Cook County board District 17 Doody Gorman: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: Orland ParkWebsite: www.Lizfor17.comOffice sought: Cook County board District 17 Age: 49Family: Husband Gerald and three sons: Conor, Liam and Shane.Occupation: Cook County Commissioner, Licensed Insurance AgentEducation: EMBA, University of Notre Dame (2008), IN; Bachelor of Arts, St. Maryâ#128;™s University, MN (1987); Mother McAuley High School (1983), ChicagoCivic involvement: Orland Park Chamber of CommerceElected offices held: Cook County Commissioner, 17th District (2002 - Current) Orland Township Republican Committeeman (2003 - Current) Cook County GOP Chairman (2007 - 2008)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?The annual cost of Cook County government, the long term fiscal health of Cook County and the financial burden placed upon taxpayers and businesses are the major issues facing Cook County. Our residents and businesses have reached a saturation point with high taxes, fees and regulations. We must break this negative trend if weâ#128;™re going to: 1) Get our fiscal house in order for both the short term and long term; 2) restore confidence in our business community to locate, grow and create jobs here, and 3) to relieve the high taxation burden weâ#128;™ve placed upon our constituents.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?Iâ#128;™ve been a strong advocate for tax reform, budget and operational efficiencies, especially in the area of new technology. Iâ#128;™ve worked hard for greater transparency and for making the Cook County Forest Preserve District a national leader in the areas of recreation, restoration and conservation. I fought for tax reforms on multiple fronts and was the leading voice to repeal the entire 133% Stroger Tax Hike. I sponsored the tax rate cut to Cook Countyâ#128;™s Motor Vehicle Transfer Tax. Sponsored an Ethics Law requiring greater disclosure and led the charge to abolish the corrupt Cook County Regional Office of Education.Describe your position regarding efforts the county has taken to control spending. How have these measures affected the suburbs, and, in particular, do you support proposals President Preckwinkle has made to eliminate unincorporated areas so they would not be under county control?The critical factors for annexation fall to the financial and logistical compatibility issues for local municipalities. The context for which annexation is acceptable is when a municipality does move to annex an unincorporated area that it has the support of the residents of that targeted unincorporated area. I do not support forced annexation of residents living in unincorporated areas. We must recognize that residents who live in unincorporated areas do so because they chose to live there.How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If you consider it adequate, please explain why. If you think improvements are needed, please describe them and why they are important.Cook County has been moving in the right direction and has made strides when it comes to government transparency but we have more work to do. The ability to download Cook Countyâ#128;™s 2015 Preliminary Budget months in advance is a very good example of giving the public the ability to take an extensive view of all facets of Cook County government and the budget process. Obviously, internet technology has been a driving force to bring greater transparency to county government and we must continue to consistently look to bring more information online for public review.What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in Cook County offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?Proper investment and execution is paramount to Cook County government making the needed improvements to automation and customer service. The Treasurerâ#128;™s Office has made great strides through extensive technology innovation improving internal operations, customer service and making paper nearly obsolete. The Cook County Clerkâ#128;™s Office now offers citizens the ability to register to vote online and request mail ballots online along with a host of other services and programs available online. Looking forward, working with the Clerk of the Circuit Court to make our court systemâ#128;™s operations efficient and effective is a top priority for me and the county board.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I sponsored a resolution which will place a referendum on the Cook County ballot regarding mental health funding: â#128;œShall the General Assembly of the State of Illinois appropriate additional funds to provide necessary mental health services for the people of the State of Illinois?â#128;ť National Alliance on Mental Health Illness, says IL ranked fourth in the nation in cutting mental health programs with $187M in cuts between 2009-2012. Sheriff Tom Dart estimates that 25%-30% of the Cook County Jail population is suffering from mental illness. The jail is now viewed as the largest mental health facility in the US.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. She has been one of Illinois' finest examples of a public servant.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Stay focused on your goals and work hard to achieve them.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?There are several sports moments I had I'd like to do-over again. Hard to pick just one game.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Business Administration, it has served me very well as an insurance agent and in public service.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Give your very best effort into anything you set your mind to and don't be discouraged by life's obstacles.