Larry Suffredin: Candidate for Cook County Commissioner, 13th District


Video: Larry Suffredin tells voters about his platform. Learn more about Candidate Free Time.

About this candidate

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Name: Larry Suffredin
DOB: 10/05/1947
Residence: Evanston
Family: Married with 2 adult married children, 4 grandchildren
Occupation: Lawyer
Political Experience: Cook County Commissioner since 2002

About this office

Seventeen elected commissioners constitute the Cook County Board, the governing policy board and legislative body of Cook County. The board sets policy and laws for the county regarding public health and public safety and oversees safety and maintenance of county highways. The board approves the annual budget and oversees financial integrity of the county.

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Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

To provide efficient services at a reasonable cost.

What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?

The economy and the fact that many are not making enough income. I have sponsored the County’s minimum wage ordinance and have helped expand health care for County residents.

Candidate Statement

I am Larry Suffredin and I am running for re‐election as the Cook County Commissioner and Forest Preserve Commissioner for the 13th District representing the 49th and 50th wards of the City of Chicago, Evanston, Niles Township and New Trier Township.

As a member of the County Board, I have been a strong independent advocate for the residents of Cook County. I have used my legal skills to write ordinances that have created an independent governance board and expanded the services provided by the Cook County Health and Hospital System; prohibited assault weapons in Cook County; protected the immigrant community through a Sanctuary County designation; increased the minimum wage; provided for mandatory sick leave; created unused pharmaceutical pick‐up sites; and established an “Anti‐Sexual Harassment” reporting and training program. On the November ballot I have sponsored three referendums that deal with licensing gun dealers and ensuring that the County minimum wage and sick leave ordinances are enforced.

In addition, as a Commissioner of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County I have passed ordinances that have protected the land owned by the Forest Preserve District and provided for funding for the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanical Garden.

I have led the fight to get more job and housing options for our community by protecting residents from discriminatory practices through amendments to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance.

I have conducted over 150 community meetings to help thousands of home owners appeal and get reductions on real estate property tax assessments.

I have insured the County provided services for those going through home mortgage foreclosure; those who have suffered rape and sexual assault; those who need medical assistance; and those who are in our criminal justice system.

I have worked to encourage positive values throughout our community. I have been endorsed by many, including: Personal PAC, Citizen Action Illinois, Chicago Federation of Labor, AFSCME Council 31, Democratic Party of Evanston, New Trier Democrats, Niles Township Democrats, 50th Ward Democrats and 49th Ward Democrats. Please vote to re‐elect me. I am Commissioner Larry Suffredin.

About Candidate Free Time

WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the General Election is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for office in the Nov. 6 election.

Candidates were 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’s Candidate Free Time is produced with and underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County.

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