About the Candidate
Name: Declan J. Smith
DOB: Aug. 21, 2000
Occupation: Bank teller
Political Experience: Election volunteer
Website: https://electdeclan.com/
Facebook: Declan Smith
Instagram: declansmith123
Candidate Statement
My name is Declan Smith, and I am running for the Cook County Board in the 11th district.
One of the main reasons I am running is that in July of 2020, the Cook County Board voted 15-1 to Defund the Police. Right now we are living with the consequences of that vote. I pledge to always have the backs of first responders and law enforcement unlike my opponent.
To improve public safety, we must provide officers with the best training, equipment, and compensation, not defund them. Additionally, we must push back against the SAFE-T Act using our home rule authority which goes into effect in January and is going to let criminals out of jail turning Illinois into Gotham City.
I am a 22-year-old finance major who wants to see our great city vibrant again for future generations. We need to get to the point where people will feel safe again and want to take advantage of everything our city has to offer. Several major employers have announced or are considering plans to leave the state, the county and city of Chicago in part due to rising crime rates.
To our liberal friends I say, how are you going to pay for your social programs if you let crime chase away the tax base? Additionally, when the Cook County State’s Attorney decides not to prosecute, we must seek alternative methods of prosecution, civilly prosecuting them for real jail time taking dangerous criminals off the street.
This is how we make the county a safer place, please vote for me Declan Smith by November 8th.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
My name is Declan Smith and I am running because I believe public safety is the most important issue. In July of 2020 the board voted 15-1 to defund the police. I believe I can offer solutions to the people of Cook County being young offering new ideas and change.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
I believe one of the things the office does well is take care of the Cook County forest preserves keeping them a clean place to go on walks in the nature or fish. As your Cook County Commissioner I will continue to take care of the County's forest preserves.
One thing that needs fixing is we need to prioritize public safety and come up with a real plan to tackle crime.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
One of the most pressing issues facing my constituents is the rising in crime and pending SAFE-T act. I will address both of these by funding police departments with proper funding compensation ,training, and equipment. Additionally using home rule to push back agents the dangerous safety act. Lastly when the cook county states attorney refuses to prosecute criminals the county board can and will start civically prosecuting these people to get dangerous individuals off the street.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?
I will ensure my office is accessible 24/7 through responding to calls, emails, texts, and social media direct messages and replies. I want the people to know if they have a concern their issues can be heard and they will have a representative on the board. I personally want to talk to the people to ensure the constituents needs are met and concerns are addressed.