FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Friday, July 28
Iris Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Speaker
Clerk Martinez was the featured speaker at the League of Women Voters of Cook County’s annual “Food for Thought Luncheon” held July 28 at the DePaul Center, Chicago. Interviewed by Chicago League member Pris Mims, Clerk Martinez’s remarks focused on the changes which have been made during her tenure.
As the official “keeper of the Cook County court records,” the Clerk had a full plate from day one to modernize an office that still used carbon paper.
- The office has hired over 350 new employees to fill vacancies. Within 18 months, it was released from the Shakman decree for successfully complying with the prescribed hiring practices. The office also began cross-training staff so every clerk had the knowledge to move seamlessly from one court division to another.
- The Clerk’s website was completely redesigned and transitioned to a new case management system. In brief, the office collects and disperses filing fees, provides services to more than 400 judges and deploys electronic filing tools such as document imaging and e-filing. Both a digital copy and an original hard copy must be stored. “We never get rid of paper but have gotten rid of carbon paper,” she said with a smile.
- A new Customer Service Center (CSC) has been averaging 1,200 calls daily. The call center makes it easier for County residents to obtain answers to court-related questions without going to a County facility physically.
- To accommodate an increase of pro se litigants, an arrangement was made with Cabrini Green Legal Services (CGLS) to provide in-person information and assistance on clearing a criminal record in Illinois through expungement, sealing and clemency
- The Clerk of the Court’s office has provided services for a pilot program of extended hours for victims of domestic violence who need Orders of Protection.
Asked whether the courts will be ready for the recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling that upheld the Illinois statute to eliminate cash bail starting in September 18th, Clerk Martinez predicted the need for a significant increase in court and ancillary services which will require more personnel and funding.
2023 LWVCC Annual Meeting
May 9, 2023
80 members met in the Ida B. Wells Room of Roosevelt University to plan for the LWVCC 23-24 year. New officers were elected, a budget was passed, and the program was approved. A $2 per member PMP was also approved.
MWRD Commissioner Cam Davis was an excellent speaker discussing the workings of the MWRD and what League members can do to conserve water and prevent flooding.
MWRD Commissioner Cam Davis was an excellent speaker discussing the workings of the MWRD and what League members can do to conserve water and prevent flooding.
MWRD Commissioner Davis Thanks League members for "holding us accountable"
Soften our Landscape, Conserve Water, Elect Conservation Leaders
Davis won over his audience with his enthusiasm and his commitment to improving our water and our environment. He also expressed his respect for LWVCC and local Leagues for our commitment to advocacy and good government. He acknowledged the importance of on-going LWVCC observing at MWRD meetings, meeting with Commissioners, and encouraging positive change.
Davis outlined the “hard engineering” focus of MWRD on strengthening water quality and reducing floodwater, using pumps, pipes, plants, tunnels and reservoirs. But he insisted that broader environmental measures are essential. We must soften our landscapes with more green areas and permeable pavers to reduce flooding and conserve water to maintain its quality. He stressed that we need conservation leaders in all offices
Following his introductory remarks, Davis responded to questions posed by Vice President Pris Mims and members of the audience. He explained the pervasive presence of PFAs, “forever chemicals” that appear in numerous products, infiltrate water systems, and have harmful effects on humans. MWRD can not address this system on its own, and action must be taken at the state and federal level to force manufacturers to stop using these dangerous materials. He also described the extensive Tunnel and Reservoir network (TARP, also referred to as Deep Tunnel), a multi-year project to control flood water. While TARP has reduced flooding, heavy rainfalls induced by climate change bring continuing challenges. MWRD has developed a program of green infrastructure funding to help municipalities support environmental projects as one aspect of its mission to combat flooding.
League members asked numerous questions about environmental challenges, including coal tar sealants, artificial turf, and MWRD land use policy. Davis provided useful information, and admitted that many of these issues are outside the purview of this Cook County organization. The new Environmental Justice Advocate at the MWRD helps the helps the MWRD Board fulfill its commitment to Equity.
To learn more about the work of the MWRD, visit its website.
Soften our Landscape, Conserve Water, Elect Conservation Leaders
Davis won over his audience with his enthusiasm and his commitment to improving our water and our environment. He also expressed his respect for LWVCC and local Leagues for our commitment to advocacy and good government. He acknowledged the importance of on-going LWVCC observing at MWRD meetings, meeting with Commissioners, and encouraging positive change.
