Bob Fioretti: 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: ChicagoWebsite: www.bobforcookcounty.comTwitter: @BobforCookFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobForCook/Office sought: Cook County Board President Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Wife NicoleOccupation: Civil Rights AttorneyEducation: Mendel High School University of illinois-Champaign-Urbana (BS) Northern Illinois University (JD)Civic involvement: 2 term 2nd Ward Alderman 2 term 2nd Ward Democratic CommitteemanElected offices held: Alderman, Ward CommitteemanQuestions 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?Cook County government is broken. My first priority will be to work to reform the corrupt, discriminatory property tax system.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 job and what would your priority be?I am proud of my eight year record as the 2nd Ward Alderman in the City of Chicago. I would bring that same record of independence, accomplishment and of working for every person, not just the insiders.Describe your position on transparency in the office and the ease of access to records by the public. If you believe improvements are needed, what are they and how would you go about achieving them?Too often, governments at every level act as if public records belong to them, not the public. When it comes to Cook County budgetary issues, there is not currently enough transparency. Instead of making back-room deals at the last minute that benefit insiders, I would hold year-long town-hall style budget hearings in different parts of the county.How would you manage the overall county budget, particularly as it relates to controlling the expenses of county offices that report to the county board but control their own budgets.The President and County Board can cut any county office's budget, except the Chief Judge's, pending the outcome of a wasteful lawsuit. They did so after the failed soda tax was repealed. How an individual elected official chooses to spend the budget allotted to them is up to them, as it should be.Describe your leadership style and explain how that will help the entire county board work most effectively and efficiently.I believe in long-term planning and building consensus and coalitions from the ground up. That's why my budget process would be a year long process and include the opinions of residents in every part of the county, including some where the residents have told me they have never seen a County Board President.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Providing quality health care and keeping the public safe are the two core missions of Cook County government. But we must do so by living within our means. This Administration has failed on this front by re-enacting the Preckwinkle sales tax and the bungled attempt to impose a soda tax. Minority contracting is also important to me. This Administration has failed miserably on this front as well, falling well below acceptable standards. Reforming the corrupt and discriminatory property tax system is my first priority. My opponent has not lifted a finger to fix this system in eight long years in office.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Martin Luther King, Jr.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Treat every person equally and to always keep your word.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would win my campaign for Mayor of Chicago.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. Intuitively I appreciated reading and learning about people's actions, beliefs, and leadership.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I do not have children.