“The time is right for a Board President with a proven track record of saving taxpayers money, reforming county government and finding innovative solutions to our problems,” Clerk Brown said.
“We need a leader who will step up and get our fiscal house in order. We won’t get that with politics as usual and we won’t get it by infighting. The time is now to bring people together to address our great budget problems. With so many people struggling through tough economic times and facing inadequate health coverage, how could we look them in the eye and tell them we have wasted their money and they have to pay more.”
Brown came out against the current sales tax increase level passed by the Board. Brown said, “We can’t keep making taxpayers pay for the failed leadership. We need new ideas, not just new taxes.”
She noted her strong record of reform and sound management of tax dollars in the Clerk’s Office. On her watch, $187.5 million in tax money was saved by improving fee and fine collections. The practice of awarding “no bid” contracts was stopped. The office collected $21.5 million from “deadbeat defendants” who hadn’t paid their court fees.
While serving as the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Brown has also dedicated herself to advocating for women, including supporting a new domestic violence court house with specially trained judges and support services for victims of abuse. She also touts both teen dating and adult domestic violence programs, to educate citizens about the dangers of domestic violence and successful methods to prevent it. Brown is also dedicated to improving public education and helping children succeed. She created a scholarship program to encourage and assist Cook County public education students to attend college.
Brown is a Certified Public Account (CPA) and she earned an MBA and a law degree. She would be a leader thoroughly qualified to deal with the financial, business and legal issues of Cook County.
A formal announcement and campaign kickoff will take place later in the year.
Brown said, “The next County Board President needs two qualities: the ability to lead and to reform. With the help of a great team and with the trust of the people of Cook County, I’m confident we can do both.”