Heather Anne Boyle: 2022 candidate for Cook County Board District 9
Bio
Party: Democrat
City: Norridge
Age: 36
Occupation: Police Records Clerk
Previous offices held: None
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?
A: I'm running for this officer for the first time because the 9th District needs a voice to be heard and not from someone that has an agenda. I'm not a career politician and like my opponents I don't have the backing of the Cook County party. The district needs someone who is going to stick up for the residents of the 9th District.
Q: Cook County was alone in the six-county Chicago area to require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter restaurants, bars and other establishments earlier this year. Did you agree with that decision, and would you support reimposing that requirement should the region face another surge in infections?
A: I would not support proof of vaccinations for customers at bars and restaurants in Cook County. I would not support reimposing any vaccine requirement at any retail establishment.
Q: Did the county do enough to support businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic? If yes, please name one specific program you supported that did that. If no, please name one specific action the county could have taken to help.
A: The county did not sufficiently support the local businesses during the pandemic. Local leaders and chambers of commerce should have been a vital part of the funding decisions.
Q: There's been a concerted effort within the county's criminal justice system to incarcerate fewer pretrial defendants in the county jail. Some, particularly in the suburbs, blame this for a rise in crime. Do you support these policies? If not, what would you suggest instead?
A: County prosecutors and judges are responsible for out safety. This process should not be lenient to criminals. Cash bail procedures must remain part of the legal process. Electronic monitoring decisions for criminals should be kept to a minimum to protect our safety.
Q: In July 2020, the county board passed a resolution that called for, in part, the county to "redirect funds from policing and incarceration to public services not administered by law enforcement." Did or do you support this measure and the philosophy behind it? Why or why not?
A: The county should not redirect funding for law enforcement. I support increase funding for police in our community. The county must assist local law enforcement programs and increase visible patrols throughout Cook County. Any alternative crime fighting policies must have a funding source independent of normal law enforcement budgets.
Q: Some elected officials have proposed a "gas-tax holiday" to ease the burden of rising gasoline prices on county residents. Would you support such a proposal for Cook County? Why or why not?
A: I support a gas-tax holiday. Cook County taxes are a burden to working families. Families are leaving our region due to the financial pressures of never-ending tax increases. All levels of government are responsible for our state losing populations