2018 Primary: Cook County Commissioner

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.

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About this office: Seventeen elected Commissioners constitute the Cook County Board, the governing policy board and legislative body of Cook County. The Board sets policy and laws for the county regarding public health and public safety and oversees safety and maintenance of county highways. The Board approves the annual budget and oversees financial integrity of the County.

The candidates below appear in ballot order. Jump to a district: 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th

Democratic Candidates, 1st County Board District

Richard R. Boykin“I have always believed that campaigns ought to be about ideas, not insults.” Learn more about this candidate.


Brandon Johnson“We have the power to change the direction of our communities when we vote for people who have our best interests in mind.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 2nd County Board District

Paul J. Montes II“I am running for the Board of Commissioners because citizens of Cook County deserve an independent, honest, competent, and experienced advocate to work on their behalf.” Learn more about this candidate.


Dennis Deer“As Commissioner, I feel it is important for me to help my community bridge the gap between where it is and where it should be.” Learn more about this candidate.


Lupe Aguirre“The need for effective, transformative and compassionate government has never been greater.” Learn more about this candidate.


Darryl D. Smith: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Eddie Johnson III: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Democratic Candidates, 3rd County Board District

Joshua Gray“We need creative and progressive solutions to make our County strong again for the sake of my family and yours.” Learn more about this candidate.


Bill Lowry“We need effective leadership rooted in communication, collaboration and action.” Learn more about this candidate.


Patricia Horton“My vision for this office is to cut costs instead of jobs and conduct town hall meetings.” Learn more about this candidate.


Charise A. Williams“Our County needs strong and progressive leadership that will be accountable to taxpayers and a true voice of the people.” Learn more about this candidate.


Steven R. Wolfe“Instead of raising property taxes, I am working to create a vibrant local economy, healthier communities and safer neighborhoods.” Learn more about this candidate.


Erick M. Nickerson“I would like to change the Status Quo in politics here in Cook County.” Learn more about this candidate.


Horace “Washington” Howard“The county must not use one time fixes or band aids to pass budgets.” Learn more about this candidate.


Republican Candidates, 3rd County Board District

George Blakemore: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Democratic Candidates, 4th County Board District

Maria M. Barlow“I will work diligently to identify and explore new sources of revenue for the County that do not require any tax increases.” Learn more about this candidate.


Stanley S. Moore“Once we put people back to work we will put a stop to the senseless violence that has plagued our community.” Learn more about this candidate.


Marcel Bright“As your Commissioner, I will fight against unnecessary tax increases and be honest when additional revenue is needed.” Learn more about this candidate.


Gaylon Alcaraz“We are tired of the ineffective machine style politics that stifle the growth of the county.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 5th County Board District

Deborah Sims: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Timothy “Tim” Parker“Growing up in foster care I’ve learned to appreciate my community. I’ve learned the importance of hard work, helping others, and never giving up.” Learn more about this candidate.


Audrey Lynn Tanksley: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Democratic Candidates, 6th County Board District

Patricia Joan Murphy“Families and businesses need to live within their means. Shouldn’t our county Government do the same?” Learn more about this candidate.


Louis Presta“I am the only candidate for Commissioner of the 6th District with past experience as both a business owner and elected official.” Learn more about this candidate.


Donna Miller“As Commissioner, I know it is imperative to bring jobs and economic growth to the southland.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 7th County Board District

Angeles Sandoval“I will usher in a new generation of government stewardship.” Learn more about this candidate.


Alma E. Anaya“I am committed to making Cook County a healthy, accessible, and safe place to live.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 8th County Board District

Luis Arroyo Jr.: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Republican Candidates, 8th County Board District

Walter Zarnecki: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Renne “Tex” Chavez: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Democratic Candidates, 9th County Board District

Frank L. McPartlin“It is long past time that you had a representative on the County Board that works as hard as you do.” Learn more about this candidate.


Republican Candidates, 9th County Board District

Peter N. Silvestri“I’ve been a strong voice against raising taxes on the County Board.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 10th County Board District

Bridget Gainer“During my time as a commissioner, I have championed policies that benefit working families across Cook County.” Learn more about this candidate.


Mary Ann Kosiak: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Democratic Candidates, 11th County Board District

John P. Daley: “I believe it is my duty as Commissioner to be responsive to the ideas of my constituents.” Learn more about this candidate.


Republican Candidates, 11th County Board District

Carl Segvich“In order to make government accountable to our residents and pensioners, we demand fiscal policies which reduce government spending.” Learn more about this candidate.


Steven S. Graves“The Democratic Party should stop punishing success and rewarding voters with tax payer money.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 12th County Board District

John Fritchey“During my time as your commissioner, I have worked and succeeded in advancing a progressive agenda that my constituents want and deserve.” Learn more about this candidate.


Bridget Degnen“I think it’s time for a change on the County board, and based on the 7,000 doors I’ve knocked in this district since September, many people agree.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 13th County Board District

Bushra Amiwala“We are running a campaign on purity politics and positive messaging and don’t need to bring any of the other candidates down.” Learn more about this candidate.


Larry Suffredin“I have conducted over 150 community meetings to help thousands of home owners appeal and get reductions on real estate property tax assessments.” Learn more about this candidate.


Daniel Foster“I’m running for the Cook County Board of Commissioners because I care deeply about ending the era of mass incarceration.” Learn more about this candidate.


Republican Candidates, 13th County Board District

Chris J. Hanusiak“I have made the commitment to serve on the County Board and to fearlessly and constantly promote efficiency in government, seeking solutions to our tax problems by budget changes, not tax increases.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 14th County Board District

Scott R. Britton“I became involved in public service in order to foster progressive values in my community.” Learn more about this candidate.


Republican Candidates, 14th County Board District

Gregg Goslin: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Democratic Candidates, 15th County Board District

Kevin B. Morrison“I want to steer us away from financial collapse, and in a direction that no longer places the entire burden on the backs of our working and middle class families.” Learn more about this candidate.


Ravi Raju: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Republican Candidates, 15th County Board District

Timothy Owen Schneider“I fight hard for small business owners, because if they are forced to leave, the residents have to pick up their share.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, 16th County Board District

Jeffrey R. Tobolski: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Democratic Candidates, 17th County Board District

Abdelnasser Rashid“Voters deserve someone who’ll fight for working and middle class families and small businesses, not the billionaires and the politically connected.” Learn more about this candidate.


Republican Candidates, 17th County Board District

Sean M. Morrison“I bring a small business owner’s pragmatic perspective to the Cook County Board where I have consistently advocated for fiscal responsibility, innovative reform measures and pro‐growth economic policies.” Learn more about this candidate.


Democratic Candidates, Board of Review 2nd District

Michael Cabonargi: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


Republican Candidates, Board of Review 3rd District

Larry Rogers, Jr.: Did not participate in Candidate Free Time


About Candidate Free Time

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’ GuideMore: 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.

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