Barbara Bellar: 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: Burr RidgeWebsite: ElectBellar.comOffice sought: Cook County board District 17 Age: 66Family: Husband, Harold Peter WelschOccupation: Physician, Attorney, ProfessorEducation: Mundelein/Loyola BA. PsychologyMundelein/Loyola BS. BiologyWichita State University/ BHS Physician AssistantXochicalco- Centro Estudios- Mexico MD MedicineJohn Marshall Law School- JD LAWLoyola Univ/ Master's Bioethics and Health PolicyLoyola Univ/ Master's Public Health - Matriculant 2014.Civic involvement: Volunteer DuPage Emergency Response- Public Health Dept.Volunteer Physician - DuPage County ClinicGuardian Ad Litem - Du Page CountyPro Bono Litigation- CVLSActive in local church.Elected offices held: N/AHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?The County still has a 152.1 million deficit, I am motivated to work toward further reduction of this deficit gap while not increasing property taxes.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?I bring a solid practical armamentarium of experience which will benefit the county and the constituents. As a physician, I am astute regarding matters involving the County hospitals, and would be vigilant on audits to reduce expense. As an Attorney, I bring specific ability to analyze legal matters related to county government. I have worked in over 30 correctional facilities which is applicable to the County Jail system. I am currently doing my practicum for my Master's in Public Health which is applicable to the County Public Health Dept. Finally, especially as a person who possesses a Master's in Bioethics and Health Policy, do I bring the much needed forthright integrity, honesty and Ethical character to this Commissioner position, which has been lacking.Do you agree with President Toni Preckwinkle's plan to have unincorporated areas annex to nearby suburbs to end the county's responsibility for police patrols and other services? If yes, should infrastructure in the unincorporated areas be brought up to municipal standards to encourage annexation? Should other incentives be offered to municipalities?I reviewed the Cook County Unincorporated Task Force report which outlined short and long term recommendations. Yes, I would concur with President Preckwinkle's plan to annex unincorporated areas to proximal suburbs and pass the baton of police and fire services to said areas. Having said this, it may be a quagmire to deal with upgrading infrastructure to meet locale standards. Cook County should work with the accepting or designated suburbs to arrange some type of compensation, be that a property tax break or other incentive, to facilitate the annexation process. Put simply the county really needs to unload it's 6.5% unincorporated burdensome cost areas, and it is undeniably logical that the suburbs assimilate these areas.Do you favor charging for parking at Cook County courthouses? If yes, should anyone be exempted from paying the parking fee? Who?This is a grumbling topic for many county employees, but it is a fact sign of the times. Hospitals, universities, downtown businesses, downtown street parking, it is the reality of life with private transportation, that one must pay for parking. Of course, it will generate revenue, estimates of $5 million per year for the county and some of the funds should be allotted to keep the facilities clean and safe. It is inevitable and necessary, but perhaps there should be a $2.50 maximum for senior citizens and the disabled. I would concur with the projected plan to exempt jurors, witnesses, police officers doing official business and people using the facility to vote.What do you think of President Toni Preckwinkle's plan to reduce jail crowding by expanding electronic monitoring, reducing bonds and expediting bond hearings and pretrial proceedings?Some inmates have been detained for years just to have their cases heard and this is a drain and waste of tax payer money. For certain crimes additional electronic monitoring could be allowed, and fair bond practices should be in place. This is the largest jail in the United States, but not the most efficient, updating the records to the latest technology may assist in expediting hearing and proceedings. I have personally worked in over 30 correctional facilities at all government levels and Cook County jail is often at capacity which in itself is the breeding ground for further crime, and unreasonable tax payer expense.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?Yes, several things, such as, what you see is what you get. I present that I am a real Republican, who supports the platform to represent the constituents. I teach at Benedictine University for many years, the Graduate course on 'Ethical and Political Issues in Public Health.' I want the voters to know corruption needs to be weeded out at the grass roots level.