WTTW’s 2016 Voters’ Guide to the Primary is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for Cook County office in the March 15 election.
Every candidate running for a Cook County office was given two minutes to tell voters where they stand on the issues, why they feel they are best qualified and what they intend to do if elected or re-elected. The messages were recorded at the WTTW studios at no cost to the candidates. The Voters’ Guide is an online version of Candidate Free Time, pioneered by WTTW in the 1992 race for U.S. Senate. This year, we are proud to partner with the League of Women Voters of Cook County to give voters this guide to candidates for Cook County office.
About this office: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is governed by a nine-member board elected at-large with three commissioners elected every two years. During the March 15 primary, some candidates will run for six-year terms, while others will run for terms that last two years.
MWRD treats water collected by sanitary and stormwater sewers in most of Cook County. It also serves as the Stormwater Management Utility for Cook County. Its mission is to protect the health and safety of citizens and area waterways.
About this candidate:
Name: Kevin McDevitt
Party: Democratic
Born: February 1953
Residence: Worth
Family: Married with three children, one deceased
Occupation: Retired
Political experience: None
Website: kevinmcdevitt.net
What is your vision for this office?
I envision the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District taking the lead role in areas such as renewable energy, disinfection of our local waterways, and being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Cook County.
What is the most pressing issue facing Cook County, and how can you help address it?
In relationship to the office to which I seek, the most pressing issue is aging infrastructure. Replacement of aging sewers within the County is needed to assist with flood control. I would support research to identity the problematic areas and work with the local municipalities to develop a cost sharing program.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Good evening. My name is Kevin McDevitt and I am honored to have this opportunity to speak to you regarding my commitment to serve as a commissioner for the MWRD. As a lifelong resident of Cook County, and a recent retiree of the Cook County MWRD, I am proud to have served this county for over 25 years. I have committed my life to this county and want nothing more than to continue this service. Ladies and gentlemen, I would be proud to serve this county as a Water Reclamation commissioner as a responsible, committed servant to the taxpayers of Cook County.
While an employee of MWRD, I have had the opportunity comprehend and internalize what is necessary to run a reliable, responsible and cost efficient district. Due to my working and supervisory experience, I have the working knowledge and understanding of all departments and all primary functions within the District. I have demonstrated the ability to utilize all resources available to enhance my decision-making and leadership. I have demonstrated my abilities as a fair, ethical leader with the ability to organize and lead while demonstrating a continued willingness to serve the people of this county.
The MWRD is one of the best municipal organizations in the state of Illinois. I am committed to be a dedicated, proactive, hands-on leader. As your commissioner, I pledge to be accountable to the taxpayers of Cook County by keeping pollution out of Lake Michigan and keeping locks closed. I will work diligently as a problem solver to continually identify problems such as runoff areas in the event of major storms. I will handle the annual budget with utmost regard to the taxpayer while working to implement green infrastructure whenever possible. I will also make certain all treatment plants are energy neutral and implement systems are in place to divert potential flood water from residential areas. I will meet with city and suburban municipalities and ensure that everyone is on the same page in regards to water waste management and flood control. I am committed to continually educate my constituents on the dangers associated with contaminated water and am eager to continually work towards the development of cost-efficient methods to eradicate pharmaceuticals from wastewater.
As your commissioner, I will continue to demonstrate my strong work ethic and willingness to serve this county. I look forward to working as a dedicated commissioner with an open door policy, allowing for all ideas or concerns to be heard. I will employ my extensive knowledge of finance in conjunction with a belief in the importance of fiscal responsibility and conservation. I humbly look forward to my service to Cook County as a commissioner of the MWRD. Please vote for me, Kevin McDevitt, as your commissioner for the MWRD.
Thank you.
See more Metropolitan Water Reclamation District candidates
Return to our 2016 Voters’ Guide to the Primary
