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Endorsements: Silvestri, Schneider, Doody-Gorman for Cook County Board

District 9: Silvestri

We are pleased to be able to endorse Peter Silvestri, something we haven't been able to do previously because we do not endorse candidates who hold more than one elected office. But in 2013, Silvestri stepped aside as mayor of Elmwood Park after 24 years. It happened at the right time, as redistricting has given the 9th District a big foothold in Mount Prospect and Des Plaines, plus Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights. The Republican Silvestri, campaigning for a sixth term on the county board, is a longtime public servant with credentials that include school boards, zoning boards, church boards and numerous county board committees. His Democratic opponent is Frank McPartlin, of Elmwood Park, a special assistant in Cook County's Bureau of Administration. He is very knowledgeable about the workings of county government and has led an impressive project to re-purpose unused equipment. But he does not represent a good reason to dislodge Silvestri, a hard worker who has been a consistent advocate for change on the county board. His bipartisan approach has netted him endorsements from Democrats Toni Preckwinkle, Mike Quigley and Jesse White, and we add our voice to that chorus.

District 15: Schneider

It would be hard to find a Cook County commissioner who approaches the job with stronger work ethic and seriousness of purpose than Republican Tim Schneider. Since he first joined the board in 2006, Schneider has been an influential contributor to county business, including repeal of the Stroger sales tax increase, creation of the Independent Hospital Board, ethics reform and difficult pension reforms under way in the legislature. With calm resolution, Schneider has shown the ability to work effectively with all elements of the county board, and he has brought county resources home to the 15th District in the form of such initiatives as recycling drives and health care workshops. He is challenged by newcomer Democrat Michael Urban, who is critical of the county's handling of Cook County Jail inmates and believes the sales tax can be lowered. He demonstrates a limited understanding of county issues, however, and does not make a strong case for replacing the incumbent. Schneider, recently named chairman of the state GOP, is a sincere, smart and hardworking commissioner. He should be returned to the board.

District 17: Doody-Gorman

There are two names on the ballot for Cook County Commissioner in the 17th District, but there's really only one candidate. Democratic challenger James Hickey did not return requests for information about his candidacy and has no active campaign. For her part, incumbent Republican Elizabeth Doody-Gorman has been an engaged commissioner, particularly active on issues involving the forest preserves and tax reform. She gets our endorsement.

Slusher: How to use our endorsements

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