Candidate Free Time is being underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County.
WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for office in the March 20 election. Learn more.
About this office: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is governed by a nine-member board elected at-large with three commissioners elected every two years. On November 8, some candidates will run for six-year terms, while others will run for a term lasting two years.
MWRD treats water collected by sanitary and stormwater sewers in most of Cook County. It also serves as the Stormwater Management Utility for Cook County. Its mission is to protect the health and safety of citizens and area waterways.
The candidates below appear in ballot order.
Democratic Candidates, 6-Year Term
Marcelino Garcia: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time
Debra Shore: “I’m running for re‐election because the people of Cook County deserve a strong conservation advocate on the Board, because I’ve been able to be an effective leader, and because water matters.” Learn more about this candidate.
Kari K. Steele: “I work diligently every day, to protect workers, promote fiscal responsibility and transparency, and ensure we maintain a clean water environment.” Learn more about this candidate.
Martin J. Durkan: “In me, you will have a dedicated public servant, dedicated to maximizing the value of your tax dollar and ensuring transparency.” Learn more about this candidate.
Green Candidates, 6-Year Term
Karen Roothaan: “Green Party candidates are calling for enhanced green infrastructure to cope with the new normal.” Learn more about this candidate.
Tammie Felicia Vinson: “Acknowledging climate change and implementing strategies to address this reality are essential to the operation of the district.” Learn more about this candidate.
Christopher Anthony: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time
Republican Candidates, 6-Year Term
R. Cary Capparelli: “The Board at the MWRDGC is in need for significant balance to afford opportunity for unbiased growth and leadership.” Learn more about this candidate.
Shundar Lin: “I am running to give my family and all Cook County residents clean and safe water.” Learn more about this candidate.
Democratic Candidates, 2-Year Term
Kimberly Neely Dubuclet: “I am running for this office to bring a voice of environmental conservation and a continued commitment to clean water.” Learn more about this candidate.
Green Candidates, 2-Year Term
Rachel Wales: “With climate change creating increased rainfall, the MWRD must approve more innovative green projects to lessen stress placed upon city sewer systems.” Learn more about this candidate.
WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for office in the March 20 election.
More: 2018 Voters’ Guide
Candidates were given two minutes to tell voters where they stand on the issues, why they feel they are best qualified and what they intend to do if elected or re-elected. The messages were recorded at the WTTW studios at no cost to the candidates.
The Voters’ Guide is an online version of Candidate Free Time, pioneered by WTTW in the 1992 race for U.S. Senate. This year’s Candidate Free Time is produced with and underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County.
