Scott Britton: 2022 candidate for Cook County Board

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office sought: Cook County Board

City: Glenview

Age: 61

Occupation: Lawyer

Previous offices held: District 34 School Board, Village of Glenview Trustee

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: The Board definitely has a role in addressing rising crime rates, especially violent crimes in the City of Chicago. I am a participant in the County Gun Violence Task Force to address the overabundance of firearms, and coordinate among all levels of law enforcement. In my district in 2022, felony cases were approved for prosecution at an 86% rate with a 93% conviction rate. Additional actions must be made to address crime and I have participated with the sheriff in opening a new River North command center. With that, we are able to secure cooperation from the Chicago Police Department in providing the public with additional protection and supervision. Additionally, I have sponsored the 10 Shared Principles, a better policing model to support trust building between law enforcement and the residents they serve, with the Sheriff, Forest Preserve, and others. We have expanded work force development, mental health, anti recidivism interventions, and investments in addressing poverty.

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: Transportation is an essential function of providing services to individuals and businesses in Cook County. I have committed substantial resources to the maintenance and repair of infrastructure in my district, county owned and municipal. We have sought out private partnerships and coordinated transportation of individuals from their homes to the employers in the 14th who are desperate for workers in a very tight labor market. We have also worked through the President's office on a new Fair Transit program that will improve transportation options for individuals in areas that have lacked access to affordable and accessible public transit to ensure they are able to commute to the jobs they need, including those in the 14th district. And we continue to expand green infrastructure with bike paths, sidewalks, and electric vehicle charging stations, to assist individuals looking for energy efficient and cost-effective transportation in the county.

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: Inflation is a major challenge for people in not just Cook County, but our entire nation. While I support measures to rein in inflation, including the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, I do not support a tax holiday. The State of Illinois has taken measures to address these issues, and at present our job should be to observe how our residents are being affected by these actions while understanding the need for balancing cost to consumers with the need to invest in our infrastructure.

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: When I was elected, I saw the need for additional assistance for small and midsized businesses to help them in job training and expansion in hiring activities. Over my past years as Commissioner, I have had the opportunity to visit and listen to businesses of all kinds across my district, seeing firsthand the impact of the pandemic and understanding what they need to survive and thrive post-COVID. I have coordinated with our local educational institutions to support training, internships and apprenticeship development. I pushed hard for ARPA funding to provide direct grants through our Bureau of Economic Development department to small locally owned businesses and manufacturers through the new Manufacturing Reinvented program. I also advocated for the creation of the county's new small business hub, called The Source, and expansion of services though the Chicago-Cook Workforce Development Center.

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: Yes. As a Commissioner I have championed the fair allocation of services between the city and suburbs to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources in the County. By partnering with our suburban commissioners, Republicans and Democrats, we've been successful in placing a renewed emphasis on a fairer balance between the different regions of our County. We had notable successes in this regard as to money spent on infrastructure and other needs from recently received Federal dollars.

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 Bears moving to Arlington Heights could be a significant benefit to the region in increased tax revenue and job creation. However, between the Bears organization and the very profitable NFL, public financing should not be utilized.

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: Yes. Growing up in a small farming community in Central Illinois I had my first shotgun when I was 12. However, the easy availability of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines do not belong on our streets, and I support further legislation to ban the sale of these weapons of war. The county has had an assault weapon ban for a number of years, and this should be enacted statewide. I will also continue to work with the sheriff's office to take the address those who illegally possess firearms, particularly those individuals with mental health challenges and domestic abusers.

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

A: Fiduciary responsibility to the residents of this county is central to my rigorous budgeting review process. We have put in place multiple programs that will ensure the responsible expenditure of federal assistance. We have engaged in an unprecedented outreach and feedback process to solicit ideas from every corner of the county on how to spend federal ARPA funds. Additionally, I am collaborating with local and state officials to coordinate spending and ensure that monies will produce dividends in social equity, jobs and mental health services. While most ARPA funding remains unallocated, the Board will continue to pursue a fair and transparent process in the use of resources for the benefit of all residents with an understanding as to how these dollars can be legally allocated. I pledge to continue working hard to advocate for a fair share of these new federal investments be directed to our communities for stormwater mitigation, roads, and grants to mental health providers.