Davis outlined the “hard engineering” focus of MWRD on strengthening water quality and reducing floodwater, using pumps, pipes, plants, tunnels and reservoirs. But he insisted that broader environmental measures are essential. We must soften our landscapes with more green areas and permeable pavers to reduce flooding and conserve water to maintain its quality. He stressed that we need conservation leaders in all offices
Following his introductory remarks, Davis responded to questions posed by Vice President Pris Mims and members of the audience. He explained the pervasive presence of PFAs, “forever chemicals” that appear in numerous products, infiltrate water systems, and have harmful effects on humans. MWRD can not address this system on its own, and action must be taken at the state and federal level to force manufacturers to stop using these dangerous materials. He also described the extensive Tunnel and Reservoir network (TARP, also referred to as Deep Tunnel), a multi-year project to control flood water. While TARP has reduced flooding, heavy rainfalls induced by climate change bring continuing challenges. MWRD has developed a program of green infrastructure funding to help municipalities support environmental projects as one aspect of its mission to combat flooding.
League members asked numerous questions about environmental challenges, including coal tar sealants, artificial turf, and MWRD land use policy. Davis provided useful information, and admitted that many of these issues are outside the purview of this Cook County organization. The new Environmental Justice Advocate at the MWRD helps the helps the MWRD Board fulfill its commitment to Equity.
To learn more about the work of the MWRD, visit its website.
LWVCC 2023-2024 Officers
President: Cynthia Schilsky LaGrange Area {2nd term 2023-2025}
Vice-President: Pris Mims Chicago {2nd term 2023-2025}
Treasurer: Trudy Turner Evanston {1st term 2023-2025}
Directors:
Laura Davis Palatine Area {4th term 2023-2025}
Jan Goldberg LaGrange Area {2nd term 2023-2025}
Sandra Slayton Homewood/Flossmoor {1st term 2023-2025}
Continuing in present positions through May 2024 Annual Meeting
Vice-President Kathi Graffam LaGrange Area {1st term 2022-2024}
Secretary: Carolyn Cosentino Homewood/Flossmoor {1st term 2022-2024}
Directors:
Diane Edmundson Chicago {3rd term 2022-2024}
Karin Hribar Arlington Heights {1st term 2022-2024}
Betty Hayford Evanston {1st term 2022-2024}
Nominating Committee:
Chair: Erin Roeper Homewood-Flossmoor {1st term 2022-2024}
Member: Sue Calder Evanston {1st term 2022-2024}
President: Cynthia Schilsky LaGrange Area {2nd term 2023-2025}
Vice-President: Pris Mims Chicago {2nd term 2023-2025}
Treasurer: Trudy Turner Evanston {1st term 2023-2025}
Directors:
Laura Davis Palatine Area {4th term 2023-2025}
Jan Goldberg LaGrange Area {2nd term 2023-2025}
Sandra Slayton Homewood/Flossmoor {1st term 2023-2025}
Continuing in present positions through May 2024 Annual Meeting
Vice-President Kathi Graffam LaGrange Area {1st term 2022-2024}
Secretary: Carolyn Cosentino Homewood/Flossmoor {1st term 2022-2024}
Directors:
Diane Edmundson Chicago {3rd term 2022-2024}
Karin Hribar Arlington Heights {1st term 2022-2024}
Betty Hayford Evanston {1st term 2022-2024}
Nominating Committee:
Chair: Erin Roeper Homewood-Flossmoor {1st term 2022-2024}
Member: Sue Calder Evanston {1st term 2022-2024}
Cook County Forest Preserves Guided Walks
2021-2022, LWVCC sponsored guided nature walks at all of the Cook County Forest Preserves' Nature Centers to highlight how the preserves are an integral part of our community and contribute to our quality of life. These walks were planned to bring attention to the November 8, 2022, rate increase referendum which passed.
The walks have proven to be very popular with our members and have continued into 2023.
2021-2022, LWVCC sponsored guided nature walks at all of the Cook County Forest Preserves' Nature Centers to highlight how the preserves are an integral part of our community and contribute to our quality of life. These walks were planned to bring attention to the November 8, 2022, rate increase referendum which passed.
The walks have proven to be very popular with our members and have continued into 2023.
Cook County Board President and Commissioners pictured with LWVCC Members at 100th Anniversary Recognition
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League of Women Voters
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