote or votes. The MWRD does not bundle but requires a roll-call vote on anywhere from 30 to 60 individual items before the board. This practice has added 45-60 minutes to each of the last three monthly board meetings. LWVCC also followed up on its suggestion that the MWRD board schedule executive sessions near the end of the board meetings but before it adjourns.
Merger of Cook County Recorder of Deeds' Office into the Cook County Clerk's
July 24, 2020: A letter was sent to the Cook County Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee regarding the "Final Recommended Implementation Plan for the Assumption of Duties of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds by the Cook County Clerk" ("Plan"), Item 20-2745 on the Committee's July 29, 2020 Meeting Agenda. The League resent the questions previously provided on June 15 (see below) and stated that this meeting would provide an opportunity for the Clerk and Recorder to answer the over-arching questions as to how this Plan will result in reduced costs and improved services for the people of Cook County.
Voter Advocacy
July 8, 2020: A letter was sent to the members of the Cook County Board's Rules Committee requesting that representatives of the Chicago Board of Elections be invited to participate in the hearing the Committee will be having with the Cook County Clerk's Office on voter equity and the upcoming November election. The League wants both election authorities that cover all voters in Cook County to participate. Item 20-2906.
June 16, 2020: An email was sent to the Cook County Deputy Clerk for Elections, Edmund Michalowski, with suggestions regarding Vote By Mail Ballot (VBM) applications.
Merger of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds' Office into the Cook County Clerk's
June 15, 2020: A letter was sent to the Cook County Board regarding the "Final Recommended Implementation Plan for the Assumption of Duties of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds by the Cook County Clerk" ("Plan"), Item 20-2745 on the Board's June 18, 2020 Meeting Agenda. The League urged that the Plan be referred to Committee so the Commissioners and the public would have additional time to review the Plan and so the Clerk and Recorder would have a forum to clarify the Plan and answer questions such as those submitted by the League with this letter.
June 15, 2020: A letter was sent to the Cook County Board regarding the "Final Recommended Implementation Plan for the Assumption of Duties of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds by the Cook County Clerk" ("Plan"), Item 20-2745 on the Board's June 18, 2020 Meeting Agenda. The League urged that the Plan be referred to Committee so the Commissioners and the public would have additional time to review the Plan and so the Clerk and Recorder would have a forum to clarify the Plan and answer questions such as those submitted by the League with this letter.
Merger of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office into the Cook County Clerk's Office
May 14, 2020 - A letter was sent to the Cook County Board commenting on the Consolidation Joint Status Update Report for the period 10/01/19 to 12/31/19 (Item 20-1624). The letter suggested that more detail be provided in future reports regarding the expected expenses, such as which expenses would need to be incurred even if the merger was not taking place. The letter also asked that future reports reflect what cost-savings, efficiencies, and improved customer service will be achieved.
May 14, 2020 - A letter was sent to the Cook County Board commenting on the Consolidation Joint Status Update Report for the period 10/01/19 to 12/31/19 (Item 20-1624). The letter suggested that more detail be provided in future reports regarding the expected expenses, such as which expenses would need to be incurred even if the merger was not taking place. The letter also asked that future reports reflect what cost-savings, efficiencies, and improved customer service will be achieved.
SHAKMAN COMPLIANCE
February 21, 2020 - A letter with suggested questions was sent to members of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Cook County Board for use at their February 25 meeting with the court-appointed compliance officers and representatives of the offices of the Assessor, Clerk of the Court, and Recorder of Deeds. These 3 offices are under court supervision until they are found to be in substantial compliance with the Shakman orders, which prohibit hiring, firing, promotion, or wage increases based on political considerations. (Cook County Board Agenda Item 20-1748) The questions were used and attributed to the LWVCC in the February 25th meeting.
February 21, 2020 - A letter with suggested questions was sent to members of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Cook County Board for use at their February 25 meeting with the court-appointed compliance officers and representatives of the offices of the Assessor, Clerk of the Court, and Recorder of Deeds. These 3 offices are under court supervision until they are found to be in substantial compliance with the Shakman orders, which prohibit hiring, firing, promotion, or wage increases based on political considerations. (Cook County Board Agenda Item 20-1748) The questions were used and attributed to the LWVCC in the February 25th meeting.
