Candidates for Cook County Board District 15 discuss key needs, financial improvement

The race to succeed Democrat Kevin Morrison as the Cook County Board’s District 15 commissioner pits Morrison’s own chief of staff against a suburban business consultant.

Both Democrat Ted Mason of Elk Grove Village and Republican Daniel Lee of Hoffman Estates believe their own professional backgrounds make them better suited for the job.

Mason also serves as Elk Grove Township Democratic committeeman. Lee is seeking elected office for the first time, but serves on his village’s economic development and plan commissions.

District 15 covers all or parts of communities like Barrington, Barrington Hills, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood.

Both candidates were asked to identify a key issue facing District 15 and its solution, as well as how to improve Cook County’s financial strength.

For Lee, the most pressing issue in the district is a growing financial burden on families and small businesses, particularly from rising property taxes. He cited the Cook County treasurer’s latest analysis that the median homeowner property tax bill in the North and Northwest suburbs increased by 6.7% while Schaumburg homeowners saw a 14.8% median increase.

“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,” Lee wrote in a Daily Herald questionnaire. “I'd also work with municipalities, townships and other local officials to improve coordination and identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising essential services.”

Lee added that suburban taxpayers should see greater transparency in how their taxes are spent as well as whether their communities receive an equitable share of county services.

Mason said the need for District 15 residents to travel to downtown Chicago to access county services can be a burden, and that Cook County should be meeting those needs were people live.

“As commissioner, I will prioritize bringing resources directly into our district through outreach events, strengthening partnerships with local organizations and improving constituent services that help residents better understand and navigate available programs,” Mason wrote in the questionnaire.

He also said public transportation gaps in the district make it difficult for residents, especially seniors and those with disabilities, to access healthcare facilities or workplaces.

“I will collaboratively work with regional transportation agencies and local municipalities to improve transportation accessibility,” Mason added.

The candidates were asked which initiatives they’d favor to increase revenue or save money to help the county’s budget.

Lee’s three steps would be to introduce stronger performance-based budgeting, comprehensively review county contracts and operations, and look for ways to improve revenue collection methods.

“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,” Lee wrote. “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.”

Mason said that while this year’s budget gap is being solved by using reserves and eliminating vacant positions, he would prioritize evaluating all external contracts and spending before they’re approved.

“Additionally, I would pursue alternative, nonregressive sources, including federal and state grants, to help sustain essential programs without increasing costs for taxpayers,” Mason wrote. “I believe that we need to continue to pass balanced, responsible budgets that protect funding for public services, such as healthcare programs, while avoiding increased taxes for residents.”

epeterson@dailyherald.com