Play-by-play of Stroger's visit

Hooray for ... anything (8:54 p.m.)

The audience applause portion of the night as begun.

You know when the crowd claps their hands to show their support of a fellow crowd member's idea or question.

A resident asking if Cook County could prevent illegal immigrants from receiving medical service drew applause. Legally they cannot turned down undocumented citizens, said Cook County's Dr. Robert Simon.

Another resident once more declared that suburban residents feel Stroger only represents Chicago. That also drew an ovation.

Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins went through a bevy of comments before asking about how economic development within the village would be affected by the Stroger-backed tax increase. One crowd member crossed his arms and said "is this a question or a speech?" On this Monday night when many village boards are convening - like Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates - Palatine officials are on hand. Palatine officials had to juggle their schedules, but they made it.

While Stroger is addressing the residents directly, he also has his department heads on hand to help and chime in, just in case more detailed answers are needed. They're seated at the bottom of the auditorium.

'Simply paradise on earth' (7:39 p.m.)

That was the line delivered by the narrator of a video played detailing Cook County services, describing the forest preserves it maintains.The lights have since been brightened as the video - and it's sleep-inducing music - have ended.

The auditorium seats at Harper College slowly have filled up. The well-behaved audience was warned to keep behavior civil. There are no torches and pitchforks. It's not a witchhunt yet.

State Rep. Suzie Bassi of Palatine has made her feelings shown. She stood up before Stroger began his remarks. She was snubbed in the introductions, as elected officials, like Cook County Commissioner Gregg Goslin, stood up and were recognized for being in the audience. Bassi just wanted to make sure Stroger knew she was in the building.

"I remember you," Stroger said with a smile.

Bassi also shook her head in disagreement over Stroger's assessment that residents are only now complaining about county government because things aren't going their way.

Now Stroger is handing the microphone to various officials who are testifying about what their departments do for the county.

The county board president has landed (7:18 p.m.)

Todd Stroger arrived around 6:45 p.m. in the standard issue Cook County black SUV, greeted by members of the TV media perched in front of the entrance to Harper College in Palatine.

Stroger said tonight's program includes about 10-minute's worth of remarks, a video showing how Cook County tax dollars are spent and questions from the audience. The last question will be taken at 8:45 p.m.

When asked what he's looking for toward the most, Stroger spokesman Gene Mullins said "getting the truth out."

He said that residents across the county - not just the northwest suburbs - don't know enough of about county government services.

Mullins also referred to the services by the Cook County sheriff's police, and mentioned the Brown's Chicken murders, saying the 128 municipalities in Cook County aren't equipped for every situation and can turn to Cook County.

Looks like he's on his way (6:00 p.m.)

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is finally en route to Harper College in Palatine.

Sure, he appeared briefly last month at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates to peruse a Cook County Department of Public Health bioterrorism drill, but tonight's forum will be the first time he'll field questions from suburbanites.

The event is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. inside Harper College's Wojcik Conference Center in Palatine.

Stroger has said he wanted a chance to freely interact with his suburban constituents. That's why he said he canceled April's planned appearance at Harper. He said local Palatine officials were setting him up to be ambushed and that he wanted more control over the forum.

Apparently tonight's conditions were to his liking.

Could questions regarding the Stroger-backed Cook County sales-tax increase be part of tonight's program?