PERFORMANCE BASED MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETING
February 10, 2020 - The LWVCC sent a letter to the Cook County Board's Finance Committee regarding the Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Performance Based Management and Budgeting (Agenda Item 20-1076) that will likely be on the Feb. 26 Finance Committee agenda. LWVCC expressed support for the new performance management program, and urged that, at the appropriate time, it be expanded to departments throughout the County.
February 10, 2020 - The LWVCC sent a letter to the Cook County Board's Finance Committee regarding the Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Performance Based Management and Budgeting (Agenda Item 20-1076) that will likely be on the Feb. 26 Finance Committee agenda. LWVCC expressed support for the new performance management program, and urged that, at the appropriate time, it be expanded to departments throughout the County.
METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT (MWRD) ETHICS ORDINANCE
January 9, 2020 - The League of Women Voters of Cook County gave testimony at the MWRD Board meeting expressing concerns with the proposed amendments to their Ethics Ordinance. While LWVCC supports strengthening the Ordinance, the League urges that the amendments be revised to exempt non-profit, non-partisan organizations like the League from being subject to the fees and registration requirements for "lobbyists" as currently defined in the amendments.
Read The Testimony Here
January 23 - The MWRD passed the amendments to the Ethics Ordinance with a change that explicitly exempts those who are not compensated for their lobbying activities from the requirements.
January 29 - The LWVCC sent a follow-up letter to the MWRD Commissioners and Executive Director thanking them for addressing the League's concerns.
January 9, 2020 - The League of Women Voters of Cook County gave testimony at the MWRD Board meeting expressing concerns with the proposed amendments to their Ethics Ordinance. While LWVCC supports strengthening the Ordinance, the League urges that the amendments be revised to exempt non-profit, non-partisan organizations like the League from being subject to the fees and registration requirements for "lobbyists" as currently defined in the amendments.
Read The Testimony Here
January 23 - The MWRD passed the amendments to the Ethics Ordinance with a change that explicitly exempts those who are not compensated for their lobbying activities from the requirements.
January 29 - The LWVCC sent a follow-up letter to the MWRD Commissioners and Executive Director thanking them for addressing the League's concerns.
SHAKMAN COMPLIANCE
November 14, 2019 - Letters with suggested questions were sent to the members of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Cook County Board to utilize during their November 19, 2019 meeting on the status of the offices of the Assessor, Clerk of the Court, and Recorder of Deeds coming into substantial compliance with the requirements of the Shakman case. (Cook County Board Agenda Item 19-6671, the Shakman Compliance Officers Quarterly Update) The Questions can be viewed here
2020 COOK COUNTY BUDGET
October 24, 2019 - Questions were submitted to the Cook County Board Finance Committee to ask during the departmental budget hearings on the Proposed 2020 Cook County Budget. The questions can be viewed here. Letters in response to the questions are posted on the Cook County Board Legistar Meeting Schedule as attachments to the Meeting Details for the Departmental BudgetHearings. Available HERE.
MERGER OF OFFICE OF COOK COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS INTO THE OFFICE OF THE COOK COUNTY CLERK
September 4, 2019 - The merger of the offices of Cook County Recorder of Deeds and County Clerk was approved by the voters of Cook County in a referendum in November of 2016. As the merger is to be completed by December 2020, the Cook County Board approved an ordinance requesting quarterly reports to monitor the progress of the merger. The second quarterly report has been submitted and after reviewing the report, the League of Women Voters of Cook County (LWVCC) presented testimony at the September 4th meeting of the Legislation and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of the Cook County Board, outlining several questions that need to be addressed to ensure the merger is completed on time. READ THE TESTIMONY HERE.
LWVCC Gives Testimony at Metropolitan Water Reclamation Board Meeting and at the Litigation Committee of the Cook County Board
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LWVCC gives testimony again in favor of an Independent Inspector General for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) at the MWRD Board Meeting on April 18, 2019.
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LWVCC gives testimony at Litigation Committee of Cook County Board at hearing on Shakman Compliance within the offices of Cook County Assessor, Recorder of Deeds, and the Clerk of the Court held on April 23, 2019.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF COOK COUNTY
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