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Benton Howser: 2022 candidate for Cook County Board

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: Cook County Board

City: Wilmette

Age: 33

Occupation: Army officer and investment manager

Previous offices held: First time running.

Q&A

Q: What is the county board's role in addressing rising crime rates and what specific policies, programs or initiatives might you support toward reducing violence in Cook County?

A: My opponent voted to defund the police and has been silent on the effects of legislation out of Springfield that has empowered criminals and handcuffed police. When 15 out of 17 county board members voted to defund the police, our Democrat Cook County Sheriff was critical of that move. That is a dangerous policy that is counterintuitive to the notion of "public safety."

Springfield legislators have given us the Safe T Act and they have passed a law declassifying possession of 3 grams of Fentanyl to a misdemeanor from. One gram can kill 500 people. The Safe T Act goes further and would allow no cash bail forcing the release of nearly half the Cook County Jail inmates out onto the street. We need to call on state legislators to repeal the Safe T Act and the Fentanyl bill and the county board needs to repeal the defund bill.

Q: Where do you see the greatest need for transportation enhancements in Cook County and how would you address that on the county board?

A: The county needs to prioritize projects and do an assessment of all of the roads that we are responsible for. We then embark on an in-depth study into collaboration with other roads entities.

Q: Should the county board enact a fuel or sales tax holiday to assist residents struggling with rising costs of gas, groceries and other needs? Why or why not?

A: Yes.

Q: What is one county service that is not adequately provided or could be improved in your district, and how would you address that?

A: Crime is the biggest concern amongst voters, and we need to make sure that law enforcement has the resources necessary.

Q: Do you see the Cook County government serving the city of Chicago too much and not paying enough attention to the needs in the suburbs?

A: If Cook County feels a need to pay a disproportionate amount of time and resources in Chicago, then we need to understand why Chicago politicians are not addressing those needs. There should not be a blank check.

Q: What's your view of the Chicago Bears' possible move to Arlington Heights? Do you think that would put a strain on Cook County government, such as with sheriff's patrols, other services, or infrastructure needs? Or do you think it would help other Cook County businesses and tax revenue?

A: The decision by the Bears to look at Arlington Heights as a future home is a business decision with the assumption that they can make more money. If that is the case then it will create more sales taxes and be beneficial to all parties concerned.

Q: Do you support efforts to further restrict guns sales or access to guns otherwise in light of the Highland Park mass shooting, and/or in light of continuing gun violence overall?

A: The shooter in Highland Park should never have had a gun and the Illinois State Police should never have granted him a Firearms Owners Identification. Anyone who threatens to kill people, has the police summoned, and has a hoard of knives should not be able to get a FOID card to buy guns. We need to enforce the laws we have now and reject the notion that passing more laws will make criminals obey them.

Q: How could Cook County benefit from recently passed federal spending measures, such as on infrastructure, health care and climate change?

A: Ultimately, we will all pay the price in higher inflation but now that the bill has passed our Federal Delegation needs to get to work so that Cook County gets its share.

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