Daniel Lee: 2026 candidate for Cook County Board District 15

Bio

Office sought: Cook County Board District 15

Party: Republican

City: Hoffman Estates

Age: 52

Previous offices held: N/A

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I'm running for Cook County Commissioner because I believe government should be accountable to the people it serves. As an immigrant who chose America, a businessman, a father, and a local community servant, I understand the importance of opportunity, personal responsibility, and responsible leadership.

My primary concern is fiscal accountability. Cook County's budget now exceeds $10 billion, and taxpayers deserve to know not only where their money goes, but whether it produces meaningful results.

I believe every taxpayer-funded program should have clearly defined objectives, measurable performance standards, and regular reviews. Programs that work should be supported. Those that fail to deliver results should be fixed or stopped.

I'm also committed to public safety, supporting our law enforcement professionals, and protecting the Forest Preserves for future generations.

I'm not running because I believe one commissioner can solve every problem. I'm running because I believe one commissioner can ask difficult questions, demand transparency, and take one step closer to restoring common sense and accountability to county government.

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 board and what would your priority be?

As a challenger, I would bring real-world business experience, fiscal discipline, and a practical, results-oriented approach to Cook County government.

As a business owner, international business consultant, and commissioner on Hoffman Estates' Economic Development and Plan commissions, I have learned the importance of responsible budgeting, strategic planning, and accountability.

My top priority would be strengthening fiscal oversight of County's multibillion-dollar budget. I would advocate for measurable performance standards, regular program evaluations, and greater transparency so taxpayers can see where their money goes and what results it produces.

I believe every taxpayer-funded program should be evaluated on its effectiveness. Programs that deliver meaningful results should be supported, while those that consistently fail to meet their objectives should be improved, restructured, or discontinued.

My approach is simple: Government should be judged not by how much it spends on activities, but by how effectively it delivers results for the people who pay for it.

What initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

First would be to introduce stronger performance-based budgeting, incorporating zero-based budgeting principles. Rather than automatically continuing programs at previous funding levels, departments should regularly justify their expenditures based on demonstrated needs, measurable outcomes, and results.

Second, I would support comprehensive reviews of county contracts, procurement practices, and administrative operations to identify unnecessary expenses, overlapping services, and opportunities for consolidation. Contract transparency, and stronger oversight can help ensure taxpayers receive the best possible value.

Third, I would examine opportunities to improve revenue collection, reduce uncollected fees and receivables, and make better use of underutilized county-owned properties and assets.

I would also encourage responsible economic development that expands the county's tax base by supporting business investment, job creation, and commercial growth rather than simply increasing tax rates.

My core principle is straightforward: Before government asks taxpayers for another dollar, it MUST demonstrate that it is spending the dollars it already receives responsibly.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

One area that deserves greater attention is the accessibility and responsiveness particularly for suburban residents.

Cook County is more than just Chicago. It includes dozens of suburban communities whose residents contribute substantial tax dollars and deserve their fair share of attention, resources, and services. Yet many suburban residents feel overlooked and short-changed when it comes to county government.

We need greater transparency in how county resources are distributed geographically, along with stronger district-level constituent services. Residents should have direct access to their commissioner and timely assistance navigating county departments.

I would advocate for better coordination among county agencies, municipalities, and townships, while providing measurable standards for responsiveness and service delivery.

Rather than creating expensive new programs, I would focus on improving existing services through better management, coordination, and accountability.

Suburban taxpayers deserve to know where their money goes, what services they receive, and whether their communities are getting a fair return on their tax dollars.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

Yes. Bipartisanship and cooperation are ideal to effective county government, but so are independent oversight and meaningful debate.

Currently, the Cook County Board consists of 16 Democrats and just 1 Republican. That imbalance raises legitimate concerns about political diversity and the ability of minority viewpoints to influence decisions. With the absence of 'checks & balances', overwhelming one-party control makes independent scrutiny especially important.

I believe commissioners should work together wherever possible, particularly on public safety, fiscal responsibility, economic development, and essential county services.

I would seek common ground through respectful dialogue, bipartisan collaboration, and decisions grounded in facts and measurable results. At the same time, cooperation should never mean avoiding difficult questions or automatically approving spending proposals.

My approach would be to evaluate every proposal on its merits, regardless of which party introduces it, while maintaining an independent voice for the residents I represent in the 15th District.

What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?

I believe compensation for elected officials should be reasonable, transparent, and appropriate for the responsibilities of the office. Public service should never become an opportunity for elected officials to reward themselves at taxpayers' expense.

Cook County commissioners gave themselves a 10% salary raise in 2022, along with provisions for automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments. I strongly believe that arrangement deserves another look.

I would support reviewing the current compensation structure, including the automatic annual increases, with consideration given to comparable counties, the county's financial condition, and the economic pressures facing taxpayers.

Any proposed changes should be supported by an independent compensation review, discussed publicly, and implemented in accordance with state law.

Ultimately, elected officials should be held to the same standards of fiscal responsibility that they expect from the departments and programs they oversee. Accountability should come before compensation, and taxpayers' interests should always come first.

What is the most important issue facing the county in your district and how should it be addressed?

The most pressing issues facing residents of Cook County's 15th District is the growing financial burden on families, homeowners, and small businesses, particularly rising property taxes.

According to the Cook County Treasurer's latest analysis, the median homeowner's property tax bill in the north and northwest suburbs increased by 6.7%, while Schaumburg homeowners experienced a 14.8% median increase. These increases place significant pressure on families, especially seniors living on fixed incomes.

I'd advocate for stronger performance-based budgeting, regular reviews of county programs, greater scrutiny of spending, and efforts to eliminate unnecessary duplication and administrative costs.

I'd also work with municipalities, townships, and other local officials to improve coordination and identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising essential services.

Finally, I believe suburban taxpayers deserve greater transparency regarding how their tax dollars are spent and whether their communities receive an equitable share of county services.