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About the Candidate

Name: Benton Howser
DOB: 1989
Occupation: Army Officer and Investment Manager
Political Experience: First time running
Website: bentonforyou.com
Twitter: @Bentonhowser
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerHowser/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/votebentonhowser?igshid=NzNkNDdiOGI=

Candidate Statement

Hello, I’m Benton Howser and I’m running for Cook County Commissioner in the 14th District. I’m a Chicagoland native, an Army veteran in the reserves for the last 10 years, an entrepreneur and a small business owner.

I live in Illinois because 60 years ago, my grandfather moved here to help Everett Dirksen fight racist literacy tests that denied voting rights to African Americans throughout the country. A few years ago, he passed away – and out of his eight grandchildren – I’m the only one who still lives here. I am running for Cook County Commissioner so our home is a place where our kids will want to raise their kids – and where our rights will not be denied.

Like so many of our residents, I’ve had enough with the lack of leadership in Cook County. Crime is dangerously out of control, taxes are crushing, and we need to be able to create strong livelihoods for ourselves, and more importantly, for our families and future generations.

In addition to the over-taxation of our working families, we need to fire Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx – who is at the epicenter of our skyrocketing crime rates. Under her policies, crime victims are becoming victims again and again, and while criminals are being let off easy and given the opportunity to commit more crimes.

Let’s work together for safe families, safe streets and a safe future. Let me fight for you, for that change.

Vote Benton Howser for Cook County Commissioner in the 14 District on November 8th, and let’s reach for hope for Cook County.

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am running because I feel that I can make a difference in Cook County, and the board. There are too many on that board who think the same, have agendas, and whose views do not match those of their constituents. My opponent is one of those and I felt that I should step up to the plate.

What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?

Obviously, I think the office needs a new occupant. Not a personal observation but an analysis of his voting record as well as what his priorities are versus his constituents. The think we need a more responsive and representative person in the office and that’s what I want to “fix”.

What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?

My opponent voted to defund the police and he has generally supported the policies that have hurt the people of Cook County. He has voted to take away the property rights of landowners as well. These positions do not reflect the voters at all especially those I have talked to.

In the 14th District crime is the issue just like it is across the county. Chicago crime has come to the suburbs and it is the policies of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and her lax prosecution of criminals coupled with crazy legislation coming out of Springfield. I would vote for a resolution that would call on our legislators to pass the bill that allows voters in Cook County to recall Kim Foxx and to repeal the Safe T Act.

What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?

I plan to hold more town meetings and attend more functions that are more than just social gatherings but an opportunity to get a pulse of the community. I will also be available for regular communication via Zoom, phone, and email. As a representative I need to know what constituents have on their mind.