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Preckwinkle has brought fiscal responsibility

As the debate about the soda tax in Cook County continues to roil, perhaps a little perspective is in order. When board President Preckwinkle proposed this measure, did any of us think she did so because she is a health nut? Of course, the county needs the money, and she made that clear. Unless any of us have a better solution for finding revenue, we should praise her leadership, not scapegoat her for so much else that we don't like in our nation, and world, these days.

I remember county government when she took over seven years ago - a mess: over $500 million in debt, patronage everywhere, a revolving door of unqualified advisers and no evidence of basic management practices or a strategic plan. The fiscal office of the Health and Hospitals System was under water in its failure even to send out bills.

The Cook County Health and Hospitals System today is fiscally sound, with a balanced budget and the lowest level of tax subsidy for general operations in its history. President Preckwinkle has reduced the population of Cook County Jail by over 20 percent since she took office in 2010. Nobody before her had figured out how to do this, and demonstrated the necessary will.

In the midst of controversy, we should not forget something that President Preckwinkle's intelligence and honest have made a reality: we trust the numbers as budgets are brought forward. We know where we stand. This has not always been the case.

In short, Commissioner Preckwinkle has brought a level of integrity to her public responsibilities that we long for in our elected officials and so seldom find. It is easy to miss the enduring qualities as we debate short-term policy debates necessary to make our government work.

Alexander E. Sharp, Former Executive Director, Protestants for the Common Good

Chicago